Lakeland Pilgrimage

A Lakeland Pilgrimage – 175 miles, 2-3 weeks, 18,500m ascent – attempt an optional rock scramble, visit one of the ‘natural cathedrals’ or sleep out under the stars.

The route – the result of 20 years of exploration by one man, John Fleetwood – visits seven “natural cathedrals” – natural spires of rock that inspire awe in a way that man-made cathedrals struggle to match. It also takes in seven iconic places of reflection where the spirit is stilled and the surroundings imbue a sense of serenity and stillness. Seven historic hostelries are to be found on the pilgrimage – places that have welcomed travellers over many years and have a rich history. And of course there are many summits, tarns and magnificent viewpoints which form some of the very best of the Lake District and contribute to a richly diverse landscape.

Low-cost hostels along the route – Kentmere; Mosedale Bothy; YHA Patterdale; YHA Helvellyn; Glenridding; Glenridding 2; Mungrisdale; Derwentwater; YHA Keswick; Keswick; YHA Buttermere; Buttermere; Warnscale Head; Dubs Hut; Catbells; Bowder Stone; YHA Borrowdale; Seathwaite; YHA Black Sail; Wasdale; YHA Wasdale Hall; YHA Eskdale; Broughton-in-Furness; YHA Coniston Coppermines; YHA Coniston Holly How; Great Langdale; Rydal; YHA Ambleside; YHA Windermere; Windermere and across region.