TWIXMAS: That lull between Christmas and New Year where we are stuck in a time warp. Our routine is disrupted and the to do list is in limbo. What do we do?

The Norwegians have a word for this: “Romjul”. It’s a time to to reflect on the past year and a time to take long walks…

Let’s escape to the picturesque Lake District for a weekend of gentle hikes and serene beauty!

Join us as we explore the charming landscapes around Windermere and Langdale, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural wonders of this iconic region at a leisurely pace.

As with all City Mountaineering trips, we’ll get you off the busy tourist trails and head instead to the quieter parts of the National Park, drawing on our local knowledge and years of experience to provide a truly unique adventure you’ll never forget.

Relaxation is the name of the game on this weekend and, whilst we’ll still be hiking up to summits, the aim of this trip is to enjoy, not endure! And, of course, we’ll make sure there’s a pub at the end of the hike too!

This is an ideal weekend for a beginner hiker who wants their first taste of the hills or for the seasoned mountaineer just wanting to enjoy being in the moment in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

As always, we’ll sort out the accommodation and guided hiking so just join your guide at the meeting point and leave the rest to us.

Itinerary

Note: This itinerary is intentionally vague. Where we stay and the routes we hike will be determined by the weather. We will always pick the best locations based on what the weather gods throw at us.

  • Optional: Meet outside Kings Cross train station at 1pm and board the train for a relaxing journey north
  • Meet your guide outside Darlington train station at 4pm and travel by road to your accommodation in Keswick
  • Settle in to your accommodation before heading to a local pub for dinner and a trip briefing

  • A day of easy hiking in The Buttermere Valley followed by dinner in a traditional local pub in the evening

  • After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you will be driven the The Langdale Valley for an easy and scenic walk around Elterwater and the local Cathedral Cavern.
  • At the end of the day you will be transferred to the train station (Penrith at around 4pm, or Darlington at around 6pm) for your onward journey home
  • Optional: Board the train for a relaxing journey back to London (expect to arrive in to London at around 9:30pm)

2-nights hotel/hostel/bunkhouse accommodation
2-days guided hiking by an experienced and qualified mountain leader
Optional: Return train travel between London and The Lake District and all road transfers in the national park

Personal hiking kit
Food and drink
Personal travel insurance
Travel (unless that option is chosen)

Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed.  The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)

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Trip Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful landscapes of The Lake District National Park
  • Relaxed walks and achievable summits designed to help you unwind
  • Expert local guides to lead your through quieter, lesser-known routes
  • Perfect for beginners seeking their first walking experience or seasoned hikers wanting to get away
  • All logistics covered, so you jut turn up at the meeting point and enjoy

Our Hike Grading System

A simple 1–5 difficulty rating, built on real feedback from asking over 1,000 participants who’ve joined more than one City Mountaineering trip.

This grading system gives you an honest idea of how each trip feels — physically, technically, and mentally — based on the experiences of people who’ve actually done it.