Low-level walks around Windermere. When people come to the Lake District, they always get lured into the amazing mountains that the Lake District offers. The incredible views, climbs and walks that these mountains offer are no doubt an incredible sight.
Of course, there are the mountains but also so many great outdoor activities like Rock climbing, Ghyll scrambling and Paddle Boarding hire and much more to be offered in the Lakes. But today we are going to look at Low level walks around Windermere.
Even as a company our own thoughts often go to what an amazing day can we have in the mountains. Because of that the low-level walks around Windermere and the area often get overlooked. Despite the fact that on some days these walks can offer so much more than mountains can.
So, Lake District Adventuring has put together a list of 4 great walks around Windermere that are ideal for everyone to do.
WINDERMERE AND BOWNESS ON WINDERMERE
Windermere is perhaps the most well known town in the Lake District. It takes its name from Lake Windermere at 17km long and around 64 metres down at its deepest. Lake Windermere is England’s largest lake.
Bowness on Windermere that sits on the shore of the lake has become a popular destination for everyone. Because of this it sees visitors all year round with its amazing mix of shops, cafes as well as water sports and outdoor adventure.
GETTING TO WINDERMERE
BY TRAIN : If you are arriving by train your nearest station stop would be at Windermere, which links with the mainline at Oxenholme Kendal.
BY CAR: Arriving by road from the north take junction 40 off the M6 onto the A66, then join the A591 towards Windermere.
Or from the south you can take junction 36 and follow A590 then A591 for Windermere.
As always with any walk we would always encourage you to make sure that you are adequately prepared for the walk you have in mind and that you are able to navigate and keep yourself and your group safe.
If you are unsure please feel free to contact us and ask for advice or think about hiring a lake district mountain guide for the day.
If you’re looking for a walk with a mountain view without so much of the mountain walking part, then Orrest Head walk is a great walk to do and is ideal for literally anyone. It’s one of 2 walks that have a mountain feel to it but without all the up hill.
The walk up Orrest Head from Windermere Railway Station is a local classic that’s perfect to fill an hour or two.
Personally I am a fan of walking it and catching a sun rise. On a clear day you will have great views out east as the sun lights up the Lake District.
DISTANCE: From the Train station approx. 3km
TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes
ASCENT: 155 meters
BEST TIME OF YEAR: All year round.
PARKING: Free parking is available directly opposite Windermere railway station.
START: Outside the Windermere tourist info centre
DIFFICULTY: Some basic Map reading skills needed around the top but on well marked tracks and trails.
RECOMMENDED MAP:
Brant fell over looks the Bowness on Windermere the fell can be very muddy under foot. However the mud and wet feet will surely be forgotten about when you’re greeted with incredible views of the surrounding countryside around Windermere.
From the top of Brant Fell you will also be able to see Orrest Head (see above) — itself one of Alfred Wainwright’s first Lake District walks.
DISTANCE: approx. 3.4km
TIME: 2 hours approx. – don’t rush it !
ASCENT: 165 meters
BEST TIME OF YEAR: All year round.
PARKING: Pay-and-display parking is available at several car parks in Bowness town centre (Rectory Road, Glebe Road, Quarry Mount or Rayrigg Road), all a short walk from the start.
START: From the round about in the middle of town.
DIFFICULTY: Very pleasant its just steep in places and can be slippy when its wet so take care. Remember to pack what you need for a mountain walk here
ROUTE OVERVIEW:
The Great thing about this walk is that you can drive most of it! Gummers How is situated at the south end of Windermere near Fell Foot Park. The start of the walk is from the top picnic bench which takes a lot of the walking out of the walk.
Gummers How walk is well sign posted and easy to follow. Although steep in places, there is a steep climb leading to the top. It gives amazing views overlooking Newby Bridge and north up the Lake.
DISTANCE: 2.1km
TIME: 1 hour approx.
ASCENT: 100 meters
BEST TIME OF YEAR: Spring – Autumn
PARKING: Free parking at the Gummers How (Forestry Commission) car park, about half a mile up the steep Fell Foot Brow road (postcode for sat nav: LA12 8NW). It’s a small car park and can fill up at busy times, with a few laybys nearby as a backup.
START: The picnic bench at the top of Fell foot brow at the bottom of Windermere.
DIFFICULTY: Simple and easy walk following the path. There is a rocky step along the way that’s worth knowing about.
ROUTE OVERVIEW:
Beautiful waterfall walk that is short and sweet but an amazing experience. Personally I’d recommend this walk after there has been some rain when the waterfall is at its best.
From the middle of Ambleside on the northern part of Lake Windermere. The waterfall is not that easy to find.
If you find the Saint John Ambulance building follow the road up until you reach a left turn into some woods. From there keep walking up the stream using the paths.
DISTANCE: 1.9km
TIME: 1 hour approx. including some time to take pictures of course.
ASCENT: 78 meters
BEST TIME OF YEAR: All year around especially after its rained.
PARKING: Pay-and-display parking in Ambleside — Miller Bridge (LA22 0EE) or Rydal Road (LA22 9AN) car parks are both close to the start.
START: Saint John Ambulance
DIFFICULTY: A nice gentle stroll on well made paths and roads.
ROUTE OVERVIEW:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All four are low-level and manageable for most fitness levels, but Stock Ghyll Force and Gummers How are the shortest and stick to well-made paths and roads, making them good choices for families with children.
These are established, low-level paths rather than mountain terrain, but sturdy footwear with a good grip is still worth wearing — Brant Fell is noted as particularly muddy underfoot, and Gummers How has a rocky step to watch for along the way.
Stock Ghyll Force is the shortest at 1.9km, closely followed by Gummers How at 2.1km. Orrest Head is 3km and Brant Fell is the longest of the four at around 3.4km.
Walking all four back to back would take around 5.5 hours in total (Orrest Head 1.5hrs, Brant Fell 2hrs, Gummers How 1hr, Stock Ghyll Force 1hr), not including travel time between the start points. Most people pick one or two to fit in alongside other things to do around Windermere.
Each has its own highlight. Orrest Head and Gummers How both give sweeping views over the length of Windermere, Brant Fell looks back across Bowness and out to Orrest Head itself, and Stock Ghyll Force is more about the waterfall than a viewpoint.
As with any walk it is really important to make sure you’re prepared and that you have the right kit for the time you’re out, and of course that you have an amazing time. If you would like any more information feel free to drop us a WhatsApp message with any questions.
And if you fancy something a little more adventurous once you’ve done the walk, take a look at our full range of Lake District activities.
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