Gentle Winter Walks in the Lake District
AFTER all the excitement of the dramatic snowfall here, we want to show you the best of the winter walks in the Lake District. These are not ideas for long days in the hills or adventures with ice axes. We’ll keep those for another day! These sort of winter walks in the Lake District are more gentle, at a lower level, and will appeal to walkers of all ages and all abilities.
Why Winter is Special in the Lake District
Some believe that the Lake District is at its best in winter, when the views are no longer hidden by a canopy of trees. It is certainly the most spectacular season, even when the snow is only on the high fells. So wrap up warmly, fasten some grippers onto your boots if it’s icy under foot, and come with us on a winter wonderland walk. We're going to start and finish with two of our local favourites close to us here at the Cedar Manor. In fact, we like these so much we named two of our rooms after them.
Miller Ground
Miller Ground
Here's an easy stroll to the lake at Windermere, the shortest way on foot from our hotel to England's biggest lake, and it will only take you around 10 minutes. But it's not really the walk that's the important feature here. At Miller Ground you'll find two awe-inspiring sights. One is the wonderful view up to the head of the lake, with mountains in the distance, and boats of all sizes in the foreground. The other is the sight of the crazy, adventurous, brave (you choose!) swimmers who can be found jumping into the water here at most times of the day and all days of the year. Even when there's snow on the ground. They'll be happy if you join them, but we're very happy just to watch. Take the first right outside our front gate between the Cedar Manor and the church, follow this to cross Rayrigg Road and follow the footpath sign to the water's edge.
Strolling by the Brathay
Strolling by the Brathay
A gorgeous out and back route in a pretty valley, with a coffee shop at one end and a pub at the other. What could be better? Add in the spectacle of one of the most dramatic waterfalls, and a meandering river, and we reckon this is one of the best winter walks in the Lake District.
The starting point is Skelwith Bridge, just a few miles from the Cedar Manor, where you can park near the café Chesters by the River. This also has one of the classiest gifts, books and homeware shops in the area, but maybe save the shopping – and the cake – till you get back.
Alongside the River Brathay is a very easy path that’s been designed to be accessible. But after the first few steps your walk will be halted by the astonishing view of the spectacular waterfall at Skelwith Force. When the snow on the tops has been melting and the river is in full spate, this is a sight you’ll never forget.
Follow the path through a few gates, with the river on your left as it flows into the pretty lake called Elterwater. (This actually means Swan Lake). After less than two miles you reach the road, and if you turn right, in a very short time you’ll come to the Britannia Inn. This unspoiled country pub is one of the most famous in the area, a perfect half way break on a Lake District walk for beginners.
Then, fully refreshed, head back to the path and retrace your steps along the lake and river, knowing that you can treat yourself again very soon with a cake and coffee at Chesters.
High Sweden Bridge
High Sweden Bridge
Just a few miles north from here outside the town of Ambleside is this attractive circular walk that takes you to an ancient packhorse bridge. The bridge itself...and a lower one...have nothing to do with Sweden, though. It’s thought the name comes from “swithen” meaning an area of land cleared for cultivation by slashing and burning vegetation.
This is one of the most delightful winter walks in the Lake District, with glimpses up into the high fells, and spectacular views on the way back over Windermere. From the town centre, head up North Road and turn right to head steeply up Kirkstone Road for a short while, then left onto Sweden Bridge Lane. Follow this till the road ends and the track begins at a gate. The path heads uphill through woodland with Scandale Beck down below on your left, and after two more gates, opens out above the trees.
Here you’ll cross High Sweden Bridge with its waterfall, and then head south, not immediately beside the beck but first climbing a steep, stepped path and over a stile, to a gap in the wall where you will gasp at the view of Windermere down below. Follow this path down to Nook End farm, and straight ahead along Nook Lane back into Ambleside. It’s about three miles in all.
Orrest Head
Orrest Head
And so to our local favourite, Orrest Head, as one of the finest winter walks in the Lake District. It’s a proper climb, but very safe, and you will get the most amazing views from the summit. So it feels like you’ve put in some real effort, and gained a fabulous reward.
It’s our local hill, just across the road from our hotel. Yes, it’s steep, but the newly laid path is easy to walk on, though you might be glad of grippers on your boots if it's been icy. This is where we go to see sunrises and sunsets, where we walk our dogs, and where we always feel a real sense of achievement. Give it a try!
Photos here are by our friend Liz Wakelin, the artist who has just published the must-have Christmas book, Sketching a Year in Lakeland