Quick, accessible walks enchantment to a variety of individuals, not simply these with mobility points. And while the Lake District is in fact well-known for its dramatic however typically difficult fells, fortunately there are many shorter, extra accessible choices obtainable. So, if the hills should not accessible to you, just a bit too daunting, or you may have 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 via the historic city of Kendal, providing a delicate, scenic route. Take pleasure in views of the river and Kendal Citadel as you stroll alongside the banks of the river. It’s a simple, nice stroll with loads of spots to cease and admire the environment, in addition to a variety of bridges the place you’ll be able to 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 walkDifficulty: EasyAccessibility: Paved and stage, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairsParking: There may be time-limited road parking in addition to a number of pay-and-display automobile 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 one of the iconic views within the Lake District – certainly, it was stated to be one in every of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is way more accessible than it was once (notably near the summit) and takes you thru woodland earlier than reaching the highest the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the encompassing fells.
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)Problem: Straightforward to moderateAccessibility: Some steep sections, however a well-maintained pathParking: 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, situated 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 calming stroll. The park is ready 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 happening (the marquees should not usually there), do be aware that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You would possibly need to keep away from this time as it may well get fairly busy. Alternatively, you would possibly need to take part – parkrun may be very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers in addition to runners.
Distance: Numerous brief paths throughout the parkDifficulty: EasyAccessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairsParking: Pay-and-display parking is on the market 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. You’ll want to show a parking disc (obtainable without spending a dime 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 gives quite a few café and outlets.
Every part that you must plan your journey in 2024
The promenade at Grange-over-Sands
The promenade at Grange-over-Sands gives a flat, peaceable stroll with lovely views over Morecambe Bay. This simple route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with well-kept gardens on one facet and the bay on the opposite. You’ll be able to lengthen it a bit by wandering across the duck pond on the backside finish of Grange. Benches alongside the way in which 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: EasyAccessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairsParking: Pay-and-display parking is on the market on the Major Avenue automobile park in Grange-over-Sands.Amenities: Public bogs and cafés are conveniently situated alongside the promenade.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is a picturesque spot that provides a serene round stroll round a artifical tarn. The trail is large, undulating, and well-maintained, making it accessible for many guests. As you stroll via a mixture of open landscapes and woodland, you’ll be handled to beautiful 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 may well get busy, although.
Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)Problem: Straightforward for probably the most half, however with some inclinesAccessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairsParking: 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 outlets in close by Coniston and Hawkshead a brief drive away.
Fell Foot Park, situated on the southern tip of Windermere, is an attractive 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 ultimate 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: Numerous brief routesDifficulty: EasyAccessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairsParking: There’s a giant 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 a superb vacation spot for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wooden Path gives a brief, simple path via the guts of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the way in which, you would possibly spot a number of the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many bushes, including a singular creative factor to your stroll.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)Problem: EasyAccessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairsParking: There’s a giant pay-and-display customer centre automobile park at Grizedale Forest.Amenities: On the customer centre, there may be additionally a café, public bogs and details about the forest’s numerous trails. The realm can also be well-liked with mountain bikers.
Waterhead, close to Ambleside
Waterhead, situated on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, gives a picturesque lakeside stroll with beautiful views throughout the water. This space is ideal for a delicate stroll alongside the shore, the place you’ll be able to 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 simple and pleasant stroll for all guests. In case you want to lengthen it a bit, you’ll be able to stroll all the way in which to Ambleside on cheap paths.
Distance: Numerous brief lakeside pathsDifficulty: EasyAccessibility: Flat, paved paths appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairsParking: 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. You can too discover boat rent and cruises departing from the pier.
Just a few remaining ideas
Control the climate because the Lake District may be unpredictable. Test the forecast earlier than setting off and be sure to have applicable clothes and footwear. Bear in mind the outdated adage… there’s no such factor as unhealthy climate, simply unhealthy clothes!
Additionally hold 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 notice one thing. We hope these routes offer you the right alternative to discover a number of the South Lakes in a leisurely means, 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 want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog so as to elevate your profile, please contact us.
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