Favourite Walks of the Lakes | Lake District Walking Holiday at Hassness House

We wish you a very warm welcome to Hassness Country House. 

Your hosts will be there to welcome you and ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Your holiday starts upon arrival at Hassness Country House in Buttermere where you are welcome to arrive from 3pm. Your evening meal will be served at 6.30pm. If you anticipate arriving after this time, we kindly request that you telephone Hassness Country House to confirm your expected arrival time.

Your holiday includes five days of guided walking plus a free day in the beautiful English Lake District. 

Below is a selection of walking trails commonly experienced on our Hassness Country House holidays. This will give you an indication of the nature of the walking terrain and the format for your chosen holiday. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other walks are available depending on the local weather conditions at the time.

Grade 4 Walks

• Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts - the well trodden track round Buttermere is a superb introduction to the delights of the valley. It's likely that the local Herdwick sheep will be dotting the hillside and red squirrels can often be seen in the woods. Many bird species can be seen and heard in the area. Behind us the imposing ridge of Fleetwith Pike separates the deep gash of Honister Pass from the meandering river and tumbling waterfalls in Warnscale Bottom. Ahead of us the looming mass of Grasmoor is a backdrop to the green ridge leading down from Whiteless Pike to Buttermere Village below. We cross the bridge over Combe Beck and enter the quieter Burtness Wood, finally reaching Buttermere Village for a refreshment stop. We may look into the church to see the Wainwright Memorial, in a window framing a view of Haystacks in the distance. Then our path winds towards Crummock Water where we turn up a steep stone staircase to the viewpoint of Rannerdale Knotts (355m). Turning south east we traverse the ridge to the head of Rannerdale before descending back to Buttermere Village and the short shore-side walk back to Hassness. Total distance covered: 7.7 miles (300m ascent). 

• Loweswater Circuit – We start at the north eastern end of Crummock Water and make our way down through Lanthwaite Wood to the Lake. Crossing the river we follow footpaths up to Loweswater Village and the famous Kirkstile Inn. We may take a break here or in the quiet churchyard. After lunch we head west to Maggie’s Bridge and the shores of Loweswater.  After a stroll through the oak woods by the lakeside we rise through walled pastures to a scenic elevated return route along the Coffin Road back to Loweswater Village and Lanthwaite. Total distance covered: 10.1 miles (375m ascent).

• Dale Head Tarn to Cat Bells - this walk starts at Honister Pass and follows a path on the fence line north towards Dale Head. However we contour round its eastern flank to a sheltered break stop by the peaceful Dale Head Tarn. A short ascent brings us to High Spy (655m) and a stroll down the wide airy ridge to Maiden Moor (576m) with ever-changing views down into the patchwork fields and woods in Borrowdale and to Derwentwater and Skiddaw beyond. At Hause Gate we make the short extra ascent to the iconic viewpoint of Cat Bells (451m) to share vistas over Derwentwater and its numerous islands with walkers up from the landing stages and car parks at Hawse End below. Descending east to Manesty, the tearoom and other facilities at Grange beckon. Total distance covered: 5.8 miles (420m ascent).

• Haystacks from Honister - this walk takes us to the top of Haystacks, favourite fell of Alfred Wainwright, and the resting place for his ashes. Starting from Honister Pass we ascend the track of an old mining tramway to the Drumhouse, then follow the quaintly named Moses Trod, here part of the Coast to Coast long distance footpath, onto the side of Brandreth and Grey Knotts. We see Haystacks over to our right, and hopefully enjoy views over Buttermere and Crummock Water to the Solway Coast and beyond to Scotland. Turning down below Great Round How we pass the sheltered Blackbeck Tarn, and then Innominate Tarn where Wainwright's ashes are scattered. The summit of Haystacks (597m) soon follows where we can admire the views below. Retracing our steps past the tarns we cross Warnscale Beck and come to Dubs Hut, recently renovated with financial assistance from The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust. After inspecting the Hut, we follow the Miners Road back down to Honister. Total distance covered: 5.5 miles (525m ascent).

