High Adventure Mountain Passes & Muncaster Castle from Windermere
Recommended by 98% of travelers
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Windermere, England
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Witness the grandeur of the Lake District’s mountains and western fells on this full-day tour from Windermere. Follow a route first traced by the Romans over the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, two of Britain’s steepest, and pass by Hardknott Roman Fort. Explore Muncaster Castle, enjoy lunch, and admire spectacular views of Wastwater before returning to Windermere.
- Explore the Lake District's high mountain passes from Windermere
- Great views of Scafell Pike, Red Pike, Great Gable, and Wast Water
- Includes entrance fee and lunch at Muncaster Castle
- Travel around in comfort in a Mercedes Sprinter minivan
What's Included
- Transport in a small mini-coach
- On-board commentary in English
- LunchEnjoy a delicous lunch at the Castle
- Entry to the Muncaster Castle, explore the grand state rooms, renowned Library and the Tapestry Room
- Enjoy the daily flying display with owls, falcons, eagles and even vultures!
- 'Have a go' at Axe Throwing, Archery and Crossbows in the Weapons Hall at Muncaster Castle
- Explore the Hawk and Owl Centre, where conservation and environmental education take centre stage.
- Entry to the beautifully landscaped gardens, redesigned in the 18th century
- Visit England's deepest lake, Wastwater
- Driver’s gratuity (Optional)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Windermere Tourist Information CentreVictoria St, Windermere LA23 1AD, UK
What 3 Words - ///treatment.overlaid.hides If arriving by car the best place to park is Broad Street Car Park, LA23 2AB. From here allow at least 15 minutes to walk to the Windermere Information Centre (0.2 miles).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.9:25 am
Itinerary
Leave the Windermere area by comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, and journey to western Lake District. Admire the rugged scenery, and travel through the Langdale Valley, as your guide shares information about the region and its culture.
Ascend both the steep Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, and soak up the spectacular views of the remote fells as you trace the narrow, twisting roads through the peaks. Stop at the ruins of Hardknott Roman Fort at 1,000 feet (304 meters) up on the fells.
Afterward, descend into the Eskdale Valley to Muncaster Castle. Enjoy lunch and explore the castle’s grounds.
Continue on to Wastwater, a beauty spot once voted as commanding ‘Britain’s favorite view.’ Drink in the panoramas that encompass Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, and the surrounding high screes and mountains, including epic Scafell Pike.
The tour ends back at Windermere.
Ascend both the steep Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, and soak up the spectacular views of the remote fells as you trace the narrow, twisting roads through the peaks. Stop at the ruins of Hardknott Roman Fort at 1,000 feet (304 meters) up on the fells.
Afterward, descend into the Eskdale Valley to Muncaster Castle. Enjoy lunch and explore the castle’s grounds.
Continue on to Wastwater, a beauty spot once voted as commanding ‘Britain’s favorite view.’ Drink in the panoramas that encompass Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, and the surrounding high screes and mountains, including epic Scafell Pike.
The tour ends back at Windermere.
Mountain Goat Tours (Pass By)
Great Langdale (Pass By)
Hardknott Roman Fort (Pass By)
Wrynose Pass (Pass By)
1
Muncaster Castle
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Wast Water
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mountain Goat Tours (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Children must be 5 years or older to travel on this tour
- Confirmation is received at the time of booking
- There are toilet stops on route
- Minimal walking is involved
- Our vehicles are not currently wheelchair accessible
- Luggage storage is available at the Windermere Information departure location
- Seats cannot be reserved
- Each passenger must have their own seat
- Please note, the pickup location you have chosen is where you will be collected from. It is not possible to be collected from a different location once chosen. If you are not at the correct pick up location and miss the tour, we cannot offer alternative arrangements.
- What 3 Words - ///treatment.overlaid.hides
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
WingSze_L
Duncan, the tour guide and driver, is very knowledgeable and very devoted in sharing what he knows about Lake District. With his help, we went to many beautiful places in the area. It was a very pleasant trip.
Reviews
4.9
based on 296 reviews
Niki_V, Aug 2025
I really recommend this tour. Duncan was a very knowledgeable guide and excellent driver. Don't drive yourself on these narrow roads. There's lots of traffic and the roads are very steep. Take this tour instead, no stress and enjoy the landscapes.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your strong recommendation! We're glad Duncan provided expert guidance and driving on those narrow, steep roads, making the tour stress-free and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back soon!
The Mountain Goat Team
tjstroik, Sep 2024
The knowledge, experience and humor of our outstanding driver:guide, Tony!
