From all the breathtaking outdoor beauty the Lake District has to offer, Lake Windermere still stands tall as one of the National Park’s absolute crown jewels 🌿
Stretching 10.5 miles long and diving down to an impressive 220 feet, Windermere proudly holds the title of the longest and largest natural lake in England.
A true natural masterpiece, the lake flows from Ambleside in the north all the way to Fell Foot in the south, with endless scenic magic waiting to be discovered along the way.
Wrapped in pure, jaw-dropping beauty, Lake Windermere is a dream destination for hikers chasing their next adventure.
Epic fells, peaceful tarns, enchanted woodlands, and charming villages surround you here — and every single visit feels like stepping into a brand-new discovery.
With so many winding countryside trails calling your name, we narrowed it down to what we believe are the 7 absolute best walks in and around Lake Windermere.
So tell me… are you ready to lace up your boots and hit one of these routes? Because trust me, whichever one you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable day out 🔥
Best Walks In & Near Windermere
West Shore Walk
Starting point: Harrowslack National Trust Car Park, LA22 0LR 🌿
Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
This walk delivers exactly what it promises — a stunning 4-mile journey that stays close to the legendary western shoreline of Lake Windermere, with views that will leave you speechless.
Starting from the Ferry House on Windermere’s west shore, right across from Bowness, this trail is smooth, easy to follow, and perfect for anyone craving a peaceful yet exciting escape, with just a few short steep parts to keep things fun and adventurous 🔥
Top tip — want to make things even easier? Just hop on a seasonal ferry from Windermere and arrive right at the trailhead, smooth and stress-free ⛴️
As you move forward, the path keeps things exciting with a mix of tarmac, gravel, stone, and grassy trails — and every step reveals another stunning view that makes you stop and say, “wow, this is unreal.”
And then comes the highlight… Wray Castle appears like something out of a dream, standing proudly as the final landmark of your journey 🏰
Once you reach the castle, you’ll discover a peaceful shingle beach that many consider one of the best wild swimming spots in the entire lake — calm, pure, and incredibly refreshing.
After enjoying the water and soaking in the moment, you can simply retrace your steps back — or if you’re feeling adventurous, keep your eyes open for the seasonal boat from Wray Castle Jetty to Waterhead and Brockhole, because why end the adventure when you can level it up even more? 🔥
Find out full route info on the National Trust website here.
Tarn Hows
Starting point: National Trust Tarn Hows, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PP
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
While Tarn Hows looks like a pure natural paradise, here’s the twist that surprises everyone — it’s actually a man-made wonder that feels completely magical 🌿
Recognised as one of the finest tarns in all of Lakeland, this place offers multiple hiking trails, each one inviting you to explore and uncover its peaceful charm.
Fun fact — Beatrix Potter herself once owned Tarn Hows, and after her passing, the National Trust took over the Coniston estate, preserving its timeless beauty.
The calm, shimmering water remains one of Lakeland’s most treasured gems, and the moment you see it with your own eyes, you instantly understand why everyone falls in love with it.
The trail around the tarn is easy to follow and mostly flat, making it a perfect choice for families, beginners, and anyone needing wheelchair-friendly access.
And here’s the part kids absolutely love — keep your eyes open for the mysterious coin-covered tree along the path, and when you find it, place your own coin, make a wish, and be part of the magic ✨
The standard route is a smooth and easy-to-follow 2-mile loop around the tarn, perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable walk that lets you fully soak in the beauty around you 🌿
But if you’re feeling more adventurous and ready to level things up, there are longer trail options waiting for experienced hikers who want to explore deeper and push the journey even further 🔥
Loughrigg Fell from Ambleside
Starting point: Ambleside, LA22 — right in the heart of the action and the perfect launch pad for your next climb 🌄
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.4 km) — a solid circular route that gives you challenge and reward all in one go.
For the hill walkers out there, Loughrigg Fell might be calling your name louder than you think.
Known as one of the easiest Wainwrights to summit, Loughrigg Fell is ideal for hiking newcomers, with several trail options to match your pace and confidence.
And here’s the real payoff — even though the ascent is relatively short, the views at the top are absolutely breathtaking, giving you sweeping panoramas over Lake Windermere, the Fairfield horseshoe, the Coniston Fells, and Rydal Water.
Most hikers kick things off from Ambleside, and this circular 6.5-mile route keeps the adventure balanced, scenic, and seriously satisfying — so the real question is, are you ready to take it on? 🔥
Before you even begin your hike, take your time wandering through Ambleside and soaking in the peaceful lakeshore views — trust me, it sets the perfect mood for the adventure ahead 🌿
And if you’re someone who loves hidden water gems, don’t miss the chance to detour toward Loughrigg Tarn after your climb — a stunning open water swimming spot just north of Skelwith Bridge, waiting for you to discover it 🔥
Wray Castle to Blelham Tarn circular walk
Starting point: Low Wray, Ambleside, LA22 0JA
Distance: 3.5 miles
A walk that blends a castle and a tarn in one smooth adventure — tell me that doesn’t sound like the perfect combo already 🌿
This pleasant circular trail packs plenty of charm, proving that you don’t need extreme distance to experience something truly special.
At 3.5 miles, it’s an easy-going loop with barely any elevation, making it ideal for families with young ones or anyone who prefers a gentler, more relaxed route.
