Walks in the Area

Once you’ve read through our suggested routes, head to the National Trust website for the
most up-to-date information and terrain cautions surrounding the area before heading out on
any adventures!

Walks in Ambleside

The Champion Tree trail

APPROX 0.8 MILES

This circular route takes you through the Skelghyll Woods, and through some of the tallest trees in Cumbria and England, the walk-in total is just under a mile and will take around 45-minutes to complete. To start the trailhead to the car park for Stagshaw Gardens and look uphill from there you will see a metal sign saying ‘Skelghyll Woods’. At this sign take the right-hand footpath into the woods. The Champion Tree Trail is an easy route with easy-to-spot posts with tree symbols to assist in navigation.

The Common Wood Walk

APPROX 1.4 MILES

This is a tranquil route that overlooks the bustling town of Windemere and is a great walk for those looking to enjoy a stroll through the old oak trees. The view over the lake certainly makes the walk worth it!

Walks in Bowness & Winderemere

Orrest Head

APPROX 3.5 MILES

There are a number of ways up Orrest Head, almost all of which are straightforward, easy walks with clear signage. We recommend starting your walk by heading along Lake Road to the Northeast of Bowness towards Windermere and heading through the junction at Church Street. Head to the signposted track that can be found opposite the NatWest and keep to the left. From there keep an eye out for the signposts along the route and follow these all the way to the top
of the hill!

Cockshott point and ferry nab Circular

APPROX 1.2 MILES

This is one of our favourite short routes in Bowness and is a great easy stroll at any time of day! The circular route is a short, flat trail that is also part of the Miles Without Stiles routes so a great spot to head to, to enjoy a view of the lake without having to head out onto the rocky shore.

Bowness Circular

APPROX 4 MILES

To explore the area immediately surrounding Bowness, this circular walk is just perfect. There’s an extended section along a busy road (with pavement) but otherwise, this is a lovely route that experiences both the bustling town hub and the quieter countryside.

Walks in Cartmel

Cartmel Peninsula Circular Walk

APPROX 6.5 MILES

Enjoy a scenic circular walk around the Cartmel Peninsula, taking in breathtaking views of Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside.

Holker Hall and Gardens

APPROX 2 MILES

Explore the beautiful grounds of Holker Hall, a historic country house, and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque gardens.

Hampsfell Hospice Walk

Climb Hampsfell to reach the iconic Hampsfell Hospice, offering panoramic views of the Lake District, Morecambe Bay, and the Yorkshire Dales.

Cartmel Fell Circular Walk

APPROX 5 MILES

Discover the peaceful and scenic Cartmel Fell area on this circular walk, passing through charming villages and enjoying stunning views of the surrounding fells.

Finsthwaite Heights

Explore the scenic woodlands and rolling hills of Finsthwaite Heights, enjoying the tranquility and wildlife of this picturesque area.

Grange-over-Sands Promenade

APPROX 3 MILES

Take a gentle stroll along the promenade at nearby Grange-over-Sands, enjoying the views across Morecambe Bay and the charming Edwardian architecture.

Cistercian Way

Follow a section of the Cistercian Way, a long-distance walking trail that passes through the Lake District, including parts near Cartmel, offering a variety of landscapes and historic sites.

Eggerslack Woods

APPROX 2 MILES

Wander through the enchanting Eggerslack Woods, known for their vibrant bluebells in spring and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely walk.

Walks in Grasmere

Dora's Field

Dora’s Field, also known as The Rash Field, is a great spot to visit for the less experienced walker or a rambler looking for a gentle break from the hills of the Lake District! A wander around the well-loved field, found next to the churchyard of St Mary’s Church at Rydal, at your own pace is an excellent way to spend an hour or so taking a break from the hustle and bustle of Grasmere.

Helm Crag

APPROX 3.5 MILES

Helm Crag, also well known as the ‘Lion and the Lamb’, while not one of the biggest of the Lakeland fells is one of the best know Lakelands fells.

Helm Crag takes you on a short but steep walk requiring moderate effort, the walk is a great introduction to hiking in the Lakes, and the awesome views over Grasmere and Far Easdale at the summit are certainly worth the effort!

Silver How

APPROX 2.8 MILES

Looming over Grasmere as part of the Blea Rigg ridge, the backbone that bisects Grasmere from Langdale, Silver How is the perfect spot to enjoy the sprawling views of the area along with other curious sites such Wray Gill or Allen Bank, a Georgina villa perched on the hillside which was once home to William Wordsworth.

Rydal Water

APPROX 5.5 MILES

While Rydal Water is on the smaller side when compared with the many other bodies of water in the Lake District, it is no less beautiful. Sitting at the foot of Loughrigg Fell, we’d suggest that the best way to observe Rydal Water is by combining this route with part of the circular walk from Grasmere, along the lake.

Loughrigg

APPROX 5 MILES

Loughrigg, despite its size, is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Lake District! It is famously known as one of Wainwright’s ‘midget mountains’ being more of a sprawling ‘bump’ rather than a mountain as you would expect from one of Wainwright’s iconic rambles.

Loughrigg Tarn Circuit

APPROX 1.7 MILES

The Loughrigg Tarn Circuit is a great circular walk for walkers and cyclists of all levels of skill leading from Skelwith Bridge.

The circuit route starts from Skelwith Bridge Hotel and follows a level country pathway, that is maintained by the National Trust, bracketed by wildflowers and (during summer months) waterlilies when circling the tiny tarn. The route is a fairly easy climb to the higher points which are well worth the exploration and is well known as being a favourite of William Wordsworth.

Lakeside Walk - Grasmere Lakeshore

APPROX 4 MILES

Sitting just to the South of Grasmere village this lake, like many of the other walks we have listed, was a particular favourite of William Wordsworth who took great inspiration from the abundance of natural beauty surrounding his Cumbria home. This charm holds true to the time and the lakeside walk is a particular favourite for visitors and locals alike.