What I liked best is that he didn’t need to talk excessively the whole 8 hours but when we passed points of interests and stops and always answered our questions. Amazing countryside vistas
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Hi tjstroik
Thank you so much for this kind review, Tony is one of our best drivers when it comes to the High Adventure tour! He knows the roads so well and the history of the landscape is always fascinating.
We are so gald you could join us and we hope to see you again soon!
Best Wishes
Mountain Goat
Andrew_D, Jul 2024
We appreciated most the breath-taking views from Wrynose and Hardknott passes, and the skillful driving of our guide round hairpin bends! We had a delicious lunch in the hotel at Boot and enjoyed our trip on the little steam train from Ravenglass.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Hi Andrew
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. Our High Adventure takes a journey through the most challenging roads wit rewarding views you wouldn't usually get to see. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us.
Thank you so much for joining us.
Best Wishes
Mountain Goat
Amelia_N, May 2024
I couldn’t recommend this trip enough. You get to see so much of the lakes in one day & learn about the local area.
Our tour guide Mark P was excellent - he was very informative & accommodating along with a charming charisma . His driving was particularly impressive driving up the steep winding hills.
Such a fun day out with amazing views even In the rain - don't hesitate to book.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hello Amelia_N,
Thank you for this great review. We are so happy to hear that you got to see everything you wanted into a carefully planned day with Mark. Mark loves to make sure his guests feel comfortable and relaxed when journeying through the Lake District on his tours and he will greatly appreciate hearing this review. We hope you can visit us again soon.
Best Wishes,
Mountain Goat
Julie_S, May 2024
The scenery was amazing and the tour guide very friendly and knowledgeable
We were very satisfied with the tour and would highly recommend it
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hello Julie_S,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We always appreciate hearing how our customer's enjoyed their days out with us and we are so happy to hear you loved the exceptional scenery that the Lakes holds. We hope to be able to see you again soon.
Best Wishes,
Mountain Goat
Margit_S, May 2024
The tour had some highs and lows. Firstly and most Importantly, the driver was very good . His knowledge of the region and driving skills were amazing. Views were spectacular !!!
Sadly for some reason we were taken to have a steam train ride, that was not mentioned in the tour itinerary and also i didnt notice any other reviews about it either. So I don't understand why was it added to the tour. I understand the train was old and traditional, but we were put into tiny kid size wagons, that were claustrophobic, dirty and full of bugs and cobwebs. Many previous reviews mention, that there was plenty of photo stops on the road and stop at the castle. However we had only two photo stops (Langdale and Wast water) in whole day and no castle. Instead of wasting around 40 min on waiting the train and riding it, we could had couple of stops for views and photos in the mountains. There were many cars and minivans parking around high passes, so I can't see one reason, why we couldn't have done it. Yes I know it is mentioned that all these passes are pass by, but if we had time for the train, we surely could have had time to really enjoy the mountains.
So for me personally this train thing and lack of stops in the mountain ruined big part of the tour.
Linda_M, May 2024
The views and seeing an area of England that I did not know existed. The country side was spectacular and the guide was very knowledgeable and an excellent driver in difficult terrain.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hello Linda_M,
Thank you for leaving this review. We are so happy to hear that you had a great day with us and got to experience the culture and landscape of the Lake District through the knowledge of our driver guide. We hope we can see you again soon.
Best Wishes,
Mountain Goat
WingSze_L, Apr 2024
Duncan, the tour guide and driver, is very knowledgeable and very devoted in sharing what he knows about Lake District. With his help, we went to many beautiful places in the area. It was a very pleasant trip.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hello WingSze_L,
Thank you for leaving this 5* review. We are so happy to hear that Duncan's knowledge and love for the area helped you enjoy your day in the Lakes with us taking in all of the beauty it has to offer. We hope to be able to see you again in the future.
Best Wishes,
Mountain Goat
Sarah_S, Oct 2023
Great day trip. Driver guide shared interesting and relevant information. Clear commentary, didn’t talk too much. Safe and comfortable driving.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thank you very much for your 5* review and positive comments about our driver guide!
We're happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us.
Joel_H, Sep 2023
Our driver Tony was very knowledgeable and expertly navigated some very bad driving conditions. Delivering everyone safe and sound. The tour was great and obviously we visited many beautiful areas of the lake district, but unfortunately, the weather was terrible, limiting the views and the experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hi Joel
Thank you so much for this review of our High Adventure Tour with our driver guide Tony, we do pride outselves here at Mountain Goat on prioritising safety whilst delivering an informative and entertaining tour, we are glad to hear that Tony took care of you.
We are sorry to hear that the weather wasn't great for you when travelling with us, however, the rain isn't all bad! As without it, we would be more akin to the consequences of a glacier, which doesn't really have the same ring to it!
We hope when you visit again the weather will be better and you can experience The Lakes the brighter way.
We would love to have you join one of our tours again.
Best Wishes
Mountain Goat
Marina_D, Sep 2023
Finally it stopped raining today. It was nice and dry. Had an awesome day traveling on this tour 👍🏽😃
Response from Host, Sep 2023
Hi Marina
Thank you for the 5* review, we are so glad to hear that you had a great time with us on the High Adventure. Our tours are a great way to see the Lake District rain or shine, with our 16-seater Minibuses, making their way through the nooks and crannies of the National Park, especially with rain showers, it gives the scenary an air of gothic mystery! Truly stunning.
We are glad you enjoyed your tour and we hope to be able to see you again.
Best Wishes
Mountain Goat
Andrew_L, Jul 2023
Some of the background stories that went with the views. Views that we wouldn't be able to access ourselves.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
HI Andrew
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review!
We are so happy that we were able to introduce to you the mountain passess of the Lake District on our High Advenutre Tour! So glad you enjoyed.
We hope that we see you again!
Kind Regards
Mountain Goat
anitaespley, Jul 2023
Perfect day exploring the Lakes district. Wonderful to be a passenger rather than the driver. We were given ample time for photo stops, lunch and walk around Muncaster Castle. Driver was excellent, managing challenging roads. Wonderful commentary with humour.
Cheryl_w, Jul 2023
Dave was super knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, the driving skills were also amazing, I would highly recommend
Lisa_H, Jun 2023
The tour was amazing and our guide Elliott could provide us with loads of interesting facts about the area and a lovely sense of humour. He mastered the steep roads and curves without problems! Would absolutely recommend the tour - the magnificent landscape will reward you!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hi Lisa_H,
What a lovely review, thank you! It's great to hear you enjoyed our tour with Elliot and that you would recommend us!
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
Naomi_E, Jun 2023
Jerry showed us the Lake District in a way that we would have been unable to do on our own. He was very knowledgeable (and entertaining) about everywhere we went, and took us to some breathtaking sites. He also provided us with info we didn’t know about Beatrix Potter’s role in keeping the Lake District beautiful and undeveloped.
Melinda_R, May 2023
Wonderful sites, insights, and information about the region. The tour went to places that would have been difficult to impossible to go without a guide. Our guide was not only knowledgeable, he told engaging stories and made the trip enjoyable for all. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Melinda_R,
Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, delighted you enjoyed your experience with us!
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
Marlette_F, May 2023
The spectacular valleys and mountains are breathtaking.
Stops to get out and take it all in are perfect. Our driver/guide Tony was so informative and knowledgeable,with a nice sense of humor.
Do not miss this tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hi Marlette_F,
Thank you for your 5* review of our High Adventure tour, I am pleased you enjoyed the day with Tony.
Best wishes, Mountain Goat
Tanja_K, Apr 2023
Wonderful scenery, great guide, beautiful lakes, enough time to take stunning photos. Enjoyed especially Wastewater, and Hardknott pass.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Hi Tanja,
Thanks for your review, we are also happy to hear that our passengers have enjoyed their journey with us.
Best Wishes,
Mountain Goat Team
Shemina, Oct 2022
Spectacular views and stunning driving from Duncan - oh my word, these guides need to be awarded some sort of DVLA platinum driving status. There were moments on the high narrow slopes when I was nervous but Duncan was zen with bionic skills even leisurely carried on his commentary. I've now been on the 10 Lake tour, the Beatrix Potter tour and now this last high mountain pass tour of the year and I've been totally thrilled with each experience. This tour had stunning views! Our group had lunch at the Brook House Inn where the lunch was really yummy and very reasonably priced. Can't fault the day, tour or guide. Thank you so much!
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hi Shemina,
Thank you for another great review! So pleased to see that you have returned for another tour.
Best Wishes
Mountain Goat
Angelica_A, Oct 2022
The most memorable part of this trip was Wast water.
Was interesting to see the landscapes while was raining heavily.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hello,
thank you for your 5* review, so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your tour despite some wet weather.
Best Wishes,
Mountain Goat
Agnes_B, Oct 2022
We had the most beautiful day in the Cumbria, Lake District. We never been in Lake District so I thought would be wonderful if somebody will show us around. We booked a trip with the Mountain Goat and they took us all around the Lake District. The Driver was amazing. All around the trip he was talking about the sights and was funny as well. We had several stops to take pictures and we had a table booked in a small village at a local pub. The food was great.
Also I would like to highlight the driver's skills , OMG , he was excellent how he drove the mini bus and what roads . 👏
I already recommend to 2 of my friends the full day tour and the Montain Goat company.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hi Agnes,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this wonderful review. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour.
Thanks for recommending our service.
Best Wishes,
Mountain Goat
Zainab_U, Aug 2022
Having enjoyed the ten lakes tour the day before, I had 'high' expectations from this tour and I was not disappointed. Breath-taking scenery and each stop was better than the last. A very well organised and enjoyable tour. Thank you
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Thank you for your great review of our High Adventure tour with our driver guide.
We are so happy to hear that you went on both tours with us and enjoyed both considering your high expectations of this tour.
We hope to see you again soon,
Best wishes
Mountain Goat
Joy_Y, Jul 2022
Excellent trip, but it was very hot at the back of the car, wish the company allows to open all the air conditioning while it’s sunny day during summer.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Thank you for your review of our High Adventure tour,
We appreciate your feedback regarding the air conditioning on the bus, but please keep in mind that not everybody has the same preference, so we try to meet in the middle,
We are glad that you still had an excellent time with us and we hope to see you in the future,
Best wishes
Mountain Goat
MandarKelkar, Apr 2022
We had a great time with Mountain Goat Tours. Tony was our guide, and he was knowledgeable. Overall, the tour was punctual and I would go again with them.
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Hi MandarKelkar,
Thank you for your 5* review, I am pleased to hear you had a great experience with our driver-guide Tony.
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
Fahimeh_B, Apr 2022
I recommend this tour but not with the mountain goat agent. Our van broke in the middle of the road and we stoke for 1:30 hours to arrive for another van, hopefully, there was a hotel near there and we stayed in the lobby. We missed visiting the castle and for this inconvenience, the agency didn't do anything. At least they can offer us a discount or get a free snake or even a coffee to show that they care for their customers but didn't do anything even say a sorry. Our hotel reception said they used to pick up the customer in front of the hotel but they didn't do that for us. We called them about this issue but they said they wouldn't do that and for these 2 tours we paid 40£ just for transportation, however, the drivers were experts especially Peter for ten lake tours. He had a lot of information about many places that was amazing
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Hi Fahimeh_B,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we must say we are naturally disappointed by it however, we are happy you enjoyed the scenery and the areas you visited.
We are sorry for the inconvenience with the vehicle breaking down on tour, however we sent a replacement vehicle as soon as possible which meant the tour could continue. We ensured all passengers were safe, warm and after speaking to your driver-guide, all passengers were offered a drink at the nearby hotel, of which the offered wasn’t taken up.
Unfortunately, as you booked with a third party agent, we do not offer a hotel pick up service. Had you booked directly you would have been eligible for a pick up from the door. We would always advise customers book directly with our local, knowledgeable, friendly customer service team. Our driver-guide was also under the impression you had driven to the starting point, had you asked the driver-guide to drop you back at your hotel on return, I’m certain he would have obligated.
I am pleased to hear you thought the driver-guides were experts and enjoyed the spectacular scenery on offer during the two tours you took with us.
We wish you had raised this review with us before posting on TripAdvisor so we could have tried to rectify the situation somewhat. I am sorry you were left feeling unhappy after your tour experience with us, this is never how we wish for customers to leave our tours.
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
Millymopsmum, Sep 2021
We travelled with Jim who was lovely, informative, funny and most importantly a great driver! We loved the tour and would definitely recommend it.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Thank you for reviewing our High Adventure tour, I am pleased you had a great day with Jim and would recommend us.
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
Susan_T, Sep 2021
The whole trip was amazing. Our tour guide Duncan was very knowledgable and laid back which added to the enjoyment of the tour
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Hi Susan_T
Thank you for your 5* review, I am pleased you had an amazing day with Duncan.
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
Bartosz_S, Sep 2021
Great opportunity to see Lake District from its wild nature. Really loved the Hardknott Pass, even in cloudy weather was impressive. the way how Mark (our driver) went through the steepest and narrowest I have ever seen roads was impressive. :)) great driver, great knowledge and great personality. Thx again for whole trip, I wasn’t bored even for a second. Was few times in Lake District before, but this time I learn few new things about it. Thx again
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Hi Bartosz,
Thank you for your 5* review of our High Adventure tour. I am pleased to read you had a great day with our driver-guide Mark and enjoyed the commentary.
Hope you can join us again.
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
EUIBYUNG_P, Sep 2021
Really glad we made the best choice. A great day out in the Lake District and the weather was absolutely fantastic. Our driver Duncan is very reliable, informative, humorous and knowledgeable. Thank you for his service again. :)
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Thank you for your 5* review, I am pleased you had a fantastic day and enjoyed Duncan's commentary throughout.
Best wishes,
Mountain Goat
From $151.22
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