Brief, accessible walks within the southern Lake District

Brief, accessible walks attraction 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 aren’t 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 by way of the historic city of Kendal, providing a mild, scenic route. Take pleasure in views of the river and Kendal Fortress as you stroll alongside the banks of the river. It’s a simple, nice stroll with loads of spots to cease and recognize the environment, in addition to numerous bridges the place you may cross, so you can also make this as lengthy or as quick as you would like.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), relying on exactly the place you select to stroll
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Paved and stage, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There may be 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 every of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is rather more accessible than it was (significantly near the summit) and takes you thru woodland earlier than reaching the highest the place you may get pleasure from panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the encompassing fells.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Problem: Simple to average
Accessibility: Some steep sections, however a well-maintained path
Parking: 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 retailers in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, situated within the coronary heart of Ambleside, affords a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s excellent for households, canine walkers, and people searching for a soothing 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 going down (the marquees aren’t usually there), do observe that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You may need to keep away from this time as it may get fairly busy. Alternatively, you may need to take part – parkrun could be very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers in addition to runners.

Distance: Numerous quick paths inside the park
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is accessible on the close by Rydal Street automobile park, only a quick stroll from the park entrance. There’s a a disc parking system in some elements of Ambleside. You have to show a parking disc (accessible without spending a dime from many retailers) displaying your arrival time.
Amenities: Rothay Park has a youngsters’s play space, and public bathrooms can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside affords quite a few café and retailers.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands affords a flat, peaceable stroll with stunning views over Morecambe Bay. This simple route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with well-kept gardens on one aspect and the bay on the opposite. You may lengthen it somewhat 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: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is accessible on the Primary Avenue automobile park in Grange-over-Sands.
Amenities: Public bathrooms 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 by way of 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, bear in mind that it may get busy, although.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Problem: Simple for probably 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 bathrooms 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, situated on the southern tip of Windermere, is an attractive spot for a leisurely time out. The park affords a number of quick, accessible walks with scenic lakeside views, open lawns, and wooded areas. The trail working alongside the lake shore is flat while some others are somewhat hillier. All are well-maintained, making them supreme for guests of all ages and skills. 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: Numerous quick routes
Problem: Simple
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 bathrooms 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 affords a brief, simple path by way of the center of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the best way, you may spot among the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many bushes, including a novel inventive aspect to your stroll.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Problem: Simple
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 may be additionally a café, public bathrooms and details about the forest’s varied trails. The world can be common with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, situated on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, affords 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 simple and pleasurable stroll for all guests. In the event you want to lengthen it somewhat, you may stroll all the best way to Ambleside on affordable paths.

Distance: Numerous quick lakeside paths
Problem: Simple
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 bathrooms. You can even discover boat rent and cruises departing from the pier.

Just a few closing suggestions

Regulate the climate because the Lake District could be unpredictable. Examine the forecast earlier than setting off and ensure you have applicable clothes and footwear. Bear in mind the outdated adage… there’s no such factor as dangerous climate, simply dangerous clothes!

Additionally maintain a watch out for wildlife, even on these walks. The Lakes are wealthy in wildlife – perhaps take a pair of binoculars with you, simply in case you notice one thing. We hope these routes give you the proper alternative to discover among the South Lakes in a leisurely means, and at your personal tempo.