Day 1: We depart the Blackmore Vale and head to our hotel in Brampton with a stop for lunch. We aim to get to our hotel for mid-afternoon where you will have time to freshen up before dinner. Set in 140 acres of gardens of manicured garden and natural woodland, Gilsland Hall Hotel has far-reaching views across the Cumbria and Northumberland countryside. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, traditional hospitality and inviting bar and restaurant areas.

Day 2:  We will head to Keswick for a High Adventure tour with the Mountain Goat team.  We will explore the Western Lake District over the Wrynose and Hardknott passes, the steepest in England we stop at the extraordinary remains of Hardknott Roman Fort where you will also view Upper Eskdale, Scafell and Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountains. We will also ride on the famous miniature Ravenglass and Eskdale railway through Eskdale before a lunch stop at one of the Valley inns. In the afternoon we drive to Wastwater, voted ‘Britain’s Favourite View and England’s deepest and most dramatic lake. Our next destination is the splendid 14th century castle of Muncaster surrounded by its internationally acclaimed gardens. The beautiful scenery of the Coniston Fells and Coniston Water bring to an end this classic of all Lake District tours

Day 3:   Today we travel to the beautiful market town of Hexham, which in 2019 was voted the happiest place to live in the North East and it’s easy to see why, with the beautiful abbey, the 12th Century Goal, the 14th  Century Moot Hall and many Independent shops.  With free time to explore all that this town has to offer we also have a guided tour of Hexham Abbey with an experienced guide.  The tour will take about an hour and will look at the Abbey’s historic highlights including the 7th Century Anglo-Saxon Crypt, the first part of St Wilfrid’s original church to have been built, the Frith Stool, a Saxon Bishop’s throne which date from Wilfrid’s Church and the collection of beautiful mediaeval panel paintings, including the Dance of Death.

Day 4:  After breakfast we say our farewells and start the return journey home. A stop for lunch and then a leisurely journey back to Blackmore Vale arriving late afternoon/early evening.

Included:

• 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Gilsland Hall Hotel
• All trips and attractions included
• Complimentary drinks throughout your journey where feasible

Depart Stalbridge: 09:00   –   Return Stalbridge: 19:00 approx

All itineraries are approximate and subject to change