Day 1 - Arrival at Hassness
Arrive independently at Hassness Country House, beautifully located in the heart of the Buttermere Valley. After settling into your accommodation, there will be time to explore the grounds or enjoy a gentle stroll along the lakeshore. Meet your fellow walkers before dinner and receive an introduction to the week's programme and the remarkable spring flora of the Lake District.
Overnight: Hassness Country House
Day 2 - Buttermere & Rannerdale Knotts
Distance: 12.4 km
Today's walk explores one of the Lake District's most celebrated wildflower locations. Leaving Hassness, we follow the shores of Buttermere through Burtness Wood, an ancient oak woodland rich in spring flowers. Before the woodland canopy fully closes, the forest floor comes alive with bluebells, wood anemones, wild garlic, primroses and delicate dog violets.
Continuing around Crummock Water, we reach the famous Rannerdale Valley. In late spring, the valley is transformed by one of Britain's finest displays of native bluebells. Unlike traditional woodland bluebell displays, these flowers spread across the open fellside, creating a spectacular expanse of colour framed by dramatic Lakeland scenery.
After taking time to enjoy the blooms and views, we ascend Rannerdale Knotts for breathtaking panoramas across Buttermere, Crummock Water and the surrounding fells before returning to Hassness.
Highlights
- Rannerdale bluebells
- Burtness Wood wildflowers
- Buttermere lakeshore
- Views from Rannerdale Knotts
Day 3 - Borrowdale Woodland Walk
Distance: 13.8 km
Borrowdale is renowned for its ancient Atlantic oak woodland, much of which is internationally important for wildlife. Following paths beside the River Derwent, we explore a landscape rich in biodiversity and spring colour.
The woodlands around Johnny Wood are particularly rewarding during May, with extensive displays of bluebells, wood anemones and greater stitchwort. Careful observation may also reveal the distinctive herb paris, a somewhat elusive species that thrives in these undisturbed ancient woods. The scent of wild garlic often fills the air along shaded paths and riverbanks.
Throughout the day there are opportunities to enjoy beautiful views of the Borrowdale Valley, framed by some of the Lake District's most dramatic mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Ancient oak woodland
- Bluebells and wood anemones
- Greater stitchwort and herb paris
- Riverside walking along the Derwent
Day 4 - Loweswater Circuit
Distance: 16.3 km
Today we discover the quieter western reaches of the National Park on a circular walk around Loweswater. This peaceful valley offers a wonderful contrast to the more famous lakes and provides excellent opportunities to appreciate both wildflowers and traditional Lakeland landscapes.
Woodland sections around the lake are rich with spring colour, while damp meadows and waterside habitats support marsh marigolds and cuckooflower. As the season progresses, early buttercups begin adding yellow tones to the landscape.
The route follows lakeshore paths, old drove roads and country tracks through a patchwork of woodland, pasture and open countryside, with beautiful reflections across the lake and regular views towards Mellbreak and the surrounding fells.
Highlights
- Lakeside meadows
- Marsh marigolds and cuckooflower
- Quiet Lakeland scenery
- Traditional pastoral landscapes
Day 5 - Lanthwaite Wood & Crummock Water
A shorter day dedicated to one of the area's finest woodland habitats. Lanthwaite Wood occupies a beautiful position at the northern end of Crummock Water and is renowned for its extensive spring bluebell displays.
Beneath majestic oak trees, look for carpets of bluebells interspersed with primroses and wood sorrel. The woodland is also an excellent location for wildlife, offering opportunities to spot red squirrels, nuthatches and a variety of woodland birds.
The walk combines woodland exploration with scenic sections along the shores of Crummock Water, providing magnificent views towards Grasmoor and the surrounding mountains.
Highlights
- Ancient oak woodland
- Extensive bluebell displays
- Wood sorrel and primroses
- Wildlife watching opportunities
Day 6 - Leisure Day: Derwentwater & Lingholm
A relaxing day to enjoy the Lake District at a slower pace.
Travel to Keswick and board the scenic launch across Derwentwater to Hawes End. From here, enjoy a gentle lakeside walk to Lingholm Estate, famous for its beautiful walled gardens and connections with Beatrix Potter, who spent family holidays here.
Spend time exploring the gardens and grounds before enjoying a traditional afternoon tea at Lingholm Kitchen. There is free time to relax by the lake, browse Keswick's shops or visit local attractions before returning by bus.
Highlights
- Derwentwater boat cruise
- Lingholm Walled Gardens
- Afternoon tea
- Free time in Keswick
Day 7 - Haystacks from Honister Pass
Distance: Approx. 10-11 km
The final walking day takes us to one of the Lake District's most beloved fells. Starting from Honister Pass, we follow mountain paths to the summit area of Haystacks, famously described by Alfred Wainwright as his favourite fell.
The route passes tarns, rocky outcrops and unique upland habitats. Although the floral focus differs from the woodland walks earlier in the week, spring still brings colour to the fellside, while the views become increasingly spectacular with height.
From the summit, enjoy outstanding panoramas across Buttermere, Ennerdale, Crummock Water and the western fells before descending via a circular route back to Honister.
Highlights
- One of Wainwright's favourite fells
- Mountain tarns and rocky landscapes
- Spectacular summit views
- Memorable finale to the holiday
Day 8 - Departure
After breakfast, depart Hassness and begin your journey home, taking with you wonderful memories of spring flowers, dramatic landscapes and some of the Lake District's most beautiful walking routes.
Please note: These are suggested walks that may be switched or amended depending on the flowers