The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour is an exhilarating journey through the central mountains and western fells of the Lake District. Traversing the rugged Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, this tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s breathtaking landscapes, including the well-preserved ruins of the Hardknott Roman Fort. Accompanied by an experienced guide, travellers will witness the grandeur of soaring peaks, secluded valleys, and shimmering lakes, gaining a deeper understanding of the area’s rich heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or seeking a new perspective on the Lake District, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you eager to explore further.

Key Points

• Explores the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, showcasing the remote and untamed natural beauty of the Lake District’s central mountains and western fells.
• Provides panoramic views of the region’s grandeur, including the majestic Scafell and Scafell Pike mountains and the serene Wastwater lake.
• Immerses visitors in the captivating landscapes and offers insightful commentary from an experienced guide.
• Highlights the visit to the well-preserved ruins of the Hardknott Roman Fort, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
• Offers a true sense of adventure and remoteness, allowing participants to experience the Lake District’s breathtaking scenery.

Tour Overview

The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group tour from Lake Windermere allows visitors to explore the central mountains and western fells of the iconic Lake District, showcasing the region’s grandeur and remote beauty.

The tour takes travelers over the steep and dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and lakes.

The highlight is a visit to the ruins of the ancient Roman Hardknott Fort, allowing guests to step back in time and imagine the fort’s strategic importance during the Roman occupation.

Throughout the journey, an experienced guide provides informative commentary, bringing the history and geology of this stunning landscape to life.

Exploring the Lake District

The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour

Exploring the Lake District

Embarking on this tour, visitors are immersed in the captivating grandeur of the Lake District’s central mountains and western fells.

Soaring peaks, remote valleys, and shimmering lakes unfold before them as the minibus navigates the steep and winding Wrynose and Hardknott Passes.

An experienced guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the region’s rich history and geology to life.

The highlight of the day is a visit to the ruins of Hardknott Roman Fort, offering a glimpse into the area’s ancient past.

Throughout the journey, travelers are treated to panoramic vistas encompassing Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, and the iconic Scafell and Scafell Pike mountains.

Wrynose and Hardknott Passes

Twisting and turning, the minibus navigates the steep and challenging Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, offering visitors a thrilling and dramatic journey through the heart of the Lake District’s rugged landscape.

Arguably two of the most breathtaking and daring roads in England, these high mountain passes aren’t for the faint of heart.

As the vehicle climbs, passengers are treated to:

1. Jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
2. The opportunity to spot hardy sheep and other wildlife navigating the winding roads.
3. A true sense of remoteness and isolation, with few signs of human habitation.

The payoff for braving these legendary passes is the chance to witness the Lake District’s untamed natural beauty up close and personal.

Roman Hardknott Fort

After traversing the demanding Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, the tour visits the ruins of Hardknott Roman Fort, a once-formidable stronghold perched atop a dramatic hilltop in the heart of the Lake District. This ancient military outpost, built in the 2nd century AD, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich Roman heritage. Visitors can explore the remains of barracks, granaries, and the commanding headquarters building, all set against a stunning backdrop of rugged fells and distant peaks. The site’s strategic location, commanding views, and well-preserved ruins make it a fascinating stop on the High Mountain Passes Tour, allowing travelers to connect with the area’s captivating history.

Feature	Details
Construction	2nd century AD
Purpose	Roman military outpost
Remains	Barracks, granaries, headquarters
Location	Dramatic hilltop in Lake District

Scenic Highlights

Leaving the Roman Hardknott Fort behind, the tour now turns its focus to the captivating scenic highlights of the central mountains and western fells of the Lake District.

Travelers are treated to awe-inspiring vistas as the mini-coach navigates the steep and winding roads, affording panoramic views of the rugged terrain.

Some of the tour’s most breathtaking sights include:

• The majestic peaks of Scafell and Scafell Pike, towering over the remote and desolate Upper Eskdale valley.
• The serene and mirror-like waters of Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, framed by the dramatic Wasdale screes.
• The undulating slopes and craggy outcrops of the western fells, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Inclusions and Details

The tour includes transport in a small mini-coach and on-board commentary in English, allowing travelers to focus on taking in the breathtaking scenery.

The tour is best suited for children 5 years and older, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. Most travelers can participate in this experience, and the tour provider offers flexible cancellation policies.

If weather conditions are poor or the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, the tour can be rescheduled or a full refund provided.

With over 260 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a well-regarded way to explore the central mountains and western fells of the stunning Lake District.

Cancellation Policy

The tour provider offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing travelers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or an insufficient number of participants, the provider offers the option to reschedule for a different date or receive a full refund.

This policy provides several benefits for travelers:

1. Peace of mind knowing you can get a full refund if plans change.
2. Flexibility to reschedule in case of inclement weather.
3. Assurance that the tour will only run if there are enough participants.

With this cancellation policy, travelers can book the High Mountain Passes Tour with confidence, knowing their investment is protected.

Getting to the Tour

Where is the tour meeting point? The Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour departs from Lake Windermere, a popular destination in the heart of England’s Lake District National Park.

Getting to the tour is easy. Visitors can arrive at the meeting point via a variety of transportation options:

Transportation	Details
Driving	Free parking is available near the departure point. The tour is a short walk from the parking areas.
Train	Windermere train station is just a 10-minute walk from the tour’s meeting location.
Bus	Several bus routes connect Lake Windermere with surrounding cities and towns. The stop is right by the departure point.
Walking	For those staying nearby, it’s an easy walk to the tour start from many accommodations in Windermere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring on the Tour?

For this type of tour, it’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, layers of warm clothing, rain jacket, snacks, water, sun protection, and any necessary medications. Bringing a camera is also advisable to capture the stunning scenery.

Are There Any Stops for Food/Drinks During the Tour?

The tour includes stops for food and drinks throughout the day. There are opportunities to purchase refreshments at various locations along the route, allowing participants to refuel and rehydrate during the excursion.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour. The small-group tour allows ample opportunities to capture the stunning mountain and lake scenery of the Lake District. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to document the scenic highlights.

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?

The tour includes moderate walking around the Hardknott Roman Fort, which takes about 30-45 minutes. While there’s limited walking on the bus routes, visitors should be prepared for some time spent on their feet exploring the scenic views.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour operator offers discounts for children aged 5 and older, but there’s no specific senior discount. Prices may vary depending on the group size and composition. It’s best to check with the operator for the latest pricing information.

Recap

The High Adventure: Full Day Mountain Goat High Mountain Passes Tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District.

Traversing the challenging Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, visitors are treated to sweeping vistas and a glimpse into the region’s rich history at the Hardknott Roman Fort.

This tour offers an exhilarating and immersive adventure for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.