Brief, accessible walks attraction to a variety of individuals, not simply these with mobility difficulties. And whereas the Lake District is after all well-known for its dramatic however typically difficult falls, fortunately there are many shorter, extra accessible choices. So if hills aren’t your factor, they’re just a bit too scary, or you’ve got babies or a pram to tow, don’t be concerned, there are nonetheless loads of different choices to select from. Listed here are some solutions to get you began.
The banks of the River Kendal
This stroll follows the River Kent via the historic city of Kendal, providing a mild, scenic route. Take pleasure in views of the river and Kendal Fort as you stroll alongside the riverbank. It is a straightforward, nice stroll with loads of locations to cease and go searching, in addition to quite a few bridges to cross, so you are able to do this stroll so long as you want.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), relying on precisely the place you select to stroll
Weight: Straightforward
Accessibility: Paved and flat, appropriate for wheelchairs and strollers
Parking: There may be time-limited avenue parking in addition to a number of pay and show automotive parks within the metropolis.
Contents: Kendal has quite a few cafes, retailers and eating places.
Orrest Head
Orrest Head is a brief stroll that rewards you with probably the most picturesque views within the Lake District – certainly, it is stated to be one in every of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is rather more accessible than it was once (particularly close to the highest) and takes you thru woodland earlier than reaching the summit the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the encompassing falls.
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Weight: Straightforward to average
Accessibility: Some steep elements, however a well-maintained path
Parking: There may be time-limited on-street parking in Windermere and pay-and-display parking at Windermere prepare station.
Contents: There are a number of cafes and retailers in Windermere village.
Rothay Park, Ambleside
Rothay Park, positioned within the coronary heart of Ambleside, affords a peaceable and scenic stroll that’s good for households, canine walkers and people searching for a soothing stroll. The park is located alongside the banks of the River Rothay, providing lovely views of the river, open grassy areas and well-maintained paths. Pictured right here when the occasion was happening (the canopies aren’t normally there), please be aware that parkruns are held right here at 9am each Saturday morning. You may need to keep away from this time as it may be fairly busy. Alternatively, you may need to take part – parkrun may be very inclusive and welcoming, and welcomes walkers in addition to runners.
Distance: Varied brief trails inside the park
Weight: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grass paths, appropriate for wheelchairs and buggies
Parking: Paid parking is obtainable on the close by Rydal Highway automotive park, only a few minutes’ stroll from the park entrance. There’s a system of disc parking in some elements of Ambleside. You should present a parking disc (accessible without spending a dime in lots of retailers) exhibiting your arrival time.
Contents: Rothay Park has a kids’s playground and public bathrooms can be found on the park entrance. Ambleside affords quite a few cafes and retailers.
All the pieces you might want to plan your journey in 2024
The Promenade at Grange-over-Sands
The promenade at Grange-over-Sands affords a flat, peaceable stroll with great views of Morecambe Bay. This straightforward route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with manicured gardens on one facet and the bay on the opposite. You possibly can prolong it a bit by wandering across the duck pond on the backside of the Grange. Benches alongside the way in which present loads of alternatives to calm down and benefit from the surroundings. Afterwards, why not go to the close by Holker Corridor and Gardens (a brief drive away) whose grounds are additionally extensively accessible.
Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Weight: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved and appropriate for wheelchairs and prams
Parking: Pay and show parking is obtainable at Foremost Road Automotive Park in Grange-over-Sands.
Contents: Public bathrooms and cafes are conveniently positioned alongside the promenade.
Tarn Kako
Tarn Hows is a picturesque place that provides a peaceable round stroll round a man-made rockery. The path is huge, undulating and well-groomed, and is accessible to most guests. As you stroll via a mixture of open countryside and woodland, you will be handled to gorgeous views of the encompassing waterfalls and the calm waters of Tarn Hows. Being probably the most visited magnificence spots within the Lake District, bear in mind that it may get busy.
Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Weight: Straightforward for essentially the most half, however with some inclines
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and prams
Parking: There’s a Nationwide Belief automotive park at Tarn Hows (pay and show, free for members).
Contents: Public bathrooms can be found close to the automotive park and cafes and retailers in close by Coniston and Hawkshead are a brief drive away.
Fell Foot Park, positioned on the southern tip of Windermere, is an excellent place for a leisurely day trip. The park affords a number of brief, accessible trails with scenic views of the lake, open grasslands, and wooded areas. The trail that leads alongside the shore of the lake is flat, whereas some others are a bit extra hilly. All are nicely maintained, making them ultimate for guests of all ages and skills. The image beneath of the southern finish of the lake is definitely taken from Gummer’s Howe which, though not giant, is a little more difficult and never as simply accessible.
Distance: Varied brief tracks
Weight: Straightforward
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and prams
Parking: There’s a giant Nationwide Belief automotive park at Fell Foot (pay and show, free for members).
Contents: There’s a cafe, public bathrooms and picnic areas on website, in addition to boat rent for exploring Windermere.
Grizedal forest
Grizedale Forest is an excellent vacation spot for woodland walks and the Ridding Wooden Path affords a brief, straightforward route via the center of the forest. This gently undulating path is accessible to everybody. Alongside the way in which, you might spot among the well-known forest sculptures hidden among the many timber, including a novel inventive component to your stroll.
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Weight: Straightforward
Accessibility: Appropriate for wheelchairs and prams
Parking: There’s a giant pay and show customer middle automotive park in Grizedale Forest.
Contents: The customer middle additionally has a restaurant, public bathrooms and knowledge on numerous forest trails. The realm can also be in style with mountain bikers.
Waterhead, close to Ambleside
Waterhead, positioned on the north shore of Lake Windermere, affords a scenic lakeside stroll with gorgeous views over the water. This space is ideal for a leisurely 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, which makes it a straightforward and nice stroll for all guests. If you wish to prolong it a bit, you’ll be able to stroll all the way in which to Ambleside on cheap paths.
Distance: Varied brief trails alongside the lake
Weight: Straightforward
Accessibility: Flat, paved paths appropriate for wheelchairs and prams
Parking: There’s a pay and show automotive park at Waterhead, throughout the lake.
Contents: Waterhead has a number of cafes and pubs alongside the lakefront in addition to public bathrooms. You may also discover constitution boats and cruises that depart from the pier.
Just a few ultimate suggestions
Regulate the climate because the Lake District might be unpredictable. Earlier than setting off, test the forecast and guarantee that you’ve got appropriate clothes and footwear. Bear in mind the outdated adage… there is no such thing as a such factor as unhealthy climate, solely unhealthy garments!
Additionally maintain an eye fixed out for wildlife, even on these walks. The lakes are wealthy in wildlife – perhaps deliver binoculars with you, simply in case you see one thing. We hope these routes provide the good alternative to discover among the South Lakes in a leisurely manner and at your personal tempo.
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