Guidebook to a 145km (90 mile) circular walking route from Ambleside around the Lake District National Park, visiting all the main valleys and local centres. Described in 9 stages, with 5 high-level alternatives to climb the highest mountains in this World Heritage area. Includes a prologue from Windermere. Suitable for most walkers.

Map key Route summary table Overview map Alternative schedules Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Landscape and geology Plants and wildlife Farming History and culture The Tour of the Lake District Planning your Tour When to go How to get there Local transport Accommodation Equipment Maps and apps Navigation and safety Using this guide The Tour of the Lake District Prologue Windermere to Ambleside Stage 1 Ambleside to Coniston Stage 2 Coniston to Eskdale Stage 2A Coniston to Eskdale: high-level route Stage 3 Eskdale to Wasdale Stage 3A Eskdale to Wasdale: high-level route Stage 4 Wasdale to Buttermere Stage 4A Wasdale to Buttermere: high-level route Stage 5 Buttermere to Keswick Stage 5A Buttermere to Keswick: high-level route Stage 6 Keswick to Rosthwaite Stage 7 Rosthwaite to Grasmere Stage 8 Grasmere to Patterdale Stage 8A Grasmere to Patterdale: high-level route Stage 9 Patterdale to Ambleside Appendix A Useful contacts Appendix B Accommodation Appendix C Facilities table Appendix D Place names Appendix E Further reading and resources