Brief, accessible walks within the southern Lake District

Brief, accessible walks attraction to a variety of individuals, not simply these with mobility points. And while the Lake District is after all well-known for its dramatic however usually difficult fells, fortunately there are many shorter, extra accessible choices obtainable. So, if the hills are usually not accessible to you, just a bit too daunting, or you might have toddlers or pushchairs in tow, don’t fear, there’s nonetheless loads of different choices to select from. And right here’s a handful of options to get you began.

Kendal riverside

This stroll follows the River Kent by the historic city of Kendal, providing a mild, scenic route. Get pleasure from views of the river and Kendal Fort as you stroll alongside the banks of the river. It’s a simple, nice stroll with loads of spots to cease and admire the environment, in addition to quite a lot of bridges the place you possibly can cross, so you can also make this as lengthy or as brief as you would like.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), relying on exactly the place you select to stroll
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Paved and stage, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There may be time-limited road parking in addition to a number of pay-and-display automotive parks within the city.
Amenities: Kendal has quite a few cafés, retailers and eating places.

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a brief stroll that rewards you with probably the most iconic views within the Lake District – certainly, it was mentioned to be one among Wainwright’s favourites. The route is rather more accessible than it was (significantly near the summit) and takes you thru woodland earlier than reaching the highest the place you possibly can get pleasure from panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the encompassing fells.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Issue: Simple to reasonable
Accessibility: Some steep sections, however a well-maintained path
Parking: There may be time-limited parking on the streets in Windermere and pay-and-display parking Windermere railway station.
Amenities: There are a number of cafes and retailers in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, situated within the coronary heart of Ambleside, affords a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s excellent for households, canine walkers, and people searching for a calming stroll. The park is about alongside the banks of the River Rothay, offering beautiful riverside views, open grassy areas, and well-maintained paths. Pictured right here when an occasion was happening (the marquees are usually not usually there), do be aware that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You may wish to keep away from this time as it could get fairly busy. Alternatively, you may wish to take part – parkrun may be very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers in addition to runners.

Distance: Varied brief paths inside the park
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is on the market on the close by Rydal Highway automotive park, only a brief stroll from the park entrance. There’s a a disc parking system in some elements of Ambleside. You must show a parking disc (obtainable totally free from many retailers) exhibiting your arrival time.
Amenities: Rothay Park has a kids’s play space, and public bathrooms can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside affords quite a few café and retailers.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands affords a flat, peaceable stroll with lovely views over Morecambe Bay. This simple route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with well-kept gardens on one facet and the bay on the opposite. You may prolong it somewhat by wandering across the duck pond on the backside finish of Grange. Benches alongside the way in which present loads of alternatives to calm down and take within the surroundings. Afterwards, why not go to close by Holker Corridor and Gardens (a brief drive away) the grounds of that are additionally largely accessible.

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is on the market on the Fundamental Road automotive park in Grange-over-Sands.
Amenities: Public bathrooms and cafés are conveniently situated alongside the promenade.

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a picturesque spot that gives a serene round stroll round a artifical tarn. The trail is huge, undulating, and well-maintained, making it accessible for many guests. As you stroll by a mixture of open landscapes and woodland, you’ll be handled to beautiful views of the encompassing fells and the tranquil waters of Tarn Hows. As one of many most-visited magnificence spots within the Lake District, remember that it could get busy, although.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Issue: Simple for probably the most half, however with some inclines
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a Nationwide Belief automotive park at Tarn Hows (pay-and-display, free for members).
Amenities: Public bathrooms can be found close to the automotive park, with cafés and retailers in close by Coniston and Hawkshead a brief drive away.

Fell Foot Park, situated on the southern tip of Windermere, is a gorgeous spot for a leisurely day trip. The park affords a number of brief, accessible walks with scenic lakeside views, open lawns, and wooded areas. The trail working alongside the lake shore is flat while some others are somewhat hillier. All are well-maintained, making them best for guests of all ages and skills. The image under of the southern finish of the lake is definitely taken from Gummer’s Howe which, though not an enormous fell, is a bit more difficult and never fairly so readily accessible.

Distance: Varied brief routes
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a giant Nationwide Belief automotive park at Fell Foot (pay-and-display, free for members).
Amenities: A café, public bathrooms and picnic areas can be found on website, together with boat rent for exploring Windermere.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is a superb vacation spot for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wooden Path affords a brief, simple path by the guts of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the way in which, you may spot a number of the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many timber, including a novel creative component to your stroll.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a giant pay-and-display customer centre automotive park at Grizedale Forest.
Amenities: On the customer centre, there may be additionally a café, public bathrooms and details about the forest’s numerous trails. The world can also be well-liked with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, situated on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, affords a picturesque lakeside stroll with beautiful views throughout the water. This space is ideal for a mild stroll alongside the shore, the place you possibly can benefit from the calming ambiance of the lake, watch the boats, and even take a cruise on Windermere. The trail is flat and accessible, making it a simple and fulfilling stroll for all guests. In case you want to prolong it somewhat, you possibly can stroll all the way in which to Ambleside on cheap paths.

Distance: Varied brief lakeside paths
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved paths appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a pay-and-display automotive park at Waterhead, simply throughout the street from the lake.
Amenities: Waterhead has a number of cafés and pubs alongside the lakeshore, in addition to public bathrooms. You may also discover boat rent and cruises departing from the pier.

A number of last suggestions

Regulate the climate because the Lake District might be unpredictable. Test the forecast earlier than setting off and ensure you have applicable clothes and footwear. Bear in mind the outdated adage… there’s no such factor as dangerous climate, simply dangerous clothes!

Additionally hold a watch out for wildlife, even on these walks. The Lakes are wealthy in wildlife – possibly take a pair of binoculars with you, simply in case you see one thing. We hope these routes give you the right alternative to discover a number of the South Lakes in a leisurely approach, and at your individual tempo.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is a Director of Kendal Vacation Cottages Ltd.. Kendal Vacation Cottages Ltd. affords luxurious riverside vacation lodging that’s completely positioned between two of the UK’s most lovely Nationwide Parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog in an effort to increase your profile, please contact us.