Lake District Tours From Bowness on Windermere

Ashness Bridge

It is said that Ashness Bridge is the most photographed pack horse bridge in the Lake District. This is no surprise to us here at Mountain Goat because it is positioned in a stunning location with breath-taking views looking over Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance.

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Blackwell Arts and Craft House

A Grade I listed building, Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House is a masterpiece of twentieth century design.

Perched overlooking Windermere with impressive views, it was designed by architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott in 1898 and completed in 1901. It was built as a holiday home and haven from bustling Manchester life, for brewer Sir Edward and Lady Holt and their five children.

Explore the house at your leisure, join a talk or meet the Holts through our digital augmented realities. See original features, furniture and objects by leading Arts and Crafts designers and studios including metalwork by WAS Benson, ceramics by William De Morgan and furniture by Stanley Webb Davies and Baillie Scott.

Soak up the atmosphere in Blackwell’s fireplace inglenooks and the inviting window seats, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Lake District. Blackwell retains original decorative features, including a rare hessian wall-hanging in the Dining Room, leaf-shaped door handles, curious window catches, spectacular plasterwork, stained glass and carved wooden panelling.

Blackwell also offers an inviting Tea Room with quality, locally sourced produce, and The Shop has an enviable reputation for presenting work for sale by the best contemporary craft makers in the industry.

You can learn more about the house in the permanent gallery displays which present the story of the Arts and Crafts movement, Blackwell as a school and a recreated Master Bedroom. Throughout the year there are changing temporary exhibitions, as well as seasonal activities and events. There is always something new to discover.

Blea Tarn

Blea tarn is definitely one of the Lake District’s hidden gems. You can enjoy stunning views of the tarn itself with the famous Langdale Pikes as its backdrop, it really is positioned in the heart of the wild Lake District.

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Brantwood

Situated at the side of Coniston Water, Brantwood offers a fascinating insight into the later life of John Ruskin. The house, filled with many fine paintings and Ruskin's personal treasures, has retained the character of its famous resident.

Ruskin was famous as a writer, artist, and social reformer who has influenced many great thinkers. 

The house, gardens and estate remain a source of inspiration, reflecting the wealth of cultural associations with Ruskin’s legacy – from the Pre Raphaelites and the Arts and Crafts Movement to the founding of the National Trust and the Welfare State.

Brantwood plays host to many contemporary exhibitions, concerts, courses and also carries out education work in the wider community, continuing to promote Ruskin's idea that "there is no wealth but life".

Brook House Inn

Brook House Inn has been a regular stop on the Mountain Goat High Tour for many years. Standing proud in the valley the inn provides a welcome respite after the rigorous journey over Hardknott pass. We offer local real ales, teas and  coffees but if you need something to really warm you up we have 180 malt whiskies to try! They have a lovely menu, with daily specials, if time is short they offer a range of sandwiches on homemade bread, soups, cakes and desserts.

Brook House Inn has been owned and run by the Thornley family for the last 20 years, with 3rd generation Emma now full time in the kitchen! Brook House was originally built in the 1800’s as a family home, but soon converted to a small hotel, over the years the building has been extended and now has 8 en suite guest rooms, restaurant and bar area. 

Eskdale is a wonderland of natural beauty, surrounded by the high fells at the top near the Roman Fort, then sweeping westwards down into the Irish sea. No lake in this valley but the local fells are dotted with tarns and Devoke Water sits just above the valley on Birker Fell. The valley was once rich in minerals including iron ore, which was extensively mined in the last two centuries, this brought the need for transport into the valley and so the  Ravenglass and Eskdale railway was born. Affectionately known as the Laal Ratty, this is now a major attraction, winning awards year after year. The station at Dalegarth is a 5 minute walk from Brook House Inn, and trains run every day from mid March to the end of October. The whole trip on the train takes about 45 mins passing through lovely countryside and terminating at the village of Ravenglass on the coast.

Buttermere

Buttermere is at the head of the valley of the river Cocker and is fed by Gategarth Beck; walking around the 7km lake shore path is very popular with visitors, particularly in the summer months.

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Buttertubs

The Buttertubs Pass is a high road in the Yorkshire Dales, England. The road winds its way north from Simonstone near Hawes towards Thwaite and Muker past 20 metre deep limestone potholes called the Buttertubs. It is said that the name of the potholes came from the times when farmers would rest there on their way to market. During hot weather they would lower the butter they had produced into the potholes to keep it cool.

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Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of around 1300 stone circles in Britain and northern France but some say it is the one in the most stunning location. It pre-dates the most famous stone circle, Stonehenge. It’s commanding position has inspired many writers over the years and its purpose is still not known and probably never will be!

