The picturesque town of Windermere, situated in the Lake District National Park, is a popular walking location for visitors. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then there are plenty of opportunities to head to the hills and take in the views and enjoy a moderate lakeside ramble. Here’s our list of the best walks in Windermere for everyone to enjoy!
Orrest Head
Orrest Head, the first fell climbed by the famous hill-walker and author, Alfred Wainwright.
The start point of this 2.5 mile ramble is beside the Windermere Hotel and takes you up to the summit on a twisting lane. The walk carries on through pretty fields and by following the woodland trail, you will eventually emerge at the Orrest Head viewpoint. When the sun is shining, the spectacular sight of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells certainly do not disappoint. Orrest Head is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
School Knott
School Knott is the circular walk you need to try. The starting point is close to the Orrest Head starting point. You will soon be clambering up a grassy, steep hillside to make it to the top of School Knott. Make sure to take in the view of Lake Windermere and the Langdale Pikes- it’s one to capture in your memory. When reaching the top of the Knott, the route then follows a track that borders round the base of the hill, which soon returns you to the idyllic town of Windermere.
The Windermere Way
The Windermere Way is a circular walk that takes you all the way around the stunning lake of Windermere. The route includes most of the accessible lake shore paths together with climbs of all the high points around the lake. Lake Windermere is the largest of all the lakes in the Lake District and the largest in England. At 45 miles long, you’ll be sure to be surrounded by some stunning and varied scenery. The best way to tackle The Windermere Way is dividing the path into four-day walks:
- Bowness to Waterhead
- Waterhead to Ferry House
- Ferry House to Lakeside
- Lakeside to Bowness Bay
Please note! The Windermere Way is not for the faint hearted.
Did you know there is 18 YHA‘s located in the Lake District? Perfect accommodation for your rambling antics.
Discover more about YHA.Â
