Great Britain: Cotswolds, Lake District,
& the Highlands of Scotland

Day 1

ARRIVE MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (D)
Medieval Chester Walk - 10 km, rated 1

We rendezvous in merry ole England today at the Manchester Airport. A WAI representative will meet you and arrange for transportation to the nearby Roman town of Chester, our final destination. After checking into the hotel there, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind after the long transatlantic flight on an easy walk that highlights the medieval and Roman heritage of this picturesque Cheshire town. We’ll gather again this evening to preview the Adventure that lies ahead at tonight’s “Get Acquainted” dinner!

Day 2

CHESTER - CHIPPING CAMPDEN, ENGLAND (B,D)
Badby English Countryside Walk - 10 km, rated 2

We head south today toward the small community of Badby. A lovely walk here through woods and across meadows takes us to a country chapel with connections to the George Washington family, then to Fawsley Manor, a venerable home of the nobility in centuries past. After a pint at the pub that serves as the finish point, we’ll depart to view cozy scenes of England’s Cotswolds district and charming Chipping Campden. Our home for the next two nights is a charming 14th century inn in the center of the village.

Day 3

ACTIVITIES FROM CHIPPING CAMPDEN (B)
Mickleton Walk in the Cotswolds - 12 km, rated 3

This morning’s walk highlights sections of the “Heart of England Way” and provides close-up connections with the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its honey-colored limestone buildings, thatch-roofed homes, and graceful stone bridges arching across lazy, wandering streams. Following the walk, we drive deeper into the Cotswolds with stops at delightful towns with names like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. Our afternoon highlight is a proper clotted cream tea in Chipping Campden, a completely English delight that must be experienced to be appreciated!

Day 4

CHIPPING CAMPDEN - AMBLESIDE, ENGLAND (B,D)
Windermere Lakeside Stroll - 8 km, rated 1+ (unsanctioned)

We leave the Cotswolds today and continue our Adventure in the beautiful Lake Country of northern England. The quaint town of Ambleside, on the north edge of Lake Windermere, is our home for the next three nights. Lake Windermere is England’s largest lake and provides the venue for this afternoon’s introduction to the Lake Country – a pleasant walk through picturesque scenes along the lakeshore, punctuated with three lake cruises.

Day 5

ACTIVITIES FROM AMBLESIDE (B)
Bowness & Beatrix Lake Country Walk - 11 km, rated 3

Today begins with another short ferry ride across Lake Windermere. Our trail is a true delight, climbing from the lake along country lanes and past tiny communities to the home of beloved author Beatrix Potter in the village of Hill Top. We’ll return to Lake Windermere through more pastoral panoramas, along stone fences, and past grazing sheep, departing reluctantly with the sense that we’ve found a place where time stands still. This afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity for an optional visit to nearby Holker Hall, a stunning, rose-colored mansion surrounded by award-winning grounds and still inhabited by the current Lord and Lady Cavendish.

Day 6

ACTIVITIES FROM AMBLESIDE (B)
Ambleside Amble - 11 km, rated 3+/4 – OR – Lake Grasmere Walk - 5 km, rated 1 (unsanctioned)

Our last day in the Lake Country offers two walk possibilities. The official walk is a challenging ascent from Ambleside into the surrounding hills for fantastic views. This hike offers a rugged and invigorating exposure to the Lake Country. Those looking for a less rigorous walk will enjoy an excellent 5 kilometer walk through the nearby village of Grasmere and around the lovely lake by the same name. Those participating in the Grasmere Walk are invited to join us for an optional afternoon Northern Lakes Excursion by mini-bus to explore more of the Lake Country. Highlights include the 4,000-year-old Castlerigg Stone Circle, a couple of the higher mountain passes, and eight of the most beautiful lakes in the area.

Day 7

AMBLESIDE – PITLOCHRY, SCOTLAND (B,D)
Pitlochry Trail - 10 km, rated 3

Scotland is our objective today, and we’ll arrive in Pitlochry early this afternoon for the first of two highland walks. Pitlochry is an attractive town with plenty of picturesque stone architecture in the Tummel Valley, and our route is primarily a nature trail here amongst the heather-clad hillsides and farms of bonny Scotland. Our lodging for the night is a remote highland hotel offering spectacular views over Lock Rannoch!

Day 8

PITLOCHRY – GLENCOE (B,D)
Aviemore Highland Trail - 11 km, rated 3

Today’s Scottish trek near Aviemore takes us through woods and across more heather-clad hills with enchanting highland panoramas. This afternoon we visit Glencoe, a place of stark highland beauty and poignant clan treachery and tragedy. A film in the visitor center provides insight into the 17th century “Murder under Trust” that was perpetrated here between the McDonalds and the Campbells.

Day 9

GLENCOE – OBAN (B,D)

An excursion to the Hebrides Islands forms the center-piece of today’s activities. We’ll cross to the Isle of Mull by ferry, then enjoy a picturesque, cross-island drive in the shadow of the volcanic peak, Ben More. From the tiny village of Fionnphort a 10-minute pedestrian ferry ride takes us to the historic, windswept Isle of Iona – the 6th century birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, which was often attacked by Vikings in search of plunder from the abbey. Now the Isle offers present-day explorers a rare window of opportunity to wander a beautiful, remote corner of the Hebrides.

Day 10

OBAN – EDINBURGH (B,D)

Our route turns east across Scotland this morning, stopping en route to learn about one of the many dramatic chapters in Scottish history at Stirling and Bannockburn, before arriving in Edinburgh early this afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy this fascinating center of Scottish history and heritage. Following dinner together this evening, we’ll attend the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an outstanding musical marching extravaganza that is always a favorite with WAI travelers!

Day 11

ACTIVITIES IN EDINBURGH (B,D)
Historic Edinburgh Trail - 10 km, rated 2

Positioned on a strategic rock, Edinburgh Castle has been used as a fortress since the 7th century and has born the brunt of this city’s turbulent history. Today’s all-day walk in delightful Edinburgh features the Castle; the Palace of Holyroodhouse; and the Royal Mile, including the John Knox House, Deacon Brodie’s Pub, Greyfriar’s Bobby, and a host of other only-in-Edinburgh attractions (admissions not included)! Later this evening, we’ll rendezvous to swap stories and reminisce about the Adventure at our Farewell Dinner.

Day 12

RETURN HOME FROM EDINBURGH (B)

Our travels together in Great Britain end today with a drive to the airport outside Edinburgh. We’ll return home with new walking friends, fond memories of our Adventures, and a greater appreciation of the history, culture, and scenery of the Cotswolds, Lake Country, and the Highlands of Scotland!