May 20 - 27, 2022
Special small group size limited to 10 participants - Waitlisted
Trip Leader - Philippe Apchin | Assistant Leader - Deirdre Butler
Welcome to the Lake District National Park. Also known as the Lakes or Lakeland, it is a mountainous region in North West England including Scafell Pike, the highest mountain, Wast Water and Windermere, respectively the deepest and largest natural lakes in England. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its Cultural Landscape, defined as “the combined works of nature and of man”. It is famous for its lakes, forests and mountains (or fells), and its associations with the Lake Poets: William Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey and also with Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin.
For our week in the Lake District, we settle in a charming Bed & Breakfast in the center of Windermere. Back in William Wordsworth’s day, Windermere, then called Birthwaite, was only a small village. The arrival of the railway in 1847 changed everything. The railway company decided to call the station after the lake and with the development of early tourism in Victorian times, the village grew around the station and merged with the older lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere to form one of the country’s most popular holiday resorts. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, more than 11 miles in length and a mile at its widest. It is a perfect example of a ribbon lake formed after the retreat of the ice at the end of the last ice age.
The trip is designed for the moderately active hiker. The walks vary in difficulty with distances between 6 and 8½ miles and elevation gains up to 1000 feet. The terrain is comprised of quiet country lanes, generally good paths with occasionally some more rugged sections with short rocky steps or loose rocks on the fells. Expect a few stiles, some mud, short steep ascents at times and rather limited exposure. With convenient public transportation, there are plenty of opportunities every day for non-walkers to shop or explore at their leisure before joining the rest of the group for dinner in the evenings.
The Hotel
Situated in the center of Windermere, gateway to the Lake District and with ease of access, this 5-star bed and breakfast guest house provides “comfort with a touch of class”, delicious breakfasts and a friendly welcoming hospitality. Non-smoking, no pets, adults only. Check-in between 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Check-out before 10:30am.
What's Included:
All lodging double-occupancy with en suite bath (single supplements available).
On trip transportation.
Ullswater Steamer from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding.
All breakfasts and seven dinners.
Gratuities for local service providers.
All hikes.
What's Not Included:
International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip.
Lunches, beverages with meals.
Entrance fees to the houses and museums: Ruskin Museum, Brantwood, Dove Cottage, Rydal Mount.
Tips for trip leaders at your discretion.
Other expenses including PCR tests, quarantine and medical evacuations.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Trip Dates: May 20 - 27, 2022 | 8 day trip - Waitlisted
Special small group size limited to 10 participants
Trip Price and Deposit: $3,300 per person | Deposit $825
Remainder due February 19, 2022
Price is based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.
SPECIAL! Extend your vacation in England and join us on our prior trip in Europe, Explore Biarritz and the Basque Country, May 10 - 18 and secure a $300 discount** on the combined two trips.
** Note - may not be combined with other trip discounts.
How to Sign Up
Complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Form
Follow the next steps.
Photo credits: Julien Avarre @eolewind - Coniston Fells, Derwentwater, Lakeland Cottage, Oxen Fell Farm, Ullswater, Bridge near Sedbergh