Cumbria - The Mountain Goat & Settle Railway

ITINERARY

Monday - Morning departure from Dorset with comfort stops as appropriate, to arrive Newby Bridge for a welcome hot drink and porterage. After settling in enjoy dinner which often uses ingredients grown in the hotel gardens.

Tuesday - Mountain Goat Tours uses high quality 16 seater minibuses to get tourists to the places larger coaches can not reach. Today you will enjoy an "off-the-beaten-track" journey through such inaccessible places as Borrowdale - Honister Pass and slate mine - Buttermere - Crummock Water - Loweswater - Bassenthwaite. Expect narrow mountain roads, twisting turns, steep gradients and sheer drops plus a few surprises along the way.

Wednesday - Visit Levens Hall near Kendal, a private family home originating from the 1300s and developing into a grand family home over 700 years. It houses beautiful antique furniture, fine oak panelling, ornate plasterwork, clocks and paintings. We are treated to a private guided tour. The 10 acre gardens contain the worlds oldest topiary, a romantic orchard, stunning borders, roses, wildflowers and much more. Later this afternoon we shall call into the pretty medieval village of Cartmell with its craft shops and imposing priory church.

Thursday - Drive to Carlisle and board a mainline train to travel across the iconic railway route from Carlisle to Settle - a journey that will have you reaching for your camera. 72 miles, 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas including a crossing of the iconic Ribbleshead Viaduct.
Arrive in Settle 1hr 40 mins later with time to enjoy a little sightseeing while the coach catches up.
Return to the hotel later that afternoon.

Friday - Homewards bound after breakfast with many an exciting tale to tell the folks at home. Return to Dorset by early evening.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner