Join this 3-day Lake District Explorer trip and discover how and why this gorgeous area has inspired England's greatest poets and writers. Visit the lakes and mountains of Cumbria, the standing stones of Castlerigg, and other sites of natural beauty. Detailed Itinerary Day 1 Depart Edinburgh at 8:45 AM and head south through the Scottish Borders area. Take in the gorgeous rolling expanses of the Galloway Hills and Southern Uplands as you travel to the first stop of the day, the Victorian spa town of Moffat. From Moffat you’ll continue south over the border into England and head to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. Enjoy lunch and explore the imposing ruins of Penrith Castle. This uniquely colored castle played a key role in defending the border from invading Scots. After lunch you'll enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. Often described as England’s most beautiful lake, it’s here you’ll enjoy a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force Waterfall. Continue towards Keswick, stopping outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg Standing Stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and once a hub of ancient pagan rituals. Head into the lively market town of Keswick where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, with free time to explore the charming town. Note that in July and early August your accommodation may be in Windermere. Day 2 After breakfast, you'll take in views of Ullswater Lake as you head along country roads to its southern shores. Continue farther south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass toward lovely Lake Windermere. You’ll have the option of taking a leisurely cruise on the lake or enjoying lunch and the sublime views of the surrounding area. Following lunch you’ll travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on toward Coniston Water. The next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After exploring the cozy village, you’ll take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as the loveliest spot that man hath found. There will be free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon, return to Keswick for your overnight stay. Day 3 You’ll be picked up at your accommodation and head to the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes that the Lake District has to offer. The drive takes you along winding lanes, through the rural village of High Lorton, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere and toward the Honister Mountain Pass. Stopping in the mountains, you’ll have the opportunity to visit old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living. After refreshments, the drive continues through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there will be free time for lunch and shopping. After lunch, you’ll begin the return journey, heading toward Penrith and north to the border. After crossing into Scotland you’ll stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From there it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills back to Edinburgh. Note that on Day 3 you have the option of being dropped off at Penrith train station in the afternoon if you are continuing to London or other points south.