Lake District Weekend Adventures

The best weekend adventures? Lots of our guests are happy to come to the Lake District for a weekend or a midweek break, walk up a hill or two, admire the views, enjoy our cream teas, and our amazing breakfasts.

How to Find Adventure in the Lake District

If you want a slice of adventure and want to be part of the action, how do you fit it all in if your time is short? If you’re new to the Lakes – or if you’ve been before but want an adrenaline rush this time, where do you start? We have friends who can be your guides. All are experts in their own way and in their own brand of adventure, and you can be certain of not just seeing the best of the Lake District, but getting the best of the action.

Scrambling, Climbing & Guided Walks

For starters, head to the hills the hard way, with a weekend of scrambling that will lead to greater things, maybe some rock climbing or mountaineering. Kingsley and Sarah and the team at Icicle in Windermere are experts not just here in the Lakes but all over the world, and they can take beginners or those ready for something a bit more intense.

They run refresher courses for Mountain Leaders, do guided walks in the hills, and even offer wild camping. Kingsley is in the local mountain rescue team, so you know you’re in safe hands.

Pony Trekking Adventures

Two legs good, four legs better? Try pony trekking, for beginners or those with some experience. It’s great for couples and families. Lakeland Pony Treks is based on the edge of Limefitt Park at Troutbeck, only a couple of miles from Cedar Manor. All the rides are off-road, so no need to worry about traffic. Book in advance, and there’s another site for beginners at Bigland Hall.

Trail Running & The Running Concierge

The Lake District is the perfect place to try trail and fell running. Far more scenic and varied than pounding the roads, you can get a taste of what the ultra-adventurers are doing. If you’re new to this, Wayne is your Running Concierge. A qualified coach and mountain leader, he can plan your trip, meet you at the station, and guide you to the best running and swimming spots.

Wild Swimming & Swim the Lakes

If all you want to do is swim, come and find out why we’re called the Lake District. There are lakes and mountain tarns, and just a few miles from here at Ambleside you’ll find Swim the Lakes. Pete and Andy sell kit and run courses for beginners and experienced swimmers. One of their best adventure days is to head to Black Moss Pot in upper Borrowdale, with dips in the pools of Langstrath and Stonethwaite Beck.

Honister Infinity Bridge & More

No fear of heights? The place to find out is on Honister’s infinity bridge, the longest high-wire bridge in Europe, 1,000 feet above the valley. Honister also offers mine tours and canyoning for those who like to be high up or deep underground.

DIY Adventures: Explore the Hills Yourself

But what would we choose ourselves? There’s nothing finer than the most basic but most satisfying adventure of all: get yourself a map, a Wainwright guide, a compass, decent walking shoes and a few extra layers, and DIY it. Head up into the hills, under your own steam, for the ultimate sense of satisfaction.