Top five short walks around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere
In 1951, the Lake District became the UK's second national park, and in 2017, it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. With its high mountains, lakes, and breathtaking scenery, it's no wonder that the region has inspired famous literary figures like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, as well as attracting many visitors who come to walk and explore each year. Windermere, England's largest natural lake, along with Ambleside, Grasmere, and the nearby Rydal, offer an excellent base for those looking to explore the Lake District. Each of the walks described here is ideal for a family day out and can be completed in under four hours, covering both classic sights and hidden gems. Plus, they are all accessible by public transport, so you can leave the car at home!
15 Short Walks in the Lake District: Windermere Ambleside and Grasmere
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
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The best walk to visit the countryside that inspired Peter Rabbit...
What: Near and Far Sawrey, and Beatrix Potter's Hill Top
Summary: An easy walk on well-signed paths to visit Hill Top and the surrounding countryside, and beautiful woods
Start/finish: Ferry House on the western shore of Windermere
Time: 2hr
Distance: 7km (4½ miles)
Climb: 270m
This walk combines an exploration of two pretty Lakeland villages with the opportunity to visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home. Hill Top is the 17th-century farmhouse bought by Beatrix Potter in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The house, village, and surrounding countryside all provided inspiration for many of her subsequent 22 books. You can almost imagine the characters living in the village, and local buildings appear in her illustrations. A short climb from the ferry landing point leads across meadows to the Sawrey villages. Enjoy the beautiful Garnett Wood before crossing the fields to Town End, then return to the ferry landing.
The best walk on the banks of Lake Windermere...
What: Windermere's western shore and Wray Castle.
Summary: A popular, level walk beside Windermere between the ferry and Wray Castle
Start: Ferry House on the western shore of Windermere
Finish: Wray Castle
Time: 1¾hr
Distance: 7km (4½ miles)
Climb: 85m
This is an easy and justifiably popular walk along the western shore of Windermere. The path stays close to the shore, with a short higher section away from the lake. There are fine views across the water and north towards Fairfield. The route can also be walked in the opposite direction by using the summer ferry service or bus from Ambleside to start at Wray Castle, catching the ferry at the other end across to Ferry Nab, then picking up a bus or steamer from Bowness back to Ambleside.
The best walk to climb an iconic Lake District mountain...
What: Loughrigg from Ambleside
Summary: A small mountain, splendid views over all the valleys, with a cave to finish
Start: Salutation Hotel in the centre of Ambleside
Time: 3hr
Distance: 10km (6¼ miles)
Climb: 400m
Loughrigg is a fine hill with rewarding views filling the area between Ambleside, Grasmere and Langdale . The hill is laced with trails and easy to explore, although it can be difficult to navigate when in the cloud. Take care on the steep path to Loughrigg Terrace, then enjoy an easy walk back to Ambleside, visiting Rydal Cave, with an opportunity to divert to Rydal Mount to indulge in Wordsworth or cake according to your taste!
The best walk to explore Wordsworth's Lake District...
What: Dove Cottage, Grasmere and Rydal Water
Summary: Wordsworth’s homes linked through woods, lakes and an ancient coffin route
Start: Grasmere village green
Time: 2½hr
Distance: 10km (6¼ miles)
Climb: 200m
This walk has a literary theme, as well as exploring the beautiful woods on the ancient ‘coffin route’ above Rydal Water, and enjoying superb views north towards Grasmere, Helm Crag, and Dunmail from Loughrigg Terrace. If you plan to visit Dove Cottage, the Wordsworth Museum and Rydal Mount, then allow a full day.
The best walk to discover a beautiful tarn...
What: Easdale Tarn
Summary: Waterfalls, mountain views and a beautiful tarn
Start: Grasmere village green
Time: 2¾hr
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 240m
This walk is one of the most popular from Grasmere and will suit most abilities. Route finding is easy, and the setting of the tarn and surrounding fells is very beautiful. The paths are well-maintained using large stones and boulders. There are no stiles, but a number of gates divide the lower meadows.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in the Lake District - Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Other highlights include Troutbeck village, High and Low Sweden Bridges, Ambleside to Elterwater, Silver How and Helm Crag. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
15 Short Walks in the Lake District: Windermere Ambleside and Grasmere
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
More information
