Intermediate Fastpacking (3 days)

Do you dream of being able to run all day long, free of cares and responsibilities?  Or perhaps the idea of travelling light, exploring the landscape on your two feet, and making a linear journey, appeals to you?  If so, fastpacking is for you.

On our three day intermediate fastpacking trip we’ll travel right through the Lake District National Park from south to north, beginning in the bustling town of Windermere, which has excellent bus and rail links, and plenty of parking.  Day one will see us make our way out of Windermere via the Orrest Head viewpoint and into the remote Kentmere valley, through rugged moorland and beautiful woods.  We’ll climb Garburn pass before descending into pretty Troutbeck, and finish our day dropping into Ambleside via Skelghyll Woods to stay in a bustling town centre pub.

On day two we’ll skirt the lower slopes of Loughrigg to visit the chocolate-box village of Grasmere, in the very centre of the Lake District.  From here we may pay a visit to Easedale Tarn (perhaps with time for a swim!) before climbing on the popular Coast to Coast route over into the Stonethwaite valley for a stay in a traditional Lakeland inn.

On day three we’ll stay at low level and use the charming Cumbria Way route, mainly with spectacular views across the shore of Derwentwater, to reach Keswick.  Day three is a shorter day, which allows time for us to catch the bus back to Windermere - in itself a treat of a journey, showcasing the best of the central Lakes.

In the evenings, you are welcome to spend time as you please - perhaps exploring our location, relaxing in your room or joining others in the bar for social time.  A table will be booked in each pub for the group to eat together; these meals are not included in the trip cost.

FAQs

What time will the trip start and end?

We’ll meet for coffee in Windermere on day one at 9.30am for a 10am start, and we’ll aim to reach Keswick by mid-afternoon on day three for the return bus journey to Windermere.

Is this trip suitable for me?

We think that if you are running around 25-30 miles per week, and you could run (at an easy pace) for 2-3 hours three days in a row, you’ll be comfortable on the intermediate trip.  Bear in mind that doesn’t mean you need to be doing that regularly in your running - just that you could do it if you tried! You may also wish to have tried out a single 5-6 hour journey, at a very easy pace.

How far will we run?  And how fast?

Our exact routes will depend on the weather and on our group, but we will aim to be moving for 5-6 hours each day, at a leisurely 4-5kph pace (i.e. plenty of walking!). On Into the Hills events we always move at a comfortable pace for the slowest people in the group on the day.

What kit will I need?

We’ll send a kit list prior to the event, but there shouldn’t be much (if anything!) on it that you don’t already have.  The main piece of equipment you will need is a running backpack or vest large enough to hold a few toiletries, food for the days, and a change of overnight clothes.  If you’d like to get ahead on this, have a look at our fastpacking blog, which features Jenny’s packing list for a three day trip.

What is included?

The cost of the trip includes three days' guided running, two nights' accommodation (in Ambleside and Stonethwaite), and breakfast on days two and three. Evening meals and food for the time we are running are not included. The maximum group size is six people.

How do I book?

Simply add your ticket(s) below and click 'checkout' to book your place - you'll receive an email with your tickets, and we will be in touch before your course date with full details of the trip and a kit list.  If you have any questions before booking, have a look at our FAQs, or contact us if your question isn't answered . Our cancellation policy can be found on our FAQ page.

Practical notes

1. Please note that the routes described above are indicative rather than final; we will always take into account the weather forecast and the pace of the group when making route decisions.

2. Please contact us if you need to make payment in instalments; we can put a place on hold for you and arrange this.

3. Accommodation for this trip will be in shared twin rooms with someone of the same gender.  If you have a need or a preference for a private room, please contact us.  We can’t guarantee this, but we can hold a place for you while we discuss with our accommodation provider and find out what the additional cost to you would be.

4. Travel and accommodation arrangements before and after the trip are not included; you will need to arrange your own transport to and from Windermere, and accommodation before and after the trip if required.  If driving, three-day and seven-day parking permits are available for the Lake District National Park car parks in Windermere.