Quick, accessible walks within the southern Lake District

Quick, accessible walks attraction 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 typically difficult fells, fortunately there are many shorter, extra accessible choices out there. So, if the hills aren’t accessible to you, just a bit too daunting, or you’ve 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 recommendations to get you began.

Kendal riverside

This stroll follows the River Kent by the historic city of Kendal, providing a delicate, scenic route. Get pleasure from views of the river and Kendal Citadel as you stroll alongside the banks of the river. It’s a straightforward, nice stroll with loads of spots to cease and recognize the environment, in addition to plenty of bridges the place you may cross, so you can also make this as lengthy or as quick as you would like.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), relying on exactly the place you select to stroll
Issue: Straightforward
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, retailers 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 mentioned to be one among Wainwright’s favourites. The route is way 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 encompassing fells.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Issue: Straightforward to average
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 retailers in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, situated within the coronary heart of Ambleside, provides a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s excellent for households, canine walkers, and people on the lookout 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 aren’t 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 might 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 quick paths throughout the park
Issue: Straightforward
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 quick stroll from the park entrance. There’s a a disc parking system in some elements of Ambleside. You might want to show a parking disc (out there totally free from many retailers) exhibiting your arrival time.
Services: Rothay Park has a kids’s play space, and public bathrooms can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside provides quite a few café and retailers.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands provides a flat, peaceable stroll with stunning views over Morecambe Bay. This straightforward route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with well-kept gardens on one facet and the bay on the opposite. You may prolong it just a little by wandering across the duck pond on the backside finish of Grange. Benches alongside the way in which present loads of alternatives to loosen up 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: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is out there on the Important Road automobile park in Grange-over-Sands.
Services: Public bathrooms and cafés are conveniently situated alongside the promenade.

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a picturesque spot that provides a serene round stroll round a artifical tarn. The trail is large, 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, bear in mind that it might get busy, although.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Issue: Straightforward 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 retailers in close by Coniston and Hawkshead a brief drive away.

Fell Foot Park, situated on the southern tip of Windermere, is a phenomenal spot for a leisurely time out. The park provides a number of quick, accessible walks with scenic lakeside views, open lawns, and wooded areas. The trail working alongside the lake shore is flat while some others are just a little hillier. All are well-maintained, making them splendid for guests of all ages and talents. The image beneath 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 quick routes
Issue: Straightforward
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 web site, together with boat rent for exploring Windermere.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is an excellent vacation spot for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wooden Path provides a brief, straightforward path by the center of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the way in which, you may spot among the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many bushes, including a singular inventive component to your stroll.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Issue: Straightforward
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 numerous trails. The realm can be fashionable with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, situated 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 straightforward and satisfying stroll for all guests. In the event you want to prolong it just a little, you may stroll all the way in which to Ambleside on cheap paths.

Distance: Varied quick lakeside paths
Issue: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved paths appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a pay-and-display automobile park at Waterhead, simply throughout the street 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.

A couple of closing ideas

Regulate the climate because the Lake District could be unpredictable. Examine 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 dangerous climate, simply dangerous clothes!

Additionally preserve 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 offer you the right alternative to discover among the South Lakes in a leisurely means, and at your personal 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 in an effort to elevate your profile, please contact us.