Compliments of HF

3 Night Northern Lake District Self-Guided Walking Holiday

View of Ullswater Lake, Lake District, UK
Duration: 3 nights
Type: Self-guided walking
Walking Grade: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
from £399pp £210pp

The perfect introduction to the Northern Lake District, this self-guided walking holiday gives you the flexibility and freedom to do as much or as little as you please. You can bag a handful of Wainwright walks straight from the doorstep of our country house, or even take on Scafell Pike - England's tallest mountain. Activities within easy distance include watching slate being riven (meaning split or torn apart) at Honister Slate Mine, spotting rare wildlife at Whinlatter Forest, trying your hand at kayaking or windsurfing at Derwent Water Marina, and visiting Derwent Pencil Museum - home to one of the largest colouring pencils in the world.

What you’ll love

  • Enjoying a lake cruise around Derwentwater
  • Watching a performance at Theatre by the Lake
  • Walking Wainrights straight from the doorstep
  • Admiring the picture-postcard valleys of Buttermere and Borrowdale
  • Making use of our detailed route notes and recommendations
  • Staying at Derwent Bank, our country house near Keswick

What’s included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches 
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently 

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.


Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Derwent Bank range from 1 to 5 miles and visit popular areas such as Friar’s Crag, Latrigg, and Ashness Bridge.


These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Derwent Bank range from 5 to 9 miles and visit popular areas such as Cat Bells Terrace, Borrowdale, and Newlands Valley. 


These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Derwent Bank range from 5 to 13 miles and visit popular fells such as Blencathra, Scafell Pike, and Haystacks. 


Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.


Derwent Bank

Adored by poets, painters, and literary giants for centuries, the Lake District has always had an irresistible pull. It’s no surprise, then, that this country house near the market town of Keswick holds such appeal, not least for its setting in lovely grounds that slope down to the shores of Derwentwater. The location couldn’t be more perfect; to the west is Cat Bells, to the east is Keswick, Walla Crag, and Latrigg, and to the south is the entrance to the Borrowdale valley. There’s a wealth of big-name attractions within easy travelling distance, including Blencathra, Helvellyn, and Ullswater. Also visit-worthy for walkers is Scafell Pike for its well-trodden routes and trails and the 73-mile-long Cumbria Way for its mist-shrouded peaks, glacial valleys, and many excuses for pit-stops and picnics.

 

 

Rooms

Designed with your comfort in mind, Derwent Bank has 40 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: Room 12 for its extra space and lovely views across the gardens and Derwentwater. Rooms 46, 47, 48, and 49 are first-floor garden rooms, each with their own balcony. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

About your stay

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

Food & drink

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Accessibility

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Derwent Bank

Derwent Bank hotel and Derwent Water area. Stills from drone.

Getting to Derwent Bank

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

Derwent Bank
Portinscale
Nr Keswick
Cumbria CA12 5TY

Tel: +44 (0)1768 773667

By train

The nearest station is Penrith, on the main line between London and Glasgow. 

Check National Rail for train times and routes.

By shared transfer

If you’re travelling to or from Derwent Bank on Mondays or Fridays or over the festive period, you can join our group transfer from Penrith Railway Station.

2025 prices are £64 per person for a return transfer or £32 per person for a single transfer.

Outward journey: Depart Penrith Railway Station at 16:50; arrive at Derwent Bank at 17:30.

Return journey: Depart Derwent Bank at 09:15; arrive at Penrith Railway Station at 10:00.

Places are limited so booking is essential. We recommend booking at least 14 days in advance by contacting:

HF Holidays Sales and Support Team
Tel: +44 (0)203 974 8865
Email: reservations@hfholidays.co.uk

By taxi

The 20-mile journey from Penrith railway station to Derwent Bank takes about 40 minutes by taxi in normal traffic conditions. 

For pricing, please contact A Cab Taxis directly.

A Cabs Penrith
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, A Cabs Penrith*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)7482 289021
Email: acabspenrith@gmail.com

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Derwent Bank.

By bus

The X5 bus runs approximately every hour from Penrith station and the journey takes around 50 minutes. The nearest bus stop is on the A66, about a three-quarter mile walk from the house.

As you alight the bus at the Portinscale bus stop, turn to your right and go down the road signposted to Portinscale, Grange, and the Newlands Valley. Follow this road through Portinscale village - Derwent Bank is on your left-hand side after the Derwentwater Marina.

