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 after all well-known for its dramatic however usually difficult fells, fortunately there are many shorter, extra accessible choices accessible. So, if the hills will not be 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 recommendations to get you began.

Kendal riverside

This stroll follows the River Kent by the historic city of Kendal, providing a mild, scenic route. Take pleasure in 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 admire the environment, in addition to a lot of bridges the place you may cross, so you can also make this as lengthy or as brief as you want.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), relying on exactly the place you select to stroll
Problem: Straightforward
Accessibility: Paved and stage, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s time-limited avenue parking in addition to a number of pay-and-display automobile 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 in all Wainwright’s favourites. The route is rather more accessible than it was once (notably 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)
Problem: Straightforward to average
Accessibility: Some steep sections, however a well-maintained path
Parking: There’s 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, positioned within the coronary heart of Ambleside, gives a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s good for households, canine walkers, and people on the lookout for a soothing stroll. The park is about alongside the banks of the River Rothay, offering pretty riverside views, open grassy areas, and well-maintained paths. Pictured right here when an occasion was going down (the marquees will not be usually there), do word that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You would possibly need to keep away from this time as it could actually get fairly busy. Alternatively, you would possibly need to take part – parkrun could be very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers in addition to runners.

Distance: Varied brief paths throughout the park
Problem: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is obtainable 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 elements of Ambleside. It’s essential show a parking disc (accessible at no cost from many retailers) displaying your arrival time.
Amenities: Rothay Park has a youngsters’s play space, and public bogs can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside gives quite a few café and retailers.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands gives a flat, peaceable stroll with lovely 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 possibly can lengthen it a bit by wandering across the duck pond on the backside finish of Grange. Benches alongside the best way present loads of alternatives to chill out 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: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is obtainable on the Essential Avenue automobile 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 gives a serene round stroll round a artifical tarn. The trail is extensive, 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, remember that it could actually get busy, although.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Problem: Straightforward for essentially 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).
Amenities: Public bogs 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, positioned on the southern tip of Windermere, is a good looking spot for a leisurely day trip. The park gives 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 a bit hillier. All are well-maintained, making them supreme for guests of all ages and talents. 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
Problem: 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).
Amenities: A café, public bogs and picnic areas can be found on website, together with boat rent for exploring Windermere.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is an excellent vacation spot for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wooden Path gives a brief, straightforward path by the guts of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the best way, you would possibly spot a few of the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many bushes, including a singular creative aspect to your stroll.

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

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, positioned on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, gives a picturesque lakeside stroll with gorgeous views throughout the water. This space is ideal for a mild 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 pleasurable stroll for all guests. For those who want to lengthen it a bit, you may stroll all the best way to Ambleside on affordable paths.

Distance: Varied brief lakeside paths
Problem: 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.
Amenities: Waterhead has a number of cafés and pubs alongside the lakeshore, in addition to public bogs. It’s also possible to discover boat rent and cruises departing from the pier.

Just a few remaining ideas

Keep watch over the climate because the Lake District might be unpredictable. Examine the forecast earlier than setting off and be sure to have acceptable clothes and footwear. Bear in mind the previous adage… there’s no such factor as unhealthy climate, simply unhealthy clothes!

Additionally maintain 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 proper alternative to discover a few 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. gives 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 need to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog as a way to elevate your profile, please contact us.