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Castleton

Visit this charming Peak District village which is surrounded by gritstone and limestone landscapes and marvel at the views from this beautiful location.

Castleton is also home to Peveril Castle, which you will see during your stop in the village. Nestled on the top of an overlooking hill this castle is thought to be one of the earliest Norman fortressess built in England by Henry II.

Chatsworth House Open Grounds

The open grounds of Chatsworth House are the perfect location to enjoy a leisurely stroll along a lazy flowing river in the sun. Enjoy views of the majestic stately home, which is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire and has been the home of the Cavendish family since 1549.

Derwent Dam

Derwent Dam, which holds the water of Derwent Reservoir is an incredible feat of human engineering and also the practice site for Dam Buster pilots to train in low level flying during WWII.

Grasmere

Grasmere is one of the Lake Districts most popular village, thanks to William Wordsworth and his family who moved here in 1799. From its stunning lake to Sarah Nelsons famous Grasmere gingerbread, it’s hard not to love such a place!

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Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest, in the heart of the Lake District, offers an unrivalled day out for everyone.

Situated between the lakes of Coniston and Windermere, Grizedale is an ideal place to go walking on one of our waymarked trails, with views of the lakes and mountains whilst in the shelter of the trees enjoying the sculptures in the forest, or simply discover a quiet spot to admire the wildlife.

Grizedale is a haven for art lovers and has an amazing new exhibition space with a full program throughout the year, with talks from the artists and even a chance to become part of the exhibition.

If you are feeling adventurous there are many Mountain bike trails for all the family to enjoy either with your own bike or hired bikes, we also have Segway treks, Tree Top Junior, Ziptrekking and Tree Top Adventure.

Afterwards you can relax and enjoy some refreshment in their Café in the Forest.

Gunnerside

Gunnerside is a typical dales village in Swaledale, settled by the Vikings, with a history of lead mining and hill farming. Now a great location for tourists to explore the northern dales.

The name Gunnerside comes from the Nordic ‘Gunnar’s Saetr’ meaning the ‘Viking King’s summer pasture’. The Vikings who settled and shaped large parts of Northern England, thus had an impact on Gunnerside and the surrounding area as well. There doesn’t, however, seem to have been an entry for Gunnerside in the Domesday Book so it would appear there was no noteworthy settlement in the area in 1086.

Hadrians Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is almost 80 miles long and was the northern boundary of the mighty Roman Empire for around three centuries. It was built by a force of 15000 men over a 7-year period and comprises of forts, Mile Castles and, every third of a mile, a Turret, stretching from the North Sea to the Irish Sea. Originally, up to 3m wide and 5-6m high but much of the ruin today is around 1-2m high. To the south of the wall is the Vallum, a ditch mound, designating the south boundary of the militarised zone. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.

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Hardknott Pass

Hardknott shares the title of steepest road in England with Rosedale Chimney Bank in Yorkshire, both have a maximum gradient of 1 in 3 (33%). The first road over the pass was built by the Romans to join Mediobogdum, the fort on the pass, and the area is still home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Britain.

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Hawkshead

Hawkshead is a charming medieval village of narrow alleys and characterful squares in the valley between Windermere and Coniston. Hawkshead is home to a Grammar School, established in 1585, where the famous Lake District poet, William Wordsworth went to school. There has been a church on the hill overlooking the village since the 14^th Century but the current church was built in the 16^th Century.

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Hill Top

Hill Top was bought by Beatrix Potter in 1906 eventually leaving it to the National Trust on her death in 1943. It was opened to the public by the Trust in 1946 and displayed many of her original drawings but these have subsequently been moved to the old offices of William Heelis where they are currently displayed. Hill Top remains open to the public as a museum to Beatrix and still retains the character of the house as it was when she died.

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Honister Pass

Honister Pass is another of the Cumbria’s highest mountain passes, rising to 1167 feet at the summit. The pass offers a beautiful scenic drive from Keswick, which includes Newlands Pass, Buttermere and Crummock Water, which are all “off the beaten track” areas and not as busy as other parts of the Lake District.

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Honister Slate Mine

Located at the head of Honister Pass in the centre of the Lake District, Honister Slate Mine offers a range of indoor and outdoor adventures for a range of ages and abilities. An all weather, all ages, all adventure in one beautiful location.  Honister is also the last working slate mine in England and home to the iconic Westmoorland Green Slate.

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Keswick

Keswick is a traditional market town with so much to offer, from restaurants to shops and not forgetting the Pencil Museum. Keswick is positioned between the stunning 931 metre summit, Skiddaw and the gentle beauty of Derwentwater, it has become a popular destination for tourists in the North Lakes.

