Lake District Crossing: Six Days of Hiking, Wild Camping & Scenic Trails

Traverse the Lake District from east to west on this 6-day hiking adventure designed for those new to multi-day expeditions. Covering 100km of varied terrain, you’ll wild camp under the stars, cross scenic passes, and explore quiet corners of the National Park—all with full support and expert guidance.

Key Details

• Group size: 1–8 people
• Duration: 6 days, 7 nights
• Activity level: Moderate
• Accommodation: Campsites, wild camping & bunkhouses
• Start point: Oxenholme Train Station, Lake District

Example Itinerary

• Saturday
  Meet outside Oxenholme Railway Station where you will be met by your guide and driven to your bunkhouse or hostel accommodation. The evening includes a comprehensive trip briefing covering the route, safety, and equipment, followed by a kit check to ensure everyone is prepared for the days ahead.

• Sunday
  After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the eastern boundary of the National Park to start your hike. Covering about 10km, you will walk through one of the least frequented areas of the Lake District, allowing for a peaceful experience. Upon reaching your remote wild camping site, your guide will demonstrate how to pitch your tents and set up camp. You will prepare dinner together in the wilderness and settle in for your first night under the stars.

• Monday
  Following breakfast, you will break camp and continue westward to the High Street mountain plateau. The terrain offers options depending on the weather: camping either on a summit for expansive views or beside a river or lake for a more sheltered experience. You will be involved in pitching tents and cooking dinner, then enjoy the natural surroundings as the sun sets behind the hills.

• Tuesday
  Pack up camp after breakfast and descend towards Ullswater. Here, you’ll board a ferry for a relaxing crossing of the lake, providing a scenic break from walking. From the far side, you’ll continue through the Patterdale Valley and ascend a mountain pass to reach another remote wild camping location by a lake. This spot offers the chance to unwind and enjoy the peaceful wilderness before settling in for the night.

• Wednesday
  Your hike today involves crossing a mountain pass descending towards Grasmere, before ascending into the middle fells. The route continues toward the iconic Langdale Pikes, nearing Scafell Pike. You will camp at a high-altitude site offering wonderful sunset views. For those willing to rise early, the following sunrise can be a memorable experience.

• Thursday
  After breaking camp, the route crosses the high pass of Esk Hause and the narrow Windy Gap between Great Gable and Green Gable. You will traverse ridgelines above the valley, passing Pillar, heading towards the western edge of the National Park. This section takes you through Ennerdale, one of the most remote and rewilded valleys in the Lake District, offering a distinctive landscape change.

• Friday
  Descend into the Ennerdale valley, where woodland gradually fills the landscape. You will follow an easy track along the southern shore of Ennerdale Water to the village of Ennerdale Bridge. Here, the group will enjoy a celebratory pint at a local pub often praised as one of the best in Cumbria. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your final night’s accommodation in a bunkhouse or hostel, allowing for a refreshing shower and a comfortable night’s rest.

• Saturday
  Spend a relaxed morning exploring the local surroundings at your own pace before being transported to Penrith train station for your journey back home.

Location

The route runs the full length of the Lake District National Park, beginning in the east and finishing on the western edge at Ennerdale Bridge. You’ll pass through a broad mix of landscapes: peaceful moorland, high plateaus, lakeshores, glacial valleys, and forested tracks. Much of the journey avoids busier tourist spots, offering a more authentic experience of the area’s natural beauty.

Campsites and wild camping spots have been chosen for their remoteness and comfort, giving you a taste of the Lake District’s wilder side. Locations like Patterdale Valley, Langdale, and Esk Hause offer incredible views and memorable camp settings, while remote ridgelines like those above Ennerdale showcase a part of the park many visitors never see.

Accommodation

You’ll stay two nights in bunkhouse or hostel accommodation—one before and one after the traverse—providing a base for packing, briefing, and recovery. These are clean, simple, and comfortable, and ideal for preparing for or winding down from your expedition.

The remaining nights are spent wild camping, with all necessary gear (tents, sleeping bags, mats, stoves) provided. Sites vary from lakeside to hilltop pitches, all selected to balance shelter, views, and wilderness feel. Campcraft is part of the experience, but guidance is available throughout, and contingency plans are in place for poor weather to ensure comfort and safety.

Prerequisites

This trip is suitable for those with a good base level of fitness and a willingness to walk for multiple hours each day with a loaded rucksack. No previous wild camping experience is required, and the leader will provide support with campcraft and gear. The terrain is mixed but follows established tracks, though it can be uneven and weather-dependent in places. A full kit list will be provided to help you prepare.

Why Choose Us

This adventure company was founded to help people escape the city and access meaningful experiences in the mountains—without needing to fly or take extended time off work. Trips are thoughtfully planned to make use of weekends and shorter timeframes, helping you explore wild places on a tight schedule.

With a focus on British mountains, their guides are highly experienced and passionate about showcasing lesser-known routes and authentic mountain travel. Everything from equipment and logistics to transfers and meals is taken care of, giving you the freedom to enjoy the experience. Whether you’re new to wild camping or looking to build your confidence in expedition hiking, their supportive approach makes sure you feel capable and included every step of the way.