Lake District Walking Break – Ullswater & Relaxed Days Out
A relaxed walking break in the northern Lake District, based in a cosy hostel beneath Blencathra with views across to Derwent Water and Cat Bells. Over two days, enjoy leisurely guided walks around Ullswater and nearby valleys, with routes finishing mid-afternoon to allow time for cafés, exploring local villages and unwinding together back at the hostel. A sociable, easy-going weekend focused on good walks, good company and time outdoors.
Trip Overview:
Experience Type: Weekends & Short Breaks
Location: Lake District
Duration: 2 nights
Group Size: 12 (with other Large Outdoors groups also staying at the hostel, up to 24 guests in total across the venue)
Walking Grade: Leisurely
Steady-paced, sociable walking with manageable distances and varied terrain, allowing time for breaks and to enjoy the surroundings.
See our full walking grade guide.
Accommodation: Hotel stay
Transport: None Included
Meals: Breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals included
Price: From £195 per person
Room types available: Shared Rooms
Booking Calendar…
Overview
Welcome to Large Outdoors, where we run friendly small-group walking weekends across the UK.
This relaxed walking break explores the low-level landscapes around Ullswater and the northern Lake District. Expect steady-paced days out, great scenery and a sociable stay in a cosy hostel setting high on the slopes beneath Blencathra.
With wide views across to Derwent Water and Cat Bells, this is a great base to unwind, meet like-minded people and enjoy a few easy-going days in the Lakes.
The Walks
Over the weekend, we’ll head out for two guided walks, each exploring a different part of the northern Lake District.
These are leisurely-paced routes, typically around 5–8 miles, using a mix of lakeshore paths, gentle hillside trails, woodland tracks and valley routes. Areas we may explore include Ullswater, Aira Force, Gowbarrow and Borrowdale, with final routes chosen to suit the group and conditions.
Both days are designed to finish mid-afternoon, giving us time to stop off in places like Glenridding, Pooley Bridge or Ambleside — and we’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for a good café along the way.
This is not a car-free trip. We’ll usually take a short drive to reach the start of our walks, and we encourage car sharing between the group where possible.
The Stay
We’ll be staying in a cosy, cottage-style hostel set high on the slopes beneath Blencathra, with open views across the surrounding fells and lakes.
We have sole use of the venue for the weekend, creating a relaxed and social base for the group. The hostel offers a comfortable space to unwind after a day out, with a welcoming atmosphere that suits the feel of the trip.
Time Together
A big part of the weekend is the time spent together back at the hostel.
There’s a comfortable social space to relax in the evenings, and you’re welcome to bring your own drinks and settle in after the day’s walking. Whether it’s chatting as a group, playing games or simply putting your feet up, it’s an easy and sociable environment.
If the weather is kind, the outdoor terrace is a real highlight — a great spot to sit out, take in the views and enjoy a drink as the day winds down.
Arrival & First Evening
Arrive from 17:00 and settle into the hostel before meeting the group.
Dinner will be served around 20:00, allowing time for everyone to arrive. We’ll keep things simple with a one-pot meal followed by a cheeseboard — an easy, relaxed start to the weekend and a chance to get to know the group.
The Weekend Feel
This is a relaxed and sociable walking break, with a slightly larger group staying at the hostel. Across the weekend, groups may head out to enjoy a variety of walks and activities, but we come together in the evenings to share meals and downtime.
It’s a straightforward, enjoyable few days combining walking, good company and time to switch off in the Lake District.
Essential Information
-
Meeting Time: From 17:00
You can arrive any time from 17:00. Your Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you and get you settled.Dinner will be served around 20:00. If you plan to arrive later than this, please ensure you’ve had something to eat on the way.
Meeting Location:
Field Studies Council – Blencathra Centre (Lonscale Building)
Blease Road
Threlkeld
Keswick
CA12 4SGwhat3words: ///slave.reflector.ballroom
Once you arrive at the Field Studies Centre, we will be based in the Lonscale building.
Access Information:
After reaching the village of Threlkeld, turn onto Blease Road. The accommodation is located approximately one mile up the hill.Parking:
Free parking is available at the accommodation.Public Transport:
The venue is approximately 14 miles from Penrith Train Station, which has regular services to and from London, Preston, Manchester and Edinburgh. From the station, you will need to arrange a taxi to the venue.Getting to the Walks:
This is not a car-free trip. We’ll usually take a short drive to the start of our walks, and we encourage car sharing between the group where possible.Finish Time:
We aim to finish on the final day between 13:00 and 15:00. The exact timing may vary depending on the walk, group pace, weather conditions and whether we stop for a café or lunch before heading home.If travelling by public transport, we recommend booking flexible or later return tickets to allow for this.
-
Field Studies Council – Blencathra Centre (Lonscale Building)
Blease Road
Threlkeld
Keswick
CA12 4SGWe’ll be staying at the Field Studies Council Blencathra Centre, based in the Lonscale building, set high on the slopes beneath Blencathra with wide-reaching views across the surrounding fells.
Accommodation for this trip is in shared single-sex dorm rooms (male and female rooms separate). Rooms are simple, comfortable and well suited to a sociable group stay.
We have shared use of the space with other Large Outdoors groups, with up to 24 guests across the building. This creates a friendly and social atmosphere across the weekend, with different groups heading out for their own activities during the day and coming together in the evenings.
There is a welcoming communal area to relax in after your walks, along with outdoor space where you can sit out and enjoy the views if the weather allows. It’s a relaxed and informal setup that works well for a group weekend in the Lakes.
-
Included
Accommodation (2 nights)
Guided walking on 2 days
2 breakfasts
2 evening meals
1 packed lunch
Tea & coffee
BeddingWhat’s Not Included
Travel to the meeting point
Transport during the trip (car sharing encouraged)
Meals not listed above
Personal purchases
Insurance
Towels (please bring your own)Dietary Information
We can provide vegetarian and vegan meals, along with dishes made using gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients. Please select your dietary preference at checkout.
Meals are prepared in shared kitchens and served in a group setting. While we take care when preparing food, we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate severe allergies or highly specialised dietary requirements. If you have a medical food allergy, please contact us before booking so we can advise whether the trip is suitable.
-
Please refer to our Residential Walking Kit List.
The compulsory items listed are required for safety and comfort. Every participant must carry the required kit during walks.
-
If your trip is more than 12 weeks away, you can secure your place with a 20% deposit.
The balance is due 10 weeks before travel.
If booking within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
We don’t offer automated instalment plans, but you’re welcome to make ad-hoc payments towards your balance at any time. Simply email hello@largeoutdoors.com with your order number and the amount you’d like to pay, and we’ll send you a secure payment link.
Standard Bookings
For standard bookings, you can request to move your booking to another trip up to 10 weeks before departure, or transfer your place to another participant up to 7 days before the trip, subject to availability and the full Terms & Conditions.
Advance Saver Tickets
Some trips include a limited number of Advance Saver places at a reduced price.
These require full payment at the time of booking and are non-refundable, cannot be moved to another date or experience, and cannot be transferred to another participant.
Standard cancellation, move, and transfer terms do not apply to Advance Saver bookings.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have suitable travel insurance covering cancellation, medical and emergency expenses, and personal accident.
-
Dogs are not permitted on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. Please contact us in advance if you intend to travel with an assistance dog.
Still have questions?
See our full FAQ page for general booking and trip information.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.