The English Lake District, the Borders and Hadrian's Wall
THE ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT, THE BORDERS AND HADRIAN'S WALL
3 Days spent discovering the secrets of Roman Britain and the stunning Lakes and Mountains of Cumbria. Highlights include The Scottish Borders, Hadrian’s Wall, Lake Windermere, Wordsworth’s Cottage, Derwent Water and Honister Pass.
Departs - 09:00
Returns 18:00 approx
Adult Prices
from £99 to £119
Discount Prices
from £89 to £109
2008 Departure Dates - Friday 25th April, Tuesdays 6th May, 20th May, 3rd June, 10th June, 17th June, 24th June
Full Details & Itinerary
Day 1 Depart Edinburgh at 09.00 and travel South into the Scottish Borders stopping at the world famous Scott’s view with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot hills that form the border between Scotland and England. We continue on to take a short walk to the William Wallace statue, the first ever statue erected to Scotland’s most feared warrior. Stopping briefly for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey we continue our journey towards the border crossing at Carter Bar. We follow the old Roman Road known as Dere Street into Northumberland and continue over the moors to follow the route of Hadrian’s wall, built by Emperor Hadrian to keep the Scots out of the Roman Empire. After lunch we take the opportunity to explore some of the Roman remains and walk in the footsteps of the Roman Centurians who patrolled this desolate frontier of the Empire. We head South West and travel over Hartside Pass, at over 1900ft - on a clear day the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District are clearly visible. We follow the route of the old sheep drovers road towards the lively market town of Keswick where you will be dropped off at your accommodation and are then free to explore this charming town.
Day 2 After breakfast we head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones. Thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago and the scene of ancient rituals. We then travel on to the shores of Ullswater described as England’s most beautiful lake where we take a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass we stop at Lake Windermere where you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch we travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water and shortly afterwards we arrive at the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After free time to explore the village we take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There is free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon we return to Keswick.
Day 3 You will be collected from your accommodation and we head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter pass and into some of the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. Our journey takes us through the rural village of High Lorton and past Crummock Water and Buttermere and on towards the Honister mountain pass. Stopping amongst the mountains we have the opportunity to visit the old slate workings where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. Following refreshments we continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water on our return to Keswick where there is free time for lunch and shopping. Following lunch we begin our return journey by heading north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland we make a stop in Moffat, one of Scotland’s oldest Spa towns. From here it is a leisurely drive through the Galloway Hills back to Edinburgh. Arrival Approx 18.00
On day 3 you have the option to be dropped off in the afternoon at Penrith train station if you are wanting to continue on to London or other destinations south.
Inclusions:
Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience. Beware other operators claiming to deliver "small group tours" in 29-39 seat midi-coaches. We know it makes a big difference, because we tried touring in larger coaches and your experience wasn't the same and you told us so. That's why we stopped using larger coaches and we are the only 5 star operator in Scotland, who can truly claim to provide you a small group tour experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
All ferry and bridge crossings.
Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.
Exclusions:
Lunch, Dinner and refreshments.
Entrances to all Visitor Attractions.
Accommodation - the tour price does not include accommodation but this gives you an opportunity to choose your budget and the type of accommodation you wish to stay in and we will book it for you - Hostel, B&B or Hotel - please refer to the booking form on this web site for prices.
Please note that in the case of late bookings accommodation availability and choice may be restricted and we cannot guarantee to find your first choice. There is usually a supplement for single rooms.
By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain their communities in the long term.
Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16
We regret we do not carry children under 5 years.
Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Scotland can be a wet place!!
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