Scenic view of a river winding through green hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Lake District Walking Break – Ullswater & Northern Fells

Join Large Outdoors for a 2-night walking break in the northern Lake District, based in a cosy hostel beneath Blencathra. This trip focuses on low-level walking around Ullswater and the surrounding valleys, with steady-paced days out and relaxed, sociable evenings.

Each day explores a different part of this quieter corner of the Lakes, with routes finishing mid-afternoon to allow time for cafés, short stops, or simply unwinding back at the hostel.

Trip Overview

  • 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)

  • Style: Sociable walking break with hostel base

 

Walking Grade: Leisurely

Steady-paced, sociable walking with manageable distances and varied terrain, with time to stop and enjoy the surroundings.

Typical Distance: Around 6–10 miles per day. With plenty of time for breaks and photos at a relaxed pace.

 

  • Accommodation: Hostel

  • Room Type: Shared Rooms

  • Transport: Not Included

  • Meals: Breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals included

  • Price: From £265 per person

Check Dates & Book Your Place

Select a date to view availability, room options and prices, and book your place to join Large Outdoors.

Dates & Availability

We run this trip on selected dates throughout the year.

Upcoming dates:

  • Friday 14 - Sunday 16 August 2026

Simply select your preferred date in the booking box to check availability and book.

 
Green valley with trees, rocks, and grazing sheep, surrounded by mountains under cloudy sky.

A Good Fit for You If…

  • You enjoy steady-paced walking rather than long or strenuous days

  • You’re looking for a relaxed, sociable group (many people join solo)

  • You like a mix of routes — coastal paths, woodland and lochside walking

  • You want to explore a quieter part of Scotland

  • You enjoy wildlife, coastal scenery and time to stop and take things in

 

Probably not for you if…

  • You’re looking for long or physically demanding walking days

  • You prefer private rooms or hotel-based stays

  • You want a faster-paced or more structured walking itinerary

If you’re looking for a more active option, we often have other walks running from the same venue over the weekend — take a look at the calendar to see what else is available.

What People Say

“A really enjoyable and relaxed weekend. Great group, good food, and a perfect way to explore the Lakes without rushing”
— Google Reviews

Exploring Lakeland

The northern Lake District offers a quieter alternative to some of the busier areas, with open valleys, lakeside routes and views towards the higher fells.

Ullswater is one of the region’s most well-known lakes, stretching through a long valley with a mix of woodland, open fellside and shoreline paths. Nearby areas such as Aira Force and Gowbarrow add variety, with waterfalls, woodland and wide views across the lake.

Borrowdale and the surrounding valleys offer a different feel again, with a mix of farmland, riverside walking and classic Lakeland scenery.

A boat docked at a lakeside with mountains and cloudy sky in the background. The boat has a wooden cabin and a sign that says 'Lady of the Lake'.

Here’s what’s included in your trip:

  • 2 nights hostel accommodation with sole use of the venue

  • 2 breakfasts and 2 evening meals

  • 1 packed lunch for one of the walking days

  • Fully guided walks on both days with a Large Outdoors host

  • Tea and coffee available throughout your stay

  • Bedding provided

 

What’s not included

  • Travel to and from the meeting point

  • Transport during the trip (car sharing between the group is encouraged)

  • Meals not listed above

  • Drinks, snacks, and personal purchases

  • Towels (please bring your own)

  • Personal insurance

Highlights

  • Walking around Ullswater and the surrounding valleys

  • Exploring quieter areas of the northern Lake District

  • Lakeside paths, woodland trails and open fellside views

  • Time for café stops and short village visits

  • Relaxed, sociable evenings at the hostel

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Getting There & Accommodation

  • 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 4SG

    what3words: ///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 4SG

    We’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.

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