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 typically difficult fells, fortunately there are many shorter, extra accessible choices accessible. So, if the hills will not be 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 recommendations to get you began.

Kendal riverside

This stroll follows the River Kent via the historic city of Kendal, providing a mild, scenic route. Get pleasure from views of the river and Kendal Fort as you stroll alongside the banks of the river. It’s a straightforward, nice stroll with loads of spots to cease and recognize the environment, in addition to quite a few bridges the place you’ll be able to cross, so you may make this as lengthy or as quick as you want.

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.
Services: Kendal has quite a few cafés, retailers and eating places.

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a brief stroll that rewards you with some of the iconic views within the Lake District – certainly, it was stated to be considered one of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is far more accessible than it was once (significantly near the summit) and takes you thru woodland earlier than reaching the highest the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the encircling 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.
Services: There are a number of cafes and retailers in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, positioned within the coronary heart of Ambleside, presents a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s excellent for households, canine walkers, and people on the lookout for a calming stroll. The park is about alongside the banks of the River Rothay, offering beautiful riverside views, open grassy areas, and well-maintained paths. Pictured right here when an occasion was happening (the marquees will not be usually there), do be aware that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You may need to keep away from this time as it could 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 offered 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 want to show a parking disc (accessible free of charge from many retailers) exhibiting your arrival time.
Services: Rothay Park has a youngsters’s play space, and public bathrooms can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside presents quite a few café and retailers.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands presents 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 possibly can lengthen it a little 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: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is offered on the Most important Road automobile park in Grange-over-Sands.
Services: Public bathrooms and cafés are conveniently positioned 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 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, bear in mind that it could 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).
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, positioned on the southern tip of Windermere, is a stupendous spot for a leisurely time out. The park presents 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 a little bit hillier. All are well-maintained, making them ideally suited 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).
Services: A café, public bathrooms and picnic areas can be found on web site, together with boat rent for exploring Windermere.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is a superb vacation spot for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wooden Path presents a brief, simple path via the guts of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the way in which, you may spot a number of the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many timber, including a singular creative component 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.
Services: On the customer centre, there’s additionally a café, public bathrooms and details about the forest’s numerous trails. The realm can also be in style with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, positioned on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, presents a picturesque lakeside stroll with gorgeous views throughout the water. This space is ideal for a mild 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 straightforward and satisfying stroll for all guests. For those who want to lengthen it a little bit, you’ll be able to stroll all the way in which 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.
Services: 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.

A number of ultimate ideas

Control the climate because the Lake District could be unpredictable. Test the forecast earlier than setting off and be sure you have acceptable clothes and footwear. Keep in mind the outdated adage… there’s no such factor as unhealthy climate, simply unhealthy clothes!

Additionally maintain an eye fixed 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 see one thing. We hope these routes offer you the right alternative to discover a number of the South Lakes in a leisurely approach, and at your individual tempo.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is a Director of Kendal Vacation Cottages Ltd.. Kendal Vacation Cottages Ltd. presents 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 need to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog as a way to increase your profile, please contact us.