Lake District mountain passes & Muncaster Castle from Windermere

Two of Britain's steepest roads in one morning, then a medieval castle with lunch and falconry.

A full-day tour from Windermere through the Lake District's most dramatic mountain passes (Wrynose and Hardknott) with stops at Wastwater and the medieval Muncaster Castle. The tour includes entry to the castle, a locally sourced lunch, access to the Weapons Hall for archery and axe throwing, and the daily flying display with owls, falcons and eagles at 2pm. Transport is in a small mini-coach with on-board commentary in English.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Hardknott Roman Fortpassing by
2. Wrynose Passpassing by
3. Muncaster Castle2h · entry included
4. Wastwater10m

Scenic Lake District and Muncaster Castle

• Begin Lake District adventure tour
• Enjoy views of Langdale Valley
• Travel through Wrynose Pass
• Cross Hardknott Pass and Roman fort
• Stop at Wastwater lake
• Lunch and explore Muncaster Castle
• Watch Bird of Prey flying display
• End day exploring Lake District

The experience

The drive starts in Langdale Valley with a photo stop at Blea Tarn, then climbs into Wrynose Pass: a steep, winding road that opens onto views of the surrounding valleys. From there you cross Hardknott Pass, one of Britain's most challenging roads, which descends past the remains of a Roman fort into Eskdale. The road itself is the main event here: narrow, steep enough that hairpin turns are unavoidable, and the kind of route that makes the landscape feel genuinely remote rather than scenic in the usual sense.

After the passes, the tour reaches Wastwater, England's deepest lake, for a brief stop before arriving at Muncaster Castle. Lunch is included and locally sourced. The castle grounds are yours to explore at your own pace: the grand state rooms, the Library and the Tapestry Room are all open. The Weapons Hall lets you try archery, axe throwing and crossbows. At 2pm, the daily flying display happens in the grounds: owls, falcons, eagles and vultures in flight. The whole day runs eight hours from start to finish, with toilet stops built into the route.

Transport is in a small mini-coach with a live guide providing commentary throughout. A multilingual audio guide is available on board (you'll need to bring your own headphones). Seats cannot be reserved, and the pickup location you choose at booking is where you'll be collected. It's not possible to switch locations once booked.

What’s included

• Transport in a small mini-coach with live English commentary.
• entry to Muncaster Castle including the state rooms, Library and Tapestry Room.
• a locally sourced lunch.
• access to the Weapons Hall for archery, axe throwing and crossbows.
• the daily flying display with owls, falcons, eagles and vultures.
• a multilingual audio guide.
• and toilet stops on route.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 Mar 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Mountain Goat Tours

Is this one for you?The morning is spent on two of Britain's steepest mountain passes with hairpin turns and narrow roads, not a leisurely drive, but the kind that makes the landscape feel genuinely remote. If you want the Lake District's most dramatic scenery and don't mind an active, winding route to get there, the castle and its activities make a full day of it without needing to arrange anything separately.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass like to drive?

Both are steep, winding mountain roads in the Lake District. Wrynose Pass reveals views of surrounding valleys as it climbs. Hardknott Pass is known as one of Britain's most challenging roads and descends past a Roman fort into Eskdale. They're narrow with hairpin turns, and the drive itself is the main experience of the morning.

What can I do at Muncaster Castle?

Muncaster Castle includes entry to the grand state rooms, the Library and the Tapestry Room. You can try archery, axe throwing and crossbows in the Weapons Hall. The daily flying display with owls, falcons, eagles and vultures happens at 2pm. Lunch is included with your ticket.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs eight hours from start to finish, including all stops, lunch and the castle visit.

What's included in the price?

Entry to Muncaster Castle, lunch, the Weapons Hall activities (archery, axe throwing, crossbows), the bird of prey display, transport in a small mini-coach, on-board commentary in English, and a multilingual audio guide. Toilet stops are included on route.

Are there any age restrictions?

Children must be at least 5 years old to travel on this tour. Service animals are allowed.

What should I know about pickup?

You'll choose your pickup location at booking, and that's where you'll be collected. It's not possible to change the location once you've booked. If you arrive late, the tour cannot wait. Cancellation charges apply and no refund or alternative is offered.