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Kirkstone Pass

Kirkstone Pass has an altitude of 1,489 feet making it the highest tarmac road in the National Park. It connects Ambleside in the Rothay Valley to Patterdale in the Ullswater valley. Near the summit built on the site of a 15^th Century Monastery is the old coaching inn, now popular with tourists, with low beams, open fires and good beer. From the car park opposite there’s a commanding view down to Windermere and Morecambe Bay in the distance. To the north of the pass you can also enjoy views of Brotherswater and Place Fell.

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Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England surrounded by spectacular mountains and small villages. It is fed by the rivers Brathay, Rothay, Cunsey and Troutbeck. The lake has 18 islands and the main fish in the lake are trout, char, perch and the top predator is the pike; growing to 1.5m in length. If you would like to enjoy a cruise on England’s largest lake, head over to the Windermere Lake Cruises website!

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Lanercost Priory

The Augustinian priory of Lanercost stands nearby to Hadrian’s Wall and was much involved in the Anglo-Scottish wars. During King Edward I campaign in 1306 – 1307 he stayed at the Lanercost Priory for 6 months and it suffered terribly from Scottish raids, almost destroying the building. In 1537 it was finally dissolved by Henry VIII and almost all of the building were stripped of lead, apart from the church. Today the beautiful 13^th century church remains remarkably well-preserved.

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Lowther Caslte

Nothing will prepare you for the scale and beauty of Lowther Castle, surrounded by quintessential English parkland. A remarkable Gothic castle ruin set in ancient Gardens – now an award-winning attraction. Your clients will leave feeling both enlightened and inspired not just by the setting of Lowther in this stunning and unspoilt corner of the Lake District National Park - but also by the story of both the colourful characters who have lived here and its transformation in recent times. 

The restoration of Lowther Castle & Gardens is a remarkable story. In 1999, Lowther’s gardens were overgrown and lost to a commercial chicken farm and spruce forest; the castle, deroofed in 1957, was derelict. Today, the castle ruins are planted as a garden while the remainder of the 130-acre gardens have been rescued and are now widely acclaimed in horticultural circles. The Garden continues to evolve, as the 20-year masterplan is implemented, and new developments open each year. 

Mam Tor

Mam Tor, which means Mother Hill, is a hill near the village of Castleton in the High Peak of Derbyshire. Known as the Mother Hill due to frequent landslips which have created smaller hills around its base it is a favourite for photographers due to its views of the Peak District, on a clear day you can even see the city of Manchester. 

It is also known locally as the "Shivering Mountain", join us on tour to find out why! 

Muncaster

Muncaster Castle is a Grade 1 listed building and has been the home to the Pennington family since the 13^th century; it is situated towards the west end of Muncaster Fell overlooking Eskdale. The oldest parts of the Castle include the Great Hall and Peel Tower. The grounds are extensive with a rhododendron collection of many colours. If you time your visit well, you will be able to enjoy their spectacular birds of prey show.

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Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway

The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is one of the oldest and longest narrow gauge railways in England, known affectionately as La’al Ratty meaning “little railway“ in olde Cumbrian dialect. It was 105 years ago in April 1913 that the original 3ft line closed and in 1915 the new 15in La’al Ratty was born. The heritage steam engines transport passengers from Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the Lake District National Park and of huge significance in Roman times, being an important last defence point of the infamous Hadrians Wall, to Dalegarth for Boot some 210ft above sea level.

The journey itself was one of Wainwright's favourites; crossing through seven miles of spectacular scenery within sight of England’s highest mountains, the Scafell Range. The journey takes 40 minutes up the line from the protected nature reserves of the Ravenglass Estuary through ancient woodlands to the fells of the Eskdale Valley. En route keep your eyes peeled for Greylag Geese, Curlew, Shelduck, Red Squirrels and Buzzards. The cosy covered and open top carriages provide the best of comfort and views as you travel up the line. On arrival at Dalegarth there is something for everyone, with our cafe serving home made treats, a gift shop with plenty of pocket money gifts as well as great trails and walks to explore in this beautiful corner of the Lake District National Park. ‘Britain’s Favourite View’, Wastwater is just around the corner.

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Robert Burns Mausoleum

Visit the resting place of Robert Burns, "Scotland's poet", a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and Scotish cultural icon.

The Mausoleum is located in St Michael's Church yard in the market town and former royal burgh of Dumfries.

Roman Army Museum

Roman Army Museum lies on the site of Carvoran Roman Fort adjacent to sections of Hadrian’s Wall. The museum’s artefacts, videos and reconstructions give great insight into the life of a Roman Soldier and the building of the wall at the northerly boundary of the Roman Empire. The award winning 3D film illustrates the military and civil engineering accomplishments of the Roman’s in Britain.

