The best walks and hikes around Windermere

Windermere offers a wide array of hiking opportunities, with over 70 routes available on komoot. These range from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging fell walks, catering to all abilities.

Yes, Windermere has several easy routes. For a pleasant, shorter walk, consider the High Wray Bay Boathouses – Wray Castle loop from The Lakes School. This 3.4-mile (5.5 km) trail leads through lakeside paths and woodlands, making it suitable for families. The western shore of Windermere also offers accessible paths.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Windermere area offers routes like the Wray Castle – Windermere Ferry loop from The Lakes School, which is a difficult 23.1 km (14.4 miles) trail. Additionally, the Fairfield Horseshoe, a challenging 10-mile circuit of Fairfield and its surrounding peaks, provides stunning views for those prepared for steep and rocky terrain.

Yes, many routes around Windermere are circular. A popular moderate option is the Windermere, Wray Castle, Latterbarrow & Claife Heights loop, which explores the western shore and offers views from Claife Heights. Another is the Wansfell Pike summit – Skelghyll Woods loop from Galava Roman Fort, providing panoramic views of Windermere and Ambleside.

The best time to hike in Windermere is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and days are longer. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers spectacular foliage. While winter hiking is possible, conditions can be challenging with colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on higher fells, requiring appropriate gear and experience.

Yes, the Windermere area features captivating natural spectacles like Stock Ghyll Force, a multi-tiered waterfall with a dramatic 70-foot drop. While not directly on a komoot route listed here, trails in the wider Ambleside area, close to Windermere, often incorporate this stunning feature.

Hikers around Windermere are rewarded with diverse and stunning views. Many trails offer panoramic vistas of Lake Windermere itself, surrounded by rolling fells and expansive woodlands. Elevated viewpoints like Orrest Head, Loughrigg Fell, Wansfell Pike, and Gummer's How provide breathtaking perspectives of the wider Lake District National Park, including other lakes and distant mountain ranges.

The trails in Windermere are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 4,400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from serene lakeside paths and quiet woodlands to challenging fell ascents with rewarding panoramic views. The mix of shaded and open landscapes, along with picturesque tarns, also contributes to the positive experience.

Absolutely. Many routes offer opportunities to explore interesting landmarks. For instance, the western shore of Windermere features Wray Castle, a National Trust property. You can also find scenic spots like Bowness Bay, and even take the Windermere Ferry Crossing as part of a longer walk, offering a unique perspective of the lake.

Yes, Windermere is well-served by public transport, making many trailheads accessible. Windermere train station is a key hub, and local bus services connect various towns and villages around the lake, allowing hikers to reach starting points for routes like Orrest Head, which begins near the station, or other trails around Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere.

Generally, dogs are welcome on most hiking trails around Windermere and within the Lake District National Park. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code. Some areas, particularly nature reserves or private land, may have specific restrictions, so always look for local signage.

Parking is available at various points around Windermere, though it can be busy during peak season. For routes like Orrest Head, parking is often found in Windermere town. For trails on the western shore or leading to fells like Loughrigg, designated car parks are usually available in nearby villages or at specific trailheads. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider using public transport.