• Borrowdale - the Borrowdale Valley is one of the most beautiful in the Lake District. This walk takes in many of the best views and points of interest. We start at Seatoller and ascend gently into the ancient oaks in Johnny Wood before dropping down to cross the River Derwent. We then follow footpaths through the fields over ice age moraines to Rosthwaite, where we will have time to walk round the village. We cross New Bridge and follow the Cumbria Way downstream stopping to explore the cave of the eccentric Millican Dalton under the shadow of Castle Crag. Continuing north we loop round to Swanesty How before approaching the village of Grange from the north. After stopping in Grange we follow the Allerdale Ramble footpath up past Castle Crag, with the option of tackling the winding footpath to the top, before our route contours round above the tree line affording us open views of the Upper Borrowdale Fells and then drops us back down to our starting place in Seatoller. Total distance covered: 8.6 miles (420m ascent).

Grade 7 Walks

• Haystacks to Grey Knotts or Fleetwith Pike - Haystacks, or "The High Stacks" was Alfred Wainwright's favourite hill - he described it as "a shaggy terrier in the company of foxhounds". We start our ascent by following Buttermere to Gatesgarth Farm and taking the Public Bridleway up to Scarth Gap. Some short sections of easy scrambling follow giving added entertainment to the twisting path up to the rocky summit of Haytstacks (597m). We then traverse south east past Innominate Tarn and the idyllic Blackbeck Tarn before turning south east to follow the path up a fence line to the open viewpoint of Brandreth (715m). After walking north east along the wide ridge to the lumpy summit of Grey Knotts (697m) we drop down to inspect or take shelter in Dubs Hut. Finally, we may descend the old miners' track, or the path on the other side of the Beck, into Warnscale Bottom and on to Gatesgarth, or climb up to Fleetwith Pike (648m) and descend its north ridge, spurred on by the thought of drinks and cake at Hassness Country House. Total distance covered: 9.2 miles (855m ascent, 1000m including Fleetwith Pike).

• The High Stile Ridge - the classic ridge walk on the south west side of Buttermere. We walk along the shores of Buttermere then ascend through oak woodland and open hill to a resting place by Bleaberry Tarn. Continuing on the good path to The Saddle we then pick our way up the track, over the stones which give Red Pike (755m) its name, to the summit. Our reward is hopefully open views stretching from the Isle of Man to the Southern Uplands of Scotland, and of course the other peaks of the Lake District. Our onward course takes up striding along the airy but never exposed ridge to High Stile (807m) and High Crag (744m) with unexpected views down into the combs which bite into the north eastern side of the ridge and over Buttermere to the oasis of Hassness Country House far below. We then descend on an ever improving path over Seat (562m) to Scarth Gap where we turn for the steady descent down to the lakeside and Hassness Country House. Total distance covered: 7.9 miles (920m ascent).

• Crummock Water and Loweswater Village - no trip to the valley would be complete without a circuit of Crummock Water, taking in the site of the fabled Battle of Rannerdale, and a visit to the little village of Loweswater. We start in Buttermere Village and make our way to the shores of Crummock Water and Hause Point. Descending to the road we enter lower Rannerdale, where bluebells grow in profusion in May. At all times of the year the hills are a patchwork of greens and browns with the grey of the rock and boulders and the white tumbling water of the Rannerdale Beck. Crossing the footbridge we make our way back to Crummock Water where the path follows the shore through woodland and pastures to the end of the lake. Crossing the river we follow footpaths up to Loweswater Village and the famous Kirkstile Inn. We may take lunch here or in the quiet churchyard. After lunch we head back southwards into Mosedale and past the famous Mosedale Holly tree, the only individually named tree on the OS maps in the Lake District. When we come to footbridges over Scale Beck, which flows down from Scale Force waterfall, the highest in the Lake District, it may be possible to walk up to inspect the Falls if time allows. The improving track then takes us to Scale Bridge and a lane leading back to Buttermere Village and Hassness beyond. Total distance covered: 12.4 miles (450m ascent).