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Sedbergh

If history’s your thing, relish the fact that Sedbergh is mentioned in the Doomsday book, and the name’s a derivative from the Norse ‘Set Berg’ meaning ‘flat-topped hill’. The town was granted a market charter by Henry III in 1251 and Sedbergh School started here in 1525. In 1652, in the early days of the Quaker movement, George Fox, founder of the Quakers, preached to a congregation of a thousand from a large rock on the fellside just outside Sedbergh, which became known as Fox’s Pulpit.

If you prefer the here and now, simply enjoy the 21st century pleasures of an elegant market town, with space to breathe, and potter: a friendly approach to life; quality shopping; great pubs and local food and drink; comfortable places to stay to suit all tastes and budgets. There’s lots to see and do, both indoors and out, and wonderful views all around: whether you’re an adrenaline enthusiast or prefer something more relaxing.

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Shap Abbey

Shap Abbey stands in a secluded valley by the River Lowther just to the north of the village of Shap. It was founded in the late 12^th Century by the Premonstratensian order of canons and was one of their 32 religious houses in Britain. Some of the main monastic buildings were incorporated into a farm, but most were gradually dismantled, and the materials were reused to build nearby Lowther Castle. Today the remains can be explored with the help of information panels which guide you around the abbey and illustrate daily monastic life.

Surprise View

Surprise View is located just up the hill from Ashness Bridge, perched high on an oak-lined cliff edge overlooking the whole of Derwentwater, Keswick and beyond to Bassenthwaite Lake! It really is worth a visit.

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Sycamore Gap

The Sycamore Gap has become an iconic image associated with Hadrian's Wall and it is one of the most photographed trees in the country. Back in 2016 it even took the crown for English Tree of the year!

The tree is also known as the 'Robin Hood' tree and it became a star back in 1991 when it appeared in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves film, starring Kevin Costner. However, what makes the Sycamore Gapt really special is that its appearance is all down to geology happening over thousands of years.

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a picturesque beauty sport just to the north of Coniston, originally three smaller tarns, Low, Middle and High, but the building of a dam raised the water level to create a larger body of water. Tarn How’s is accessible to everyone, regardless of age and physical ability due to it’s manageable footpath. The footpath around the tarn is just short of two miles long and offers the most stunning views!

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The Lakes Distillery

The Lakes practises holistic whisky making, with the whiskymaker at the helm throughout the journey through the distillery and beyond. His single-minded focus at every stage provides continuity of character; our assurance that every flavour possibility is achieved. Experience the excitement of a working distillery - see 'behind the scenes' on a distillery tour.

The Langdale Pikes

The Langdale Pikes are iconic and the most easily recognisable peaks in the Lake District. Viewed from Langdale their flanks are craggy and appear very steep, the sort of territory that appeals to climbers rather than walkers. However this is something of an illusion, for although there are plenty of crags to keep climbers happy the fells that lay between them are not as steep as they first appear - a trick of perspective. This provides adventurous walking in a very dramatic setting.

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Thirlmere

Thirlmere, at 3.5 miles long, 1.2 mile wide and 158 feet deep, was originally two smaller lakes, which were purchased by Manchester City Corporation Waterworks in 1889. The area was dammed with a dam whose greatest height is 104 feet, and the area became one vast reservoir. 

Thirlmere has a stunning setting, with impressive views of Helvellyn and Dollywagon Pike around the reservoir.

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Ullswater

Wordsworth’s visit to Glencoyne Park gave William Wordsworth the inspiration for his most famous poem, Daffodils. Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District, being approximately 9 miles long, it has also been described as the most beautiful lake in England.

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Vindolanda

Vindolanda is an amazing working archaeological dig site to the south of Hadrian’s Wall. There were 9 forts built on the site over the 400 years of occupancy of the Roman’s. Each day during the summer, treasures are uncovered by the volunteer excavators. The on-site museum, extended for 2018, displays the best of the artefacts. You can wander through the fort or Vicus remains imagining the sights and sounds the building walls would have heard.

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Wast Water

Wastwater is the deepest lake in England at 80m, flanked on the south by the famous Wastwater screes, the weathered crumbled rock on the slope down into the lake. It was voted by viewers of a 2007 ITV programme to be the ‘best view in England’. The lake now supplies water to the Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing plants. The views from here are simply breath-taking

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Wensleydale Creamery

The Wensleydale Creamery is situated in the market town of Hawes in Wensleydale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The location is simply beautiful as they are surrounded by the most stunning dales landscape.The Wensleydale Creamery is an award-winning, independent traditional cheese-maker and specialist blender of cheese with ingredients. They use traditional methods to handcraft cheese to time-honoured recipes, using milk from local farms, as well as being innovative with the development of new cheese recipes.

One of Mountain Goat's favourites is their Yorkshire Wensleydale with Cranberries - it's delicious!

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