Quick heads up though — the path crosses farmland, so make sure you’ve got proper walking boots on, especially when the ground gets a little muddy after rain.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views over the ever-peaceful Blelham Tarn, where brown trout, eel, pike, and roach thrive beneath the calm surface.
Birdlife is also rich here, so if you’re into wildlife photography, get your camera ready because this historic trail gives you plenty of picture-perfect moments.
The route even follows a short stretch of the Western Shore Path, and best of all, it’s usually nice and quiet — perfect if you’re craving space, calm, and a proper escape from the noise of everyday life 🔥
Rydal Water & Rydal Caves Walk
Starting point: White Moss Car Park, Ambleside LA22 9SE
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
One of my absolute favorite walks in the entire National Park, Rydal Water and Rydal Cave are genuinely next-level when it comes to raw natural beauty 🌄
Dating back to the 19th century, Rydal Cave is the dramatic remains of an old Lake District slate mine, and every year thousands of visitors head out to explore its rugged interior and take in the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding craggy landscape — and once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand exactly why 🔥
The standard route is a beautiful 2-mile trail leading straight to the cavern, guiding you alongside the calm, mirror-like waters of Rydal Water, and you can easily begin from either Rydal or White Moss Car Park 🌿
But if you’re feeling that extra spark of adventure, you can extend your journey and continue all the way to the charming village of Grasmere.
And honestly, with so much character and charm waiting in Grasmere, the hike becomes more than worth it — especially when you reward yourself with the village’s world-famous gingerbread at the finish 🔥
Hawkshead to Windermere
Starting point: Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0NS
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Once an ancient township that thrived as a bustling market town in its glory days, Hawkshead still proudly holds onto its rich historic charm 🌿
With its quaint, compact cottages and narrow winding lanes, strolling through the village feels like stepping straight into a time capsule — and the strict ban on cars only makes the experience even more authentic and beautifully untouched 🔥
One of the rare villages that has stayed true to its roots without giving in to modern commercial life, the scenic trail from Hawkshead to Windermere is perfect for hikers who crave peace, calm, and a quieter kind of adventure 🌿
To kick things off, fellow blogger The Walking Englishmen suggests taking public transport from Windermere to Hawkshead, giving yourself time to explore the village and soak in its timeless atmosphere before hiking your way back.
And before you hit the trail, take advantage of the cozy cafes and local spots in the village — fuel up properly, because every great adventure starts with good energy.
The trail itself is well-signposted and beautifully varied, leading you across classic Lake District countryside filled with magical views that keep you hooked every step of the way 🔥
As you reach the finish line on Windermere’s western shore at the ferry house, the journey doesn’t have to end — you can easily hop on a boat and glide across the lake to Bowness to complete the full experience.
Top tip — ferries usually run every 10 minutes, but make sure to check ahead since they operate seasonally, and timing it right makes all the difference ⛴️
Cathedral Cave (& Hodge Close Quarry)
Starting point: Little Langdale, Ambleside LA22 9NY
Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Now this right here is a true hidden gem of the Lake District, the kind of spot that makes you feel like you discovered a secret 🌄
Despite its name, Cathedral Cave is not a standalone cavern, but part of a fascinating network of historic mining quarries perched just above Little Langdale.
Fun fact — Cathedral Cave earned its name from the dramatic, church-like light that pours through the main chamber’s natural “window,” creating an atmosphere that feels almost sacred.
Starting from Little Langdale, this scenic and gentle 1.6 mile route keeps things exciting from beginning to end, but once you step inside the cavern and see those epic rock walls rising around you, that moment completely steals the show 🔥
And if you’re feeling bold and ready to push the adventure even further, why not extend your trek and explore Hodge Close Quarry too?
Just a 20-25 minute ramble from Cathedral Cavern, and here’s where things get seriously exciting — you can even climb down into the heart of Hodge Close Quarry through a hidden scramble path that feels like a secret entrance to another world 🔥
Fell Foot Park
Wrapping up our list at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot Lakeshore Park stands out as the ultimate choice for families wanting a smooth, relaxing, and stress-free day outdoors 🌿
The park features a gentle and scenic 2.5 km loop, perfect for walkers of all levels, along with wide open green spaces where kids can play freely and families can enjoy peaceful picnics.
But the adventure doesn’t stop at walking — Fell Foot Park offers a full range of activities waiting for you to jump in and experience.
From calming yoga sessions and fun orienteering challenges to energetic parkruns and exciting watersports, there’s something here to spark everyone’s interest 🔥
Even better, the park provides changing rooms, hot showers, and secure lockers, all available for just £2 with a day pass.
Honestly, it’s a small price to pay for total comfort, letting you focus on enjoying the day without worrying about the little details.
For full park info, you can check out the Fell Foot National Park website here.
Can you walk around the whole of Windermere?
Yes, you absolutely can walk the entire loop of Windermere — but let’s be real, this 28-mile beast is not for the faint-hearted 🔥
Taking over 12 hours to complete, this is a serious endurance challenge that should only be taken on by well-prepared and experienced hikers who know how to pace themselves.
Also keep in mind that large sections follow country roads, so if you decide to take it on, stay alert and prioritize safety, because cars will be passing by along the way 🚶♂️
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