Alternatively, catch the X4 or X5 bus to Keswick bus station and take a 10-minute taxi ride to Derwent Bank. We recommend booking a taxi in advance. Please note that the

By car

There is a large car park at Derwent Bank if you decide to drive. 

From Penrith, you’ll need to leave the M6 motorway at junction 40, taking the A66 towards Keswick. After 17 miles you'll reach a roundabout - continue ahead following signs to Cockermouth and Workington. Turn left off the A66 towards Portinscale, Grange, and the Newlands Valley. Derwent Bank is about three quarters of a mile further on the left. 

By air

The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.  

There are direct trains every hour from Manchester Airport to Penrith and the journey time is about two hours.  

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but you’ll have a longer onward train journey – it could take at least 4.5 hours to reach Penrith. From Heathrow, take the train to London Paddington, then the London Underground to London Euston connecting to the main line train to Penrith, which takes three hours. 

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Derwent Bank Calendar

  • Guided Walking
  • Self-Guided Walking
  • Special Interests
  • Unavailable to Book

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.


Holiday prices

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

21 Nov - 24 Nov 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£419 pp

from

£419 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
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28 Nov - 01 Dec 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

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from

£419 pp

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05 Dec - 08 Dec 2025

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

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£419 pp

from

£419 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
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12 Dec - 15 Dec 2025

3 nights - Free Drinks

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£419 £210 pp

from

£419 £210 pp

Call to Enquire 50% Off Self Guided Trip Notes
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2026

23 Jan - 26 Jan 2026

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£429

Double from

£399 pp

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£399 pp

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30 Jan - 02 Feb 2026

3 nights

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06 Feb - 09 Feb 2026

3 nights

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20 Feb - 23 Feb 2026

3 nights

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23 Feb - 26 Feb 2026

3 nights

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06 Mar - 09 Mar 2026

3 nights

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Double Call to Enquire
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13 Mar - 16 Mar 2026

3 nights

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Single from

£469

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£439 pp

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20 Mar - 23 Mar 2026

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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03 Apr - 06 Apr 2026

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£519

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10 Apr - 13 Apr 2026

3 nights

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17 Apr - 20 Apr 2026

3 nights

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24 Apr - 27 Apr 2026

3 nights

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£519

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01 May - 04 May 2026

3 nights

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08 May - 11 May 2026

3 nights

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15 May - 18 May 2026

3 nights

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22 May - 25 May 2026

3 nights

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29 May - 01 Jun 2026

3 nights

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05 Jun - 08 Jun 2026

3 nights

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12 Jun - 15 Jun 2026

3 nights

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19 Jun - 22 Jun 2026

3 nights

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26 Jun - 29 Jun 2026

3 nights

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03 Jul - 06 Jul 2026

3 nights

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10 Jul - 13 Jul 2026

3 nights

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17 Jul - 20 Jul 2026

3 nights

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24 Jul - 27 Jul 2026

3 nights

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31 Jul - 03 Aug 2026

3 nights

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07 Aug - 10 Aug 2026

3 nights

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14 Aug - 17 Aug 2026

3 nights

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21 Aug - 24 Aug 2026

3 nights

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28 Aug - 31 Aug 2026

3 nights

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04 Sep - 07 Sep 2026

3 nights

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11 Sep - 14 Sep 2026

3 nights

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18 Sep - 21 Sep 2026

3 nights

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25 Sep - 28 Sep 2026

3 nights

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02 Oct - 05 Oct 2026

3 nights

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09 Oct - 12 Oct 2026

3 nights

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16 Oct - 19 Oct 2026

3 nights

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23 Oct - 26 Oct 2026

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire Call to Enquire Trip Notes

30 Oct - 02 Nov 2026

3 nights

Self-Guided

Single from

£469

Double from

£439 pp

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£439 pp

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06 Nov - 09 Nov 2026

3 nights

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13 Nov - 16 Nov 2026

3 nights

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20 Nov - 23 Nov 2026

3 nights

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27 Nov - 30 Nov 2026

3 nights

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£429

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£399 pp

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04 Dec - 07 Dec 2026

3 nights

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11 Dec - 14 Dec 2026

3 nights

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Trip Notes
Book Now
Duration:
3 nights
Type:
Self-guided walking
Walking Grade:
1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

3 nights from £399pp £210pp

Compliments of HF

or call 020 3974 8865

For group bookings of 10+ guests click here

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Carbon Footprint 43Kg of CO₂e

Average carbon footprint per person Learn More