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. The view from the summit has inspired many, including the famous walker Alfred Wainwright.
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 are 18 YHA‘s located in the Lake District? Perfect accommodation for your rambling antics.
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Langdale Pikes
For those craving a more challenging exploration, a hike up the Langdale Pikes is sure to getting your adrenaline pumping. Located just a short drive from Windermere, this hike leads you through remote terrain, with some moderate scrambling towards the summit. When you reach the top of the fell, make sure to take in the beautiful view over the Windermere Valley, the Langdale Valley, and beyond.
Lake Windermere
No trip to Windermere is complete without a gentle ramble along Lake Windermere. The Lake Windermere west shore walk takes you along the water’s edge, providing a serene route with lovely views of the lake, surrounding fells, and charming villages like Bowness-on-Windermere.
Brant Fell
If you’re looking for a slightly longer, more serene walk with less foot traffic, Brant Fell is a great option. Brant Fell provides another incredible view point over the lake and surrounding fells. The walk begins in the village of Bowness and steadily ascends, winding through enchanted woodland before opening up to views that seem to stretch for miles. A perfect spot to snap a photo!
The Dales Way
Stretching across the Lake District, the Dales Way is an 80-mile path, but you can choose to take on sections of it for shorter rambles. The stretch from Windermere to Bowness is especially scenic, offering lakeside views, rolling hills, and charming villages along the way. The perfect route to take if you want to stop off for a cuppa along the way.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District and its clear why. You are greeted with breath-taking views of the surrounding hills, tarns and woodlands. The walk around Tarn Hows is short, flat and is ideal for families, dog walkers, and those seeking a gentle route with plenty of photo opportunities. Make sure to tag us in your photos using #YHANatureChallenge.
Glenridding and Helvellyn
If you're up for a more demanding, yet a very rewarding journey, the route from Glenridding to Helvellyn offers amazing, high-altitude walks. Helvellyn is one of the most popular mountains in the Lake District, with fantastic views at the top. The route is more advanced and involves some steep climbs, but it’s a must for experienced walkers and those looking for a proper challenge.
Whatever walk you choose in Windermere, make YHA Windermere your chosen accommodation base.
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