• Causey Pike to Whiteless Pike - this challenging but exhilarating walk at the top of the grade walk starts in the village of Braithwaite and we first ascend up a long grassy slope to the viewpoint on Barrow (455m). The path then drops down slightly and follows the Stoneycroft Gill before we deviate up the slopes to the south to the summit of Causey Pike (637m), that distinctive top overlooking Keswick. We retrace our steps slightly then head west to Scar Crags (672m), Sail (773m) and Crag Hill (839m) our highest point of the day. The onward track leads downhill towards Wandope (772m) and Whiteless Pike (660m), our 7^th Wainwright of the day!  A long descent into Buttermere village is rewarded by the sight of the pubs, tea room and ice cream shop. However leave room for the cake which will be awaiting us at Hassness Country House, a short walk along the lakeside. 9.1 miles (1040m ascent).

• Whiteside to Grisedale Pike - this walk starts at Lanthwaite and rises steeply onto the viewpoint of Whiteside (707m) where we are rewarded by a stroll along an airy ridge to Hopegill Head (770m). The route then continues east to Grisedale Pike(791m) with views down over the steep Hobcarton Crag. The long descent east overlooks Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake to the east before the walk ends down in the village of Braithwaite. 6.1 miles (840m ascent).

After a hearty breakfast, your hosts wave you goodbye when you'll leave with memories from your Lake District experience. Check out is by 10am. 

We hope you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.

We wish you a very warm welcome to Hassness Country House. 

Your hosts will be there to welcome you and ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Your holiday starts upon arrival at Hassness Country House in Buttermere where you are welcome to arrive from 3pm. Your evening meal will be served at 6.30pm. If you anticipate arriving after this time, we kindly request that you telephone Hassness Country House to confirm your expected arrival time.

Your holiday includes two days of guided walking.

Below is a selection of walking trails commonly experienced on our Hassness Country House holidays. This will give you an indication of the nature of the walking terrain and the format for your chosen holiday. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other walks are available depending on the local weather conditions at the time.

Grade 4 Walks

• Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts - the well trodden track round Buttermere is a superb introduction to the delights of the valley. It's likely that the local Herdwick sheep will be dotting the hillside and red squirrels can often be seen in the woods. Many bird species can be seen and heard in the area. Behind us the imposing ridge of Fleetwith Pike separates the deep gash of Honister Pass from the meandering river and tumbling waterfalls in Warnscale Bottom. Ahead of us the looming mass of Grasmoor is a backdrop to the green ridge leading down from Whiteless Pike to Buttermere Village below. We cross the bridge over Combe Beck and enter the quieter Burtness Wood, finally reaching Buttermere Village for a refreshment stop. We may look into the church to see the Wainwright Memorial, in a window framing a view of Haystacks in the distance. Then our path winds towards Crummock Water where we turn up a steep stone staircase to the viewpoint of Rannerdale Knotts (355m). Turning south east we traverse the ridge to the head of Rannerdale before descending back to Buttermere Village and the short shore-side walk back to Hassness. Total distance covered: 7.7 miles (300m ascent). 

• Loweswater Circuit – We start at the north eastern end of Crummock Water and make our way down through Lanthwaite Wood to the Lake. Crossing the river we follow footpaths up to Loweswater Village and the famous Kirkstile Inn. We may take a break here or in the quiet churchyard. After lunch we head west to Maggie’s Bridge and the shores of Loweswater.  After a stroll through the oak woods by the lakeside we rise through walled pastures to a scenic elevated return route along the Coffin Road back to Loweswater Village and Lanthwaite. Total distance covered: 10.1 miles (375m ascent).

