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 after all well-known for its dramatic however usually 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 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 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 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 a variety of bridges the place you possibly can cross, so you may 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
Problem: 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 automotive parks within the city.
Amenities: Kendal has quite a few cafés, outlets 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 stated to be considered one of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is far more accessible than it was (significantly near the summit) and takes you thru woodland earlier than reaching the highest the place you possibly can take pleasure in panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the encompassing fells.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Problem: Simple 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.
Amenities: 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 on the lookout for a soothing stroll. The park is ready 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 notice that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You may wish to keep away from this time as it will probably 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 throughout the park
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is accessible 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. It’s essential show a parking disc (out there free of charge from many outlets) exhibiting your arrival time.
Amenities: Rothay Park has a youngsters’s play space, and public bogs 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 possibly can prolong it a bit of 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)
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is accessible on the Foremost Road automotive park in Grange-over-Sands.
Amenities: Public bogs and cafés are conveniently positioned alongside the promenade.

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a picturesque spot that provides a serene round stroll round a artifical tarn. The trail is vast, 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 gorgeous 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 will probably get busy, although.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Problem: Simple for essentially 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 bogs can be found close to the automotive 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 good looking 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 operating alongside the lake shore is flat while some others are a bit of hillier. All are well-maintained, making them superb 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 brief routes
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a massive Nationwide Belief automotive park at Fell Foot (pay-and-display, free for members).
Amenities: A café, public bogs 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, simple path by the center 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 singular inventive aspect to your stroll.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a massive pay-and-display customer centre automotive park at Grizedale Forest.
Amenities: On the customer centre, there may be additionally a café, public bogs and details about the forest’s varied trails. The world can be in style with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, positioned on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, provides a picturesque lakeside stroll with gorgeous 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 straightforward and gratifying stroll for all guests. In the event you want to prolong it a bit of, you possibly can stroll all the way in which to Ambleside on cheap paths.

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

A couple of closing ideas

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

Additionally maintain a watch 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 see one thing. We hope these routes offer you the proper alternative to discover a number of the South Lakes in a leisurely manner, 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 with a view to increase your profile, please contact us.