Panoramic view of green rolling hills with scattered trees, a small creek, and some buildings, under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic landscape showing a river surrounded by green hills, mountains in the background, and a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of a winding mountain road with a blue car driving along it, surrounded by green and brown hills under a cloudy sky.
Group of people posing outdoors in a forest setting on a sunny day.
View of a boat on a lake with hills in the background, featuring wooden benches, safety ring, and a wooden cabin on the boat.
A scenic landscape featuring a calm lake with a grassy shoreline, a single tree, and a large mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A wooden boat named 'Lady of the Lake' docked at a pier on a lake, with mountains and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
A small creek runs through a park with a grassy walkway and a stone wall on one side. On the other side, there are trees, shrubs, and a mountain range in the background. A few people are walking along the path.
Row of boats with numbered blue roofs on a pebbled shore, a lake with sailboats, and rolling hills with sparse trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Weekends & Short Breaks

Ullswater & Lake District Low-Level Walking Weekend

Welcome to Large Outdoors, where we run friendly small-group walking weekends across the UK. This trip explores low-level routes around Ullswater and the wider Lake District, offering steady walking, great scenery and a sociable hotel-based stay. The focus is on winter-friendly paths with lakeshore views, waterfalls, woodland and valley trails, avoiding exposed summits and higher fells. The weekend is fully public-transport accessible with free station collection available.

Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: Car-Free Trip
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely

Pricing & Accommodation: From £295 per person. Shared rooms, single rooms, twin rooms, and double rooms available - see booking calendar for specific dates and pricing.

 
 

Booking Calendar…

Explore Ullswater & Borrowdale at a Relaxed Pace

Ullswater and the surrounding valleys offer some of the Lake District’s best low-level walking, especially in winter. Woodland, riverside and lakeshore paths provide shelter, while terrace routes give broad views without the need to climb higher ground. This weekend combines classic winter-safe options such as Aira Force, Gowbarrow Terrace and the Borrowdale valley, creating two enjoyable days of walking with time to chat, unwind and enjoy the landscape with a friendly group.

Boats on the shores of Ullswater with the Lake District fells in the background

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve planned for the weekend – though we may adjust the itinerary if weather conditions or unexpected circumstances require us to do so!

  • Check in from 15:00 and settle into your room. We meet in the bar at 18:00 for a relaxed introduction before dinner. We always eat in the hotel on the first evening so that anyone arriving later can simply join us without needing to head out again or find the group elsewhere. It’s an easy, friendly start to the weekend with time to get to know one another.

    A free station collection at 18:00 is available for those travelling by train. This must be booked in advance during checkout or by emailing the office at least 7 days before the trip.

  • Distance: 6–8 miles (10–13 km)

    We start the weekend with a steady walk around Aira Force and the Gowbarrow area — one of the most enjoyable low-level routes near Ullswater. We begin in sheltered woodland, following the waterfall paths through the Aira Beck gorge before rising gradually onto Gowbarrow Terrace for superb lake views without committing to high-fell terrain.
    The route then contours the hillside towards Lyulph’s Tower and returns along quieter lakeshore paths, offering a varied, winter-friendly day out.
    We return to the hotel late afternoon. Dinner this evening is in a local restaurant or pub (not included), giving you the chance to choose your own meal and enjoy a relaxed night out.

  • Distance: 5–7 miles (8–11 km)

    Borrowdale is one of the most atmospheric valleys in the Lake District and excellent for lower-level winter walking. Today’s route begins at Rosthwaite and follows riverside and woodland paths towards Castle Crag, the smallest of the Wainwrights but one of the most rewarding viewpoints.
    The ascent is short and steady, and the views across the valley feel far bigger than the hill’s modest height. We return via quiet valley paths, finishing near a café or pub before travelling back. The weekend concludes early afternoon to allow time for onward travel.

Ferry on Ullswater

Essential Information

  • Duration: Two nights, three days
    Activity: Walking
    Activity Rating: Leisurely
    Group Size: 8
    Age: 18+
    Dogs: No Dogs, except trained assistance dogs

  • Car-free Experience: Free pick-ups from local train stations, or make your own way to the accommodation. All transport during the trip is included.

    Pickups - must be booked in advance. Free collection from Penrith Train Station at 18:00.

    Notes: If you've travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket) to allow for flexibility.

  • Check-in from: 15:00
    Meeting: In the bar from 18:00
    Train Station Collection: Penrith Train Station at 18:00
    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 15:00 - 16:00.

  • Name & Address:

    Premier Inn Penrith
    2 Common Garden Square,
    Penrith New Squares,
    Penrith
    CA11 7FG

    Type: Hotel
    Rooms Available:Single Rooms, Twin Rooms, Double Rooms, Shared Rooms
    Beds: NO Bunkbeds
    Bathrooms: En-suite

    Parking: Free Parking available at the accommodation - please ensure you register you number plate in reception.

  • Breakfast - Cooked Buffet Included

    Packed Lunches - Not Included, we will stop at a local shop / cafe for you to purchase what you wish.

    Evening Meals - Not Included

    Soft Drinks - Tea & Coffee making facilities in the room

    Alcoholic Drinks - Not included. This venue has a bar and only drinks purchased maybe consumed.

    Vegetarian, vegan, and meals made from gluten-free ingredients can be provided. Please select the relevant options during checkout.

  • Travel to and from the meeting location or station pick-up.

    Any extras, excursions, or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    Any food, drinks, or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurants, pubs, or cafés visited.

 

Kits List: Walking Holiday / Weekend
FAQ’s: Answers to our most common questions

Travel insurance: We recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment, medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation), personal accident, and injury and death.

About our mileage ranges

We list distances as a 2-mile range because GPS watches, apps and route planners all show different results. Our mileage is based on OS Maps Explorer online, but in a group it’s normal for each person to record different figures. Listing a range gives a fairer picture of the day.

Booking FAQ’s

Can I book with a deposit?

Yes, if the trip is more than 12 weeks away you can secure your place with a 20% deposit. The balance is due no later than 10 weeks before travel. You will receive a series of reminder emails when the balance is due. If the trip is less than 12 weeks away, the full balance is due at the time of booking.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes – although our system doesn't have a function to do this automatically. If you'd like to split your payments, simply email us (hello@largeoutdoors.com) when you'd like to make a payment. Please don't forget to tell us how much you'd like to pay off the balance and your order number. We'll then send you an email with a secure online payment link.

 

Booking Calendar!

 
 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.