Grade 7 Walks

• Haystacks to Grey Knotts or Fleetwith Pike - Haystacks, or "The High Stacks" was Alfred Wainwright's favourite hill - he described it as "a shaggy terrier in the company of foxhounds". We start our ascent by following Buttermere to Gatesgarth Farm and taking the Public Bridleway up to Scarth Gap. Some short sections of easy scrambling follow giving added entertainment to the twisting path up to the rocky summit of Haytstacks (597m). We then traverse south east past Innominate Tarn and the idyllic Blackbeck Tarn before turning south east to follow the path up a fence line to the open viewpoint of Brandreth (715m). After walking north east along the wide ridge to the lumpy summit of Grey Knotts (697m) we drop down to inspect or take shelter in Dubs Hut. Finally, we may descend the old miners' track, or the path on the other side of the Beck, into Warnscale Bottom and on to Gatesgarth, or climb up to Fleetwith Pike (648m) and descend its north ridge, spurred on by the thought of drinks and cake at Hassness Country House. Total distance covered: 9.2 miles (855m ascent, 1000m including Fleetwith Pike).

• The High Stile Ridge - the classic ridge walk on the south west side of Buttermere. We walk along the shores of Buttermere then ascend through oak woodland and open hill to a resting place by Bleaberry Tarn. Continuing on the good path to The Saddle we then pick our way up the track, over the stones which give Red Pike (755m) its name, to the summit. Our reward is hopefully open views stretching from the Isle of Man to the Southern Uplands of Scotland, and of course the other peaks of the Lake District. Our onward course takes up striding along the airy but never exposed ridge to High Stile (807m) and High Crag (744m) with unexpected views down into the combs which bite into the north eastern side of the ridge and over Buttermere to the oasis of Hassness Country House far below. We then descend on an ever improving path over Seat (562m) to Scarth Gap where we turn for the steady descent down to the lakeside and Hassness Country House. Total distance covered: 7.9 miles (920m ascent).

After a hearty breakfast, your hosts wave you goodbye when you'll leave with memories from your Lake District experience. Check out is by 10am. 

We hope you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.

We wish you a very warm welcome to Hassness Country House. 

Your hosts will be there to welcome you and ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. Your holiday starts upon arrival at Hassness Country House in Buttermere where you are welcome to arrive from 3pm. Your evening meal will be served at 6.30pm. If you anticipate arriving after this time, we kindly request that you telephone Hassness Country House to confirm your expected arrival time.

Your holiday includes three days of guided walking.

Below is a selection of walking trails commonly experienced on our Hassness Country House holidays. This will give you an indication of the nature of the walking terrain and the format for your chosen holiday. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other walks are available depending on the local weather conditions at the time.

Grade 4 Walks

• Buttermere and Rannerdale Knotts - the well trodden track round Buttermere is a superb introduction to the delights of the valley. It's likely that the local Herdwick sheep will be dotting the hillside and red squirrels can often be seen in the woods. Many bird species can be seen and heard in the area. Behind us the imposing ridge of Fleetwith Pike separates the deep gash of Honister Pass from the meandering river and tumbling waterfalls in Warnscale Bottom. Ahead of us the looming mass of Grasmoor is a backdrop to the green ridge leading down from Whiteless Pike to Buttermere Village below. We cross the bridge over Combe Beck and enter the quieter Burtness Wood, finally reaching Buttermere Village for a refreshment stop. We may look into the church to see the Wainwright Memorial, in a window framing a view of Haystacks in the distance. Then our path winds towards Crummock Water where we turn up a steep stone staircase to the viewpoint of Rannerdale Knotts (355m). Turning south east we traverse the ridge to the head of Rannerdale before descending back to Buttermere Village and the short shore-side walk back to Hassness. Total distance covered: 7.7 miles (300m ascent). 

• Loweswater Circuit – We start at the north eastern end of Crummock Water and make our way down through Lanthwaite Wood to the Lake. Crossing the river we follow footpaths up to Loweswater Village and the famous Kirkstile Inn. We may take a break here or in the quiet churchyard. After lunch we head west to Maggie’s Bridge and the shores of Loweswater.  After a stroll through the oak woods by the lakeside we rise through walled pastures to a scenic elevated return route along the Coffin Road back to Loweswater Village and Lanthwaite. Total distance covered: 10.1 miles (375m ascent).

