Quick, accessible walks within the southern Lake District

Quick, accessible walks enchantment to a variety of individuals, not simply these with mobility points. And while the Lake District is in fact well-known for its dramatic however usually difficult fells, fortunately there are many shorter, extra accessible choices out there. So, if the hills usually are not accessible to you, just a bit too daunting, or you have got 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 ideas to get you began.

Kendal riverside

This stroll follows the River Kent via the historic city of Kendal, providing a delicate, scenic route. Get pleasure from views of the river and Kendal Fortress as you stroll alongside the banks of the river. It’s a simple, nice stroll with loads of spots to cease and respect the environment, in addition to numerous bridges the place you may 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 degree, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There may be time-limited road parking in addition to a number of pay-and-display automobile parks within the city.
Services: Kendal has quite a few cafés, outlets and eating places.

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a brief stroll that rewards you with one of the vital iconic views within the Lake District – certainly, it was stated to be one in all 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 may take pleasure in panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the encircling 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.
Services: There are a number of cafes and outlets in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, positioned within the coronary heart of Ambleside, provides a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s excellent for households, canine walkers, and people in search of a soothing 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 going down (the marquees usually are not usually there), do notice that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You would possibly wish to keep away from this time as it may well get fairly busy. Alternatively, you would possibly wish to take part – parkrun could be very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers in addition to runners.

Distance: Numerous brief paths throughout the park
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is out there on the close by Rydal Highway automobile park, only a brief stroll from the park entrance. There’s a a disc parking system in some components of Ambleside. You have to show a parking disc (out there free of charge from many outlets) exhibiting your arrival time.
Services: Rothay Park has a youngsters’s play space, and public bathrooms can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside provides quite a few café and outlets.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands provides a flat, peaceable stroll with stunning views over Morecambe Bay. This simple route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with well-kept gardens on one aspect and the bay on the opposite. You’ll be able to prolong it somewhat by wandering across the duck pond on the backside finish of Grange. Benches alongside the best way 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 out there on the Essential Avenue automobile park in Grange-over-Sands.
Services: Public bathrooms and cafés are conveniently positioned 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 via a mixture of open landscapes and woodland, you’ll be handled to beautiful views of the encircling fells and the tranquil waters of Tarn Hows. As one of many most-visited magnificence spots within the Lake District, remember that it may well 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 automobile park at Tarn Hows (pay-and-display, free for members).
Services: Public bathrooms can be found close to the automobile park, with cafés and outlets in close by Coniston and Hawkshead a brief drive away.

Fell Foot Park, positioned on the southern tip of Windermere, is a lovely spot for a leisurely time out. The park provides 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 perfect 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: Numerous brief routes
Issue: Simple
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a massive Nationwide Belief automobile park at Fell Foot (pay-and-display, free for members).
Services: 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 provides a brief, simple path via the guts of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the best way, you would possibly spot a number of the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many bushes, 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 massive pay-and-display customer centre automobile park at Grizedale Forest.
Services: On the customer centre, there may be additionally a café, public bathrooms and details about the forest’s varied trails. The realm can also be widespread with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, positioned on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, provides a picturesque lakeside stroll with beautiful views throughout the water. This space is ideal for a delicate stroll alongside the shore, the place you may 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 pleasing stroll for all guests. If you happen to want to prolong it somewhat, you may stroll all the best way to Ambleside on affordable paths.

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

Just a few remaining suggestions

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

Additionally hold an eye fixed out for wildlife, even on these walks. The Lakes are wealthy in wildlife – perhaps take a pair of binoculars with you, simply in case you notice 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. provides luxurious riverside vacation lodging that’s completely positioned between two of the UK’s most stunning Nationwide Parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with a purpose to elevate your profile, please contact us.