Lake District Walks near Windermere
One of the most popular locations in the Lake District, Windermere is close to the attractions of Bowness Bay and within easy walking distance of the longest lake in the UK. Around Bowness, visitors will find a wealth of walks, cycling trails, events and great places to visit for all the family.
Why not combine a boat trip with a walk around the shores of Windermere? There are plenty of picnic spots and places of interest around the lake, and you can also enjoy some of the most stunning countryside in England. Whether you are a keen walker, who relishes the more challenging hikes across the fens, or you prefer a gentle stroll around the lake, you will find plenty of walks in Bowness and Windermere.The Lake District offers a wide variety of low-level routes, challenging mountain hikes, plus lake and ridge walks which suit all ages and abilities.
Short walks in and around Windermere include:
Orrest Head walk
The Orrest Head walk is one of the most popular in the area, and is ideal if you want a short walk to one of the most spectacular regions around Windermere. From Windermere Station, cross over Victoria Street and the A591 (pedestrian crossing). Go uphill where a tarmac lane leads off to the left, signposted Orrest Hill. Follow the lane through Elleray Woods, for about 600 metres. Follow the track which follows. The track then opens up into woodland. Keep following the route uphill. As the views open up, you will see glimpses of Windermere Lake through the trees. At the end of the path go through the kissing gate and the viewpoint and Lake District mountains spread out in front of you. From the summit continue north and follow the path until it comes to a minor road. Turn left and follow the road downhill to the next junction. Look out for the path on the left, which crosses a field and carries on to the woods. This path rejoins the outward route, just before you return to the village.
Millerground and Adelaide Hill walk
This is a great short walk for families, as there are plenty of places to stop on the way, and it also gives the best access to Lake Windermere, along the eastern shore. Access is from the car park on Rayrigg Road, and although there are many ways to walk this route, always start out by following the path from the car park down to the lake shore. The large rock at the edge of the lake, is where Queen Adelaide came ashore on her visit. Continue to the end and turn round at the kissing gate and follow your steps to the jetties. Keep heading north, pass the sailing base and the boathouse and you come to Millerground Cottage. The route then leaves the lake and climbs up some beautiful waterfalls, back to Rayrigg Road. As you follow up Adelaide Hill, you can enjoy some stunning views of the lake below. Keep walking and you will drop down the other side and back to the car park. The whole walk only takes 20 minutes, but if you want to stop off en route and enjoy the scenery, allow an hour for the whole trip.
Post Knott and Brantfell walk
This walk is perfect if you want to start from Bowness Promenade. From here, head back into Bowness Village, then take the first turn on the right past the Village Inn, cross over Kendal Road and head steeply up Brantfell Road. At the top of the road, head through the gate and keep on up the field. A seat about half way up here enables walkers to rest a while and enjoy the scenery. With breathtaking views of Windermere, this is one of the best places to stop en route.
At the next gate turn right, and follow the level path until you reach the view of the north basin of Windermere, which improves as you climb. When you arrive at Post Knott, Brantfell lies just behind it. Cross the stile and follow the cairns to the top, from where you can see almost all of Windermere. Return by either re-tracing your steps or return down the line of cairns, bearing right at the small woods at the foot of the hill.
Cross the stile in the wall ahead and continue down to the field beyond. The path follows down a few steps. At the foot of these steps take the gate on the right. Ignore the farm track which crosses the path and after the next gate, look for a small iron gate in the wall on the right. Don´t take the farm track which crosses the path, and after the next gate, look for a small iron gate in the wall on the right. Enter here and follow the path. Cross the small private road and turn left after the duck pond, across the fields. Pass through 3 kissing gates, and you will come to a gravel path. Follow this around the large house, and head downhill where you will reach a tarmac road. Follow on to Bowness Village.
Wherever you decide to stay in the Lake District, you will find plenty of walking and cycling trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability. Windermere is one of the most popular parts of the lakes to visit, with a vast range of activities, events and places of interest. If you want to make the most of the countryside, enjoy a walk through the fens, the Lake District hills, or hike up a mountain if you are feeling fit!