• Dale Head Tarn to Cat Bells - this walk starts at Honister Pass and follows a path on the fence line north towards Dale Head. However we contour round its eastern flank to a sheltered break stop by the peaceful Dale Head Tarn. A short ascent brings us to High Spy (655m) and a stroll down the wide airy ridge to Maiden Moor (576m) with ever-changing views down into the patchwork fields and woods in Borrowdale and to Derwentwater and Skiddaw beyond. At Hause Gate we make the short extra ascent to the iconic viewpoint of Cat Bells (451m) to share vistas over Derwentwater and its numerous islands with walkers up from the landing stages and car parks at Hawse End below. Descending east to Manesty, the tearoom and other facilities at Grange beckon. Total distance covered: 5.8 miles (420m ascent).

Grade 7 Walks

• Haystacks to Grey Knotts or Fleetwith Pike - Haystacks, or "The High Stacks" was Alfred Wainwright's favourite hill - he described it as "a shaggy terrier in the company of foxhounds". We start our ascent by following Buttermere to Gatesgarth Farm and taking the Public Bridleway up to Scarth Gap. Some short sections of easy scrambling follow giving added entertainment to the twisting path up to the rocky summit of Haytstacks (597m). We then traverse south east past Innominate Tarn and the idyllic Blackbeck Tarn before turning south east to follow the path up a fence line to the open viewpoint of Brandreth (715m). After walking north east along the wide ridge to the lumpy summit of Grey Knotts (697m) we drop down to inspect or take shelter in Dubs Hut. Finally, we may descend the old miners' track, or the path on the other side of the Beck, into Warnscale Bottom and on to Gatesgarth, or climb up to Fleetwith Pike (648m) and descend its north ridge, spurred on by the thought of drinks and cake at Hassness Country House. Total distance covered: 9.2 miles (855m ascent, 1000m including Fleetwith Pike).

• The High Stile Ridge - the classic ridge walk on the south west side of Buttermere. We walk along the shores of Buttermere then ascend through oak woodland and open hill to a resting place by Bleaberry Tarn. Continuing on the good path to The Saddle we then pick our way up the track, over the stones which give Red Pike (755m) its name, to the summit. Our reward is hopefully open views stretching from the Isle of Man to the Southern Uplands of Scotland, and of course the other peaks of the Lake District. Our onward course takes up striding along the airy but never exposed ridge to High Stile (807m) and High Crag (744m) with unexpected views down into the combs which bite into the north eastern side of the ridge and over Buttermere to the oasis of Hassness Country House far below. We then descend on an ever improving path over Seat (562m) to Scarth Gap where we turn for the steady descent down to the lakeside and Hassness Country House. Total distance covered: 7.9 miles (920m ascent).

• Crummock Water and Loweswater Village - no trip to the valley would be complete without a circuit of Crummock Water, taking in the site of the fabled Battle of Rannerdale, and a visit to the little village of Loweswater. We start in Buttermere Village and make our way to the shores of Crummock Water and Hause Point. Descending to the road we enter lower Rannerdale, where bluebells grow in profusion in May. At all times of the year the hills are a patchwork of greens and browns with the grey of the rock and boulders and the white tumbling water of the Rannerdale Beck. Crossing the footbridge we make our way back to Crummock Water where the path follows the shore through woodland and pastures to the end of the lake. Crossing the river we follow footpaths up to Loweswater Village and the famous Kirkstile Inn. We may take lunch here or in the quiet churchyard. After lunch we head back southwards into Mosedale and past the famous Mosedale Holly tree, the only individually named tree on the OS maps in the Lake District. When we come to footbridges over Scale Beck, which flows down from Scale Force waterfall, the highest in the Lake District, it may be possible to walk up to inspect the Falls if time allows. The improving track then takes us to Scale Bridge and a lane leading back to Buttermere Village and Hassness beyond. Total distance covered: 12.4 miles (450m ascent).

After a hearty breakfast, your hosts wave you goodbye when you'll leave with memories from your Lake District experience. Check out is by 10am. 

We hope you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.