Brief, accessible walks within the southern Lake District…

Brief, accessible walks enchantment 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 should not accessible to you, just a bit too daunting, or you have got 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 solutions to get you began.

Kendal riverside

This stroll follows the River Kent by the historic city of Kendal, providing a delicate, scenic route. Take pleasure in views of the river and Kendal Fortress as you stroll alongside the banks of the river. It’s a straightforward, nice stroll with loads of spots to cease and respect the environment, in addition to quite a lot of bridges the place you may cross, so you can also make this as lengthy or as quick as you would like.

Distance: 2 miles (three.2 km), relying on exactly the place you select to stroll
Problem: Straightforward
Accessibility: Paved and degree, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s time-limited avenue parking in addition to a number of pay-and-display automobile parks within the city.
Services: Kendal has quite a few cafés, retailers and eating places.

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a brief stroll that rewards you with one of the vital iconic views within the Lake District – certainly, it was mentioned to be one among Wainwright’s favourites. The route is far more accessible than it was once (notably 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 encircling fells.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.four km)
Problem: Straightforward to reasonable
Accessibility: Some steep sections, however a well-maintained path
Parking: There’s time-limited parking on the streets in Windermere and pay-and-display parking Windermere railway station.
Services: There are a number of cafes and retailers in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, situated within the coronary heart of Ambleside, gives a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s excellent for households, canine walkers, and people searching 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 going down (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 will probably 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 quick paths inside the park
Problem: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is obtainable on the close by Rydal Highway automobile park, only a quick stroll from the park entrance. There’s a a disc parking system in some components of Ambleside. It’s essential to show a parking disc (accessible free of charge from many retailers) displaying your arrival time.
Services: Rothay Park has a youngsters’s play space, and public bathrooms can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside gives quite a few café and retailers.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands gives 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 facet 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 way in which present loads of alternatives to calm down 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: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is obtainable on the Predominant Road automobile park in Grange-over-Sands.
Services: 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 broad, undulating, and well-maintained, making it accessible for many guests. As you stroll by a mixture of open landscapes and woodland, you’ll be handled to gorgeous views of the encircling fells and the tranquil waters of Tarn Hows. As one of many most-visited magnificence spots within the Lake District, remember that it will probably get busy, although.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Problem: Straightforward for essentially 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).
Services: 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 a good looking spot for a leisurely time out. The park gives 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 perfect 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: Straightforward
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a massive Nationwide Belief automobile park at Fell Foot (pay-and-display, free for members).
Services: A café, public bathrooms and picnic areas can be found on website, together with boat rent for exploring Windermere.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is an excellent vacation spot for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wooden Path gives a brief, simple path by 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 timber, including a singular creative ingredient to your stroll.

Distance: 2 miles (three.2 km)
Problem: Straightforward
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a massive pay-and-display customer centre automobile park at Grizedale Forest.
Services: On the customer centre, there’s additionally a café, public bathrooms and details about the forest’s varied trails. The world can be fashionable with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, situated on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, gives a picturesque lakeside stroll with gorgeous views throughout the water. This space is ideal for a delicate 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 straightforward and gratifying stroll for all guests. For those who want to lengthen it somewhat, you may stroll all the way in which to Ambleside on cheap paths.

Distance: Numerous quick lakeside paths
Problem: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved paths appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a pay-and-display automobile park at Waterhead, simply throughout the highway from the lake.
Services: Waterhead has a number of cafés and pubs alongside the lakeshore, in addition to public bathrooms. You can too discover boat rent and cruises departing from the pier.

A couple of ultimate ideas

Keep watch over the climate because the Lake District may be unpredictable. Verify the forecast earlier than setting off and be sure you have applicable clothes and footwear. Keep in mind the previous adage… there’s no such factor as unhealthy climate, simply unhealthy clothes!

Additionally preserve an eye fixed 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 see one thing. We hope these routes give you the proper 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 stunning Nationwide Parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog to be able to elevate your profile, please contact us.