How To Spend The Perfect Weekend Walking In The Lake District

The path wiggled across the buttercup meadows and over the hilltops, a copper-brown trail through the yellow-speckled fields. Up here, atop one of the Lake District's many hills, the views rolled on for miles - under a sky the colour of forget-me-nots. "Not a bad spot for a biscuit break, eh?" said Nicholas, my guide for the day, as he took off his rucksack. I couldn't disagree.
After an hour of walking, my legs were ready for a break. Our six-strong group had made great progress on that meandering path, but a good few hours of hiking lay ahead of us. With lunch in our packs and sturdy boots on our feet, we were ready for a day amongst the Lake District's most picturesque peaks - happily, with the sun shining at our backs.
In the distance, almost hidden from view by the grassy gradients, I spotted a shimmering lake - its rippling surface catching the sun. "That's Derwent Water - home!" said Nicholas, confirming my suspicions. With our hotel on its beautiful banks, Derwent Water was our destination - where a hot bath, wine and dinner awaited.
Hikers next to Derwent Water (Alamy)
Our group of six were a merry band. We didn't know each other but we bonded quickly, swapping stories as Nicholas lead us over the hills. Every mile or so, we'd pause for a drink, soaking up those views over a thermos flask. The sun stayed out, the butterflies danced overhead, and the glistening surface of Derwent Water got ever-closer.
More like this: Great British breaks! See our exclusive UK hotel offers from £65pp
As hiking hotels go, Derwent Bank is the finest I've ever encountered - but then, this was no average walking holiday. HF Holidays, our host for the weekend, has been running full-service walking breaks for over 100 years, combining great locations and top-notch guides with all the little luxuries you need after a day exploring.
The lounge at Derwent Bank (HF Holidays)
The hotel itself was more of a country house, used exclusively by HF guests as a base for various walking trips. Our own itinerary, a three-night long weekend, included two days of walking - with a choice of easy, medium or hard routes, each led by an expert guide. Each night, all hotel guests reconvene for a relaxed evening of socialising, a hearty dinner, and a presentation about the next day's walking options.
The crowd was fun and friendly, with ages ranging from twenties to eighties - and plenty of solos, couples and girlfriends trying an alternative weekend away. This was no hardened hiking bunch: HF's guests clearly enjoy their comforts as well as a day in the hills. We rested our weary legs in the hotel bar, then tucked into a three-course feast (which we'd selected from a vast range of menu options each morning).
"My room looked like it had been lifted from an interior design magazine" (HF Holidays)
After dinner, with coffee and mints, it was evening entertainment time: a dance class, wine tasting, or a general knowledge quiz perhaps. My personal highlight was a talk from the incredibly brave local Mountain Rescue team, with plenty of tales of derring-do (and derring-don't) - a reminder why HF's expert guides are essential.
Derwent Bank is just one of HF's 18 country houses, which are found in Britain's superlative walking spots. Holidays on the Isle of Wight, in Cornwall, the Cotswolds, and South Downs provide undulating countryside strolls - while those in search of challenging peaks head to the likes of the Lake District, Glen Coe and Snowdon.
Walking in the Lake District (Alamy)
But while the terrain varies, the standard of accommodation - as seasoned holidaymakers Jean and Ruth assured me over dinner - is high throughout all of the hotels. My room looked like it had been lifted from an interior design magazine, complete with a sumptuous bed, deep bath, and inspirational views.
But of course, the walking is the star of the holiday - and though my trip was short, it was the perfect balance of rest, relaxation and exercise.
"The sun stayed out, and the butterflies danced overhead..." (Alamy)
Though I'd chosen a medium walk on Day 1, I fancied the Scafell Pike summit on Day 2: a challenging jaunt to England's tallest mountain. I'd felt trepidation when I signed up the night before, but after a great night's sleep and a full English breakfast, I was raring to go.
On the short drive to the mountain's base, we laughed at how different this experience was from walking holidays when we were kids. Back then, I would have dreaded the up-hill hike, but today the challenge, camaraderie, views and fresh air were there to be savoured. It's amazing what difference a few little luxuries make.
The author joined HF Holidays' three-night Guided Walking at Derwent Water trip - from £239, including accommodation, all meals and a guided walk each day.
With the mix of easy, medium and hard walks, this holiday is suitable for participants of varying fitness levels.
The closest train station to Derwent Water is Penrith, and HF Holidays provides a shuttle bus service to Derwent Bank. Parking at Derwent Bank is free.
-
-
Your ultimate skin care routine for acne and acne-prone skin
Say bye to blemishes with the best skin care routine for acne, according to an expert.
By Courtney Leiva •
-
Princess Anne marks special occasion with husband Sir Timothy Laurence at their stunning Gloucestershire home
They will have been married for 29 years this December
By Emma Shacklock •
-
The UK’s best nudist beaches for families and couples
Where to strip off and enjoy the elements on the UK’s top nudist beaches
By Lottie Gross •
-
This historic chateau in southern France is Airbnb’s most 'liked' photo from 2020
Warning: will trigger serious wanderlust
By Lydia Swinscoe •
-
You can now book a Riviera Travel European tour for 2022 with deposits starting from just £50
Travel company Riviera Travel has released their line-up of dreamy European tours for 2022, so that we can all book in something to look forward to
By Aleesha Badkar •
-
The UK’s most peaceful villages have been revealed and they're perfect for a relaxing getaway
So beautiful as well!
By Lucy Buglass •
-
Best UK staycations for 2021 - the most beautiful places to visit in Britain
Put these beautiful and best UK staycations on your list for future adventures
By Lauren Hughes •
-
Are river cruises safe from Covid? Here's everything you need to know
By Lauren Hughes •
-
Desperate for a post-lockdown getaway? Travel the beautiful waters of Italy with confidence with Riviera Travel - from just £919
They have some solid Covid-19 safety policies in place...
By Amy Hunt •
-
This coastal break is the ideal post-lockdown jaunt for those wanting to stay close to home
Head to the coast for a post-lockdown break with Riviera Travel
By Aleesha Badkar •