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Accommodation
On this long walk 7 nights are spent in
different locations, we will make use of a wide variety of
accommodation, varying from small B&Bs to substantial hotels.
Many, indeed most, are historic buildings in their own right.
On our 1st night we stay in a 17th century sandstone barn situated
on the main coastal village of St. Bees. The barn was
initially converted in the 1980s into a large guesthouse and
self-contained flats, being refurbished throughout. All
rooms are en suite, and have a TV and full tea and coffee making
facilities.
Overnight on night 2, in Ennerdale at a friendly family owned and run
hotel. Enjoy a home cooked meal of local produce including
fish and game in season. A traditional feel is retained by the
hotel, with its open fire, and the fully licensed bar serves a range
of beverages including locally produced ale. There is limited
accommodation in Ennerdale so we also use rooms in the nearby
village of Rwohr. A free pick up/drop off service is provided if you
stay at this alternative accommodation.
On night 3 we stay in Stonethwaite at a very small and long established
guesthouse. It is set in this beautiful small hamlet and offers
excellent home cooking. Ensuite facilities are not available here as it is a listed
building and the changes required to build bathrooms are not
permitted.
In Grasmere our
small family-run guesthouse is conveniently placed in the center of
this delightful village.
Grasmere
is one of Lakeland’s most celebrated villages, and there is time
either this afternoon or tomorrow morning to look around and visit
the poet Wordsworth's home at Dove Cottage.
Our 5th night's accommodation in Patterdale has been popular, with visitors and
local people alike, since the early 1800’s. Many a tale could be
told of events that have taken place in all its lifetime, including
the time when Wordsworth was in the bar as news arrived that
Nelson had died at Trafalgar. All rooms are ensuite. This is a
listed building so the rooms are small and changing this would spoil
the character of this wonderful coaching inn.
The proprietors will welcome you to their guesthouse in the
village of Shap on your 6th night. The village offers an
interesting insight to the history of the area, and the old Shap
Abbey is nearby.
On your last night in Kirkby
Stephen, the accommodation has many unusual
features
and is of a high standard. It is a Grade II listed
Georgian town house full of character, with a friendly relaxed
atmosphere.
Sherpa Notes
Way Marks
The route is limited in waymarking, but is one of Britain's most
popular long distance trails and is straight forward to follow, but
you do need basic map reading and compass skills. Our route has
minor variations from Wainwright's original route.
Accommodation &
Meals
Bed and breakfast basis throughout. Most accommodations provide
ensuite facilities. They are extremely varied as at many night stops
there are few choices of accommodation. We use a mix of farms, inns,
guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.
Start and End of Tour
Most convenient major city and international airport is Manchester,
4 hours by rail via Carlisle to St Bees. The first hotel is 5
minutes walk from the station. From London take the train from
London Euston via Carlisle. End of Tour in Kirkby Stephen.
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This
tour is the hillier half of Wainwright's classic route
for people with less time, or perhaps without the inclination
for the full walk. This starts on the Irish Sea coast of Cumbria near the huge red
sandstone cliffs at St. Bees Head and ends in Kirkby Stephen, an important
Peninne market town. You will spend much of the week in the Lake District
National Park and finish in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Throughout
the week you will be introduced to some classic and (in the right
conditions) stunning English landscapes and associated towns and
villages. 