Hassness - the best of the Lake District  7000

Walking in the footsteps of the great Alfred Wainwright.

The English Lake District must be one of the most beautiful and dramatic walking areas in this country. A compact area of rugged mountainsides, high summits and open ridges, lakes and lakeside paths, it provides a great variety of wonderful walks for everyone, from the gentle ambler to high peak hiker.

We'll visit some of the more famous mountains and others just as beautiful but less well known. Peaks with intriguing names can be reached from the house and can literally be the high points of the walking programme. We won't run out of possible walks, magnificent views or panoramic skylines.

On some dates we organise leisurely walks at the easiest end of our holiday grade, on others some of the toughest in our programme.

Meals: Most meals are included each day (excluding Tuesdays, when dinner can be taken in one of Buttermere's village pubs) and whenever possible, we'll use local produce. Picnic lunches are included on days including a guided walk.

Accommodation: Hassness House, Buttermere. Hassness is beautifully located in its own extensive Western Lake District grounds. Hassness House sits in a clearing in some woodland; there aren't any real fences around so you can find sheep grazing the grounds and red squirrels scurrying around the place. It is one of the remotest parts of the Lake District, has been recognised as offering some of Britain's best views, and is a perfect starting point for some truly remarkable days in the hills.

You can walk the mile into Buttermere village (a tiny hamlet) for a drink or something to eat at one of the two pubs, but otherwise you can just get away from it all.

There's no TV, no phones in the rooms, and mobile reception is dire. You have to talk to one another, read a book, or simply enjoy one of the most dramatic vantage points in the world. The madding crowds don't come anywhere nearby, and the hills around here are generally less well stomped than the more readily accessible peaks. And the food's great.

Accommodation is in twin and single rooms with hot and cold water and the showers are just down the hall. (Number of rooms: 12)

Travel: Please note that any local transportation costs to and from trailheads are not included. To reduce local costs in getting to and from the walks, we may ask those taking their cars to Hassness to assist in transportation and to offer their walking companions a lift to and from the trailheads. Nearest railway station: Penrith (40 miles). Nearest bus station: Keswick (9 miles).

Supplementary Information: Holiday Types

Family Walking Adventures

Bring the family and join us for a series of half day mystery walks where you'll find the next stage of the route from clues found along the way. Nothing too strenuous (and your Leader will be on hand to make sure you can't go too far wrong) plus a series of activities for more adventure and discovery from this wild and wonderful lakeside base. See our Family Walking Adventures brochure or visit www.ramblersfamilyadventures.co.uk for further details.

Vegetarian Walking

In July and October we're offering departures for those with a taste for good and imaginative home-cooked veggie food after a day out in the hills. Paula and Mickey look forward to sharing some of their specialities with you.