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 are usually not accessible to you, just a bit too daunting, or you’ve gotten 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 via the historic city of Kendal, providing a mild, scenic route. Get pleasure from views of the river and Kendal Citadel 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 various bridges the place you may cross, so you may make this as lengthy or as brief as you want.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), relying on exactly the place you select to stroll
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Paved and degree, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There may be time-limited road parking in addition to a number of pay-and-display automotive 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 crucial iconic views within the Lake District – certainly, it was stated to be one in every of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is far more accessible than it was (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 (2.4 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, 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 calming stroll. The park is about 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 are usually not usually there), do notice that parkruns happen right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You would possibly wish to keep away from this time as it could get fairly busy. Alternatively, you would possibly wish to take part – parkrun could be very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers in addition to runners.

Distance: Numerous brief paths throughout the park
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is obtainable on the close by Rydal Street automotive park, only a brief stroll from the park entrance. There’s a a disc parking system in some components of Ambleside. You have to show a parking disc (accessible at no cost 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 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 slightly by wandering across the duck pond on the backside finish of Grange. Benches alongside the best way 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: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is obtainable on the Predominant Road automotive 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 via a mixture of open landscapes and woodland, you’ll be handled to beautiful 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 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 automotive park at Tarn Hows (pay-and-display, free for members).
Services: Public bathrooms can be found close to the automotive 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 phenomenal spot for a leisurely day trip. The park affords a number of brief, accessible walks with scenic lakeside views, open lawns, and wooded areas. The trail operating alongside the lake shore is flat while some others are slightly 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 brief routes
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a massive Nationwide Belief automotive 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 an excellent vacation spot for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wooden Path affords a brief, simple path via the center of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to all. Alongside the best way, you would possibly spot a few of the forest’s well-known sculptures hidden among the many bushes, including a novel inventive ingredient 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 automotive park at Grizedale Forest.
Services: On the customer centre, there may be additionally a café, public bathrooms and details about the forest’s numerous trails. The realm can be widespread with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, close to Ambleside

Waterhead, situated on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, affords a picturesque lakeside stroll with beautiful 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 straightforward and pleasant stroll for all guests. In the event you want to lengthen it slightly, you may stroll all the best way to Ambleside on cheap paths.

Distance: Numerous brief lakeside paths
Problem: Simple
Accessibility: Flat, paved paths appropriate for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There’s a pay-and-display automotive 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.

Just a few last ideas

Keep watch over the climate because the Lake District may be unpredictable. Examine the forecast earlier than setting off and be sure you have applicable clothes and footwear. Bear in mind the previous 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 see one thing. We hope these routes offer you the proper alternative to discover a few of the South Lakes in a leisurely approach, and at your personal tempo.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is a Director of Kendal Vacation Cottages Ltd.. Kendal Vacation Cottages Ltd. affords 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 as a way to increase your profile, please contact us.