Short, accessible walks in the southern Lake District

Short, accessible walks appeal to many, not just those with mobility issues. And while the Lake District is known for its dramatic but often challenging fells, thankfully there are many shorter, more accessible options available. So, if the hill is inaccessible to you, just a little scary, or you have a small child or a pushchair, don’t worry, there are still many other options to choose from. And here are some suggestions to get you started.

Kendal River

This walk follows the River Kent through the historic town of Kendal, offering a gentle, scenic route. Enjoy views of the river and Kendal Castle as you walk along the river. It’s an easy, pleasant walk with many places to stop and appreciate the surroundings, as well as several bridges where you can cross, so you can make this as long or as short as you want.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), depending on where you choose to walk
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Paving and level, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is time-limited street parking as well as several pay-and-display car parks in the city.
Facilities: Kendal has many cafes, shops and restaurants.

Head of Orrest

Orrest Head is a short walk that gives you one of the best views in the Lake District – indeed, it’s said to be one of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is more accessible than it used to be (especially near the summit) and takes you through the forest before reaching the top where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Windermere and the surrounding bay.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accessibility: Some parts are steep, but the trail is well maintained
Parking: There is time-limited parking on the streets of Windermere and pay-and-display parking at Windermere train station.
Facilities: There are several cafes and shops in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, located in the heart of Ambleside, offers a peaceful and beautiful walk that is perfect for families, dog walkers, and those looking for a relaxing stroll. The park is located on the banks of the River Rothay, offering beautiful riverside views, open grassy areas and well-maintained paths. Pictured here when there is an event (marquees usually absent), note that parkruns take place here at 9am every morning. You may want to avoid this time as it can get busy. Alternatively, you might want to join in – parkrun is very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers as well as runners.

Distance: Various short paths in the park
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Flat paths, asphalt and grass, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay and display parking is available in the nearby Rydal Road car park, just a few steps from the park entrance. There is aa disc parking system in some parts of Ambleside. You must display a parking disc (available free of charge from many shops) showing your arrival time.
Facilities: Rothay Park has a children’s play area, and public toilets are available at the entrance to the park. Ambleside offers many cafes and shops.

The Promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands offers a flat and peaceful path with beautiful views of Morecambe Bay. This easy route is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with well-kept gardens on one side and the bay on the other. You can extend it a little by going around the duck pond at the bottom of the Grange. Benches along the way provide plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the view. After that, why not visit the nearby Holker Hall and Gardens (which is off the road) which is also accessible.

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Flat, paved and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay and display parking is available in the Main Street car park in Grange-over-Sands.
Facilities: Public toilets and cafes are located along the promenade.

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a picturesque spot that offers a serene circular walk around a manmade tarn. The road is wide, undulating, and well maintained, making it accessible to many visitors. While walking through a mixture of open and forested landscapes, you will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding fells and the calm waters of Tarn Hows. As one of the most visited beauty spots in the Lake District, be aware that it can get busy.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Difficulty: Easy for the most part, but with a few slants
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a National Trust car park at Tarn Hows (pay-and-display, free for members).
Facilities: Public toilets are available near the car park, with cafes and shops in Coniston and Hawkshead nearby.

Fell Foot Park, located at the southern tip of Windermere, is a great place for a relaxing day out. The park offers several short and accessible trails with beautiful views of the lake, open lawns, and wooded areas. The road that runs along the lake is flat, but some of the others are a bit hilly. Everything is well maintained, making it ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities. The picture below of the southern lake is taken from Gummer’s Howe, although it is not collapsing, it is quite difficult and not easy to access.

Distance: Various short routes
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a large National Trust car park at Fell Foot (pay-and-display, free for members).
Facilities: A cafe, public toilets and a picnic area are available on site, along with boat hire to explore Windermere.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is a great place for a woodland walk, and the Ridding Wood Trail offers a short and easy walk through the heart of the forest. This gentle trail is accessible to all. Along the way, you can see some of the forest’s famous sculptures hidden among the trees, adding a unique artistic element to your walk.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a pay-and-display visitor center car park at Grizedale Forest.
Facilities: In the visitor center, there is also a cafe, public toilets and information about the various forest trails. The area is also popular with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, near Ambleside

Waterhead, located on the north shore of Lake Windermere, offers a picturesque lakeside walk with stunning views across the water. The area is perfect for a walk along the shore, where you can enjoy the calm atmosphere of the lake, watch the boats, or even take a cruise on Windermere. The path is flat and accessible, making it easy and enjoyable for all visitors. If you want to go a little further, you can walk all the way to Ambleside on a reasonable path.

Distance: Various short lakeside trails
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Flat, asphalt roads suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a pay-and-display car park at Waterhead, across the road from the lake.
Facilities: Waterhead has a number of lakeside cafes and pubs, as well as public toilets. You can also find boat rentals and cruises departing from the pier.

A few last tips

Keep an eye on the weather as the Lake District can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before you go and make sure you have the right clothes and footwear. Remember the old saying… there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!

It also preserves wildlife, though this walk. Lakes rich in wildlife – can take a pair of binoculars with you, just in case you see something. We hope the route provides the perfect opportunity to explore some of the South Lakes at your leisure, and at your own pace.

Becky Johnson

Becky Johnson is the Director of Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd. Kendal Holiday Cottages Ltd offers luxury riverside holiday accommodation perfectly positioned between two of England’s most beautiful National Parks – the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. If you would like to be a guest blogger on the Luxury Travel Blog to enhance your profile, please contact us.