Discover the Lake District’s iconic beauty with this expertly curated collection of 15 short walks in and around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Each route has been handpicked for its stunning scenery, local interest and accessibility, inviting you to explore the heart of the Lakes at a relaxed pace, perfect for families, newcomers and anyone seeking gentle adventure in this much-loved national park.

• Each walk comes with a clear, easy-to-follow Ordnance Survey® map and step-by-step route description, making navigation in the Lake District simple and enjoyable for walkers of all experience levels.
• Practical information is included for every route in the Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere areas, covering parking, public transport options, facilities and must-see highlights, so you can focus on making the most of your day.
• Discover classic Lake District landscapes as you stroll through ancient woodlands, picturesque villages and along shimmering lakeshores, with panoramic viewpoints at Orrest Head, Wansfell and Loughrigg, the storybook charm of Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, and the literary heritage of Wordsworth’s Grasmere.
• Routes range from 5 to 11km (all under three hours), including an optional longer challenge walk (Helm Crag), and are graded easy to moderate, with short climbs but no technical terrain, ideal for relaxed outings or walks with the whole family.
• Enjoy the best of Lake District hospitality, with recommendations for welcoming pubs and cosy tea rooms along the way, plus expert tips for every season, from spring’s wildflowers and summer’s long days to autumn’s fiery colours and the crisp magic of winter walks.

Part of Cicerone’s trusted Short Walks series, this Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere guidebook is your all-in-one companion for exploring the region’s most memorable walks. Whether you’re discovering waterfalls, caves and historic sites, or simply soaking up the views and vibrant village life, this guide offers everything you need for a rewarding day out in the Lake District’s most captivating corners.

15 Short Walks in the Lake District - Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere - Quick Facts

Location: Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and surrounding areas, Lake District, Cumbria, North‑West England, UK (including Bowness, Orrest Head, Hill Top, Wray Castle, Elterwater, Helm Crag, Rydal and more)
Total walks: 15 selected short walks
Typical duration: Under 3 hours each (mostly)
Distance per walk: 5–11 km (3–7 miles)
Walk type: Easy day walks with one longer challenge route
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; short climbs and gentle terrain suitable for most walkers
Navigation: Clear Ordnance Survey® maps and step-by-step route descriptions included
Highlights: Loughrigg, Elterwater, Orrest Head, Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, Wray Castle, the Lion and the Lamb, Dove Cottage, Silver How, Easedale Tarn, Wordsworth’s Grasmere, panoramic viewpoints, waterfalls, and cosy tea rooms and pubs
Best season: Walkable all year round; enjoy wildflowers in spring, long days in summer, autumn colours, and magical winter landscapes (weather and conditions permitting)

Author Highlight

"The walks in this guide cater for most abilities and ambitions, with fantastic views to reward even modest ascents. Each walk has special interest, including waterfalls, caves and historic sites. Also, you’re never too far from a pub or cosy tea room to indulge in some well-earned refreshments!" 

- Jonathan and Lesley Williams, authors of 15 Short Walks in the Lake District: Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere

Location of walks

Map key

Using this guide

Routes in this book

Clothing and footwear

Walk descriptions

Maps, GPX files and what3words

Walking with children

Dogs

Enjoying the countryside responsibly

Route summary table

Introduction

Walking in the Lake District

Things to see

Where to stay

Travel

The walks

Walk 1 Bowness, Windermere and School Knott

Walk 2 Windermere, Orrest Head and Holehird Gardens

Walk 3 Near and Far Sawrey, and Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top

Walk 4 Windermere’s western shore and Wray Castle

Walk 5 Troutbeck village and upper valley

Walk 6 Wansfell, Troutbeck and Robin Lane

Walk 7 High and Low Sweden Bridges from Ambleside

Walk 8 Lily Tarn, Windermere view and Galava Roman Fort

Walk 9 Loughrigg from Ambleside

Walk 10 Ambleside to Elterwater

Walk 11 Elterwater and Red Bank

Walk 12 Dove Cottage, Grasmere and Rydal

Walk 13 Silver How from Grasmere

Walk 14 Easedale Tarn

Walk 15 Helm Crag – The Lion and the Lamb

Useful information

Seasons

Suitable for walking in all seasons, although generally the best weather is in spring, summer and autumn. Winter can be cold and wet, with snow and ice.

Centres

Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere

Difficulty

Lower routes are suitable for nearly all abilities; however, suitable clothing and footwear are recommended for the higher hill walks, and these are essential in winter months when paths can be icy, even at low levels. Basic navigation skills are valuable for the higher routes and in poor weather.

Must See

The lakes and tarns of Windermere, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Easedale Tarn, Loughrigg Tarn and Elter Water; Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount (former homes of poet William Wordsworth); Hill Top (former home of children's author Beatrix Potter); Galava Roman Fort; Townend farmhouse; Wray Castle; traditional Lakeland pubs and inns; waterfalls; viewpoints; woodland; ancient bridges; traditional farms; hardy fell sheep and lambs; lake cruises and ferries

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