Windermere walks in the Lake District
Windermere is one of the best locations in the Lake District for walking, hiking, climbing, boating or relaxing, and if you enjoy outdoor pursuits, there is no better place to come. From the long coastal walk, only undertaken by serious walkers, to the short scenic walks around the shores of Windermere, visitors will find plenty of trails and routes to suit all levels of fitness and ability. Highly recommended shorter Windermere walks include:
The Orrest Head Walk
Cross over Victoria Street and the pedestrian crossing. Carry on uphill to a tarmac lane which leads off to the left. Follow signs for Orrest Hill. Follow the lane through Elleray Woods, for around 600 metres, and then carry on along a rough track through woodland. Follow the obvious route uphill and enjoy the brief glimpses of Windermere through the trees. Go through Kissing Gate and the viewpoint offers spectacular views in front of you. From the top, continue north and follow the path until it comes to a small road. Turn left and follow the road downhill to the next junction. Where you see a path on the left, follow this to the woods. The path will then rejoin the outward route, and return to the village.
Millerground and Adelaide Hill Walk
If you are visiting with the family, the Millerground and Adelaide Hill Walks offer great access to Windermere, along its eastern shore, and the best place to start is along the path from the Rayrigg Road Car Park down to the lake shore. Keep your eyes open for a large rock at the edge of the lake, where Queen Adelaide came ashore on her visit. Keep going round to the end, and retrace your steps to the jetty. Head north and pass the sailing base and boathouse until you come to Millerground Cottage. The route then passes the beautiful Millerground Waterfalls and back to Rayrigg Road. Keep going along the top and drop down the other side back to the car park. The whole walk takes about 20 minutes, but give yourself 30 minutes to take in the views. If you want to make a day of it, stop off en route at one of the popular picnic stops.
Post Knott and Brantfell Walks Windermere
From the promenade at Bowness, head north and go back to Bowness Village, then take the first turn right past the Village Inn. Cross the Kendal road and head up the steep route to Brantfell Road. When you reach the top, go through the gate and carry on up the field. Relax on the seat half way up the route, and enjoy magnificent views over Windermere. At the next gate turn right and follow the level path.
From here you can enjoy even better views of Windermere, as you glimpse it through the Beech trees. The path will then take you through another gate and then up a small rise, to show the southern part of Windermere.From Post Knott, cross the stile and follow the cairns to the top, which will take you towards Brantfell. Return by retracing your steps or go back down the line of the cairns, keeping right at the foot of the hill.
Cross the stile in the wall ahead, and keep on down to the woods at the foot of the hill. Cross the stile in the wall ahead and keep on going to the field beyond. The path will then follow down a few steps. At the bottom of the steps, take the gate on the right, ignoring the farm track which crosses the path. At the small iron gate on the wall, turn right and follow the obvious path. Cross the small private road and turn left after the duck pond, heading across the fields. Pass three more kissing gates, and you will reach a gravel path. Follow this around the house and downhill until you reach a tarmac road. Follow on to Bowness Village.
Windermere boasts some of the most scenic walks in the Lake District, and wherever you choose to stay in the region, England´s longest lake is easily accessible. Make the most of your stay by booking into one of the boutique hotels, spa hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation in and around Windermere.
