The Northern Fells, Standing Stones, and an Epic Via Ferrata

Your first stop of the day is the mysterious Castlerigg Stone Circle, the purpose of which has baffled archaeologists and historians for centuries. Built around 3000 BC, this Neolithic monument is one of the earliest examples of a stone circle in Britain and was probably either a gathering place for religious ceremonies or a trading centre. Whatever its function, Castlerigg is the most dramatically situated stone circle in all of the UK with the peaks of Helvellyn and High Seat providing an atmospheric backdrop.
The site is managed by English Heritage but entry is free to all, and there is convenient on-road parking beside the entrance gate. Castlerigg is open during daylight hours all year round. For more information, visit the official website.

Home of the world's first pencil, the Derwent Pencil Museum is a fun and quirky addition to your day. The Keswick area was once renowned for its graphite mines, and traditionally Cumbrian farmers used this dark mineral to mark their sheep! Pencil making took off back in the Elizabethan Age, and Keswick soon became famous for creating the best pencils in the world. Inside the museum, there are secret spy pencils from World War II to discover, as well as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pencil, and even an 8-metre long pencil, which is one of the largest on the planet.
For prices and more information, check out the Derwent Pencil Museum website. There is a car park on site.
Derwent Pencil Museum Open Hours: Daily: 09:30 - 17:00 (1 April - Oct 2022)

Drive alongside Derwent Water on the beautiful Borrowdale road and turn off towards Ashness Bridge, which is your next stop.
This car park is owned by the National Trust so members can park for free. Visit the official website for non-member prices. There is limited mobile phone signal here so make sure you have some cash as card and phone payments are not possible.

Ashness Bridge often appears on photographic calendars sold throughout the UK, but as it's a little off the beaten track, few visitors ever get to see it in person. This traditional packhorse bridge boasts stunning views all year round, and you can scramble along the rocky river banks for all the best camera angles.
You'll have passed the bridge on your way up to the car park, so to reach it just walk back down the road.

As the name suggests, this is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park and being hidden away on the forested mountain slopes, it offers a pleasant surprise to the unsuspecting hiker.
To reach Surprise View from Ashness Bridge, just walk back up the lane past the parking area, and continue until you come across a small clearing on your right. There are plenty of rocky perches where you can contemplate Derwent Water in all its glory.

Return to the car park and drive on to your next destination.

Strap in for an adventure on the cliffs of Honister Pass as you take on the jaw-dropping via ferrata. Under the watchful eye of your instructor, you'll traverse the mountainside using steel cables and courage! Don't worry, you'll be secure at all times, so remember to enjoy those views. If you don't fancy wobbling across rope bridges and climbing rock faces, there are other activities at Honister, including mine tours and hiking.
To book your via ferrata or mine tour, visit the Honister Slate Mine website. The minimum age for the via ferrata is 10 years, and participants must be at least 1.3 metres. Safety equipment is provided, but please dress in outdoor clothing - sturdy footwear and waterproofs are highly recommended.
There is a panoramic cafe at the mine which is the perfect place for lunch. You might want to leave eating until after your adrenaline-filled via ferrata experience.

Buttermere is one of the most beautifully situated villages in the national park, accessed by an equally scenic mountain drive. The roads are narrow in places, but there are plenty of passing spots so don't worry if you're not used to this sort of driving. Pop into the quaint church of St. James which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the village and valley. The current building dates to 1840 and features a wrought iron 'Shepherd's Gate' at the entrance. Pop inside and see if you can find the stone memorial to the famous walker and guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright.
There is free roadside parking at the bottom of Newlands Pass, just up from the church. Very occasionally, the pass may be closed during heavy winter snowfall, so do check the forecast before setting out. There will be signs up if the road is closed.

Head down into the village, and make your way to the shore of Buttermere.
To reach the lake, turn down the lane before the Bridge Hotel, and follow the track to the left of the Buttermere Court Hotel. This will take you to the water and small pebble beach. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the terrain is uneven in places.

On reaching the lake you'll be rewarded with show-stopping views across the water, looking back towards Honister Pass where you've just driven. You can continue on the trail along the southern edge of the lake for superb panoramas of Buttermere and the surrounding mountains. On a calm day, the reflections are mirror-like making this a favourite spot with photographers. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery.

After returning to your car, it's time for a breath-taking drive over Newlands Pass. This three-mile-long route twists and turns through the stunning Newlands Valley, linking Buttermere with Keswick. This remote area offers up quintessential Lake District countryside views, with rural farms scattered about the valley floor and sheep grazing the steep mountainsides. Stop at the top of the pass and check out the plunging Moss Force Waterfall, which you can see from the road. There is a short hiking path to the base if you want to feel the spray on your face.
There are several free parking spaces at the top of the pass.

Back in Keswick, check into your accommodation for the night, which despite being located in the heart of town comes with private off-road parking. Freshen up and get ready for dinner out in Keswick.

The Fellpack offers a warm and friendly Cumbrian welcome, with an eclectic menu centred on local and international flavours. The convivial vibe makes for a relaxing evening out, and it's a favourite with locals so you know it's going to be good.
To reserve a table and check out the menu, visit the Fellpack website, or call 01768 774999.
Fellpack Open Hours: Monday - Saturday: from 17:00. Food is served until 21:00.

After another day of adventure it's time to rest, so head back to your guest house and recharge ready for tomorrow.