Local walks around Windermere
Taking in the majestic natural vista and stunning scenery on foot is undoubtedly the best way to explore Windermere and the Lake District National Park. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stroll or adventurous hike, you’ll find all that and more on our doorstep.
There’s something for every age and ability in this list of our favourite Windermere walks:
Orrest Head walk
A lovely, accessible walk right on our doorstep, popular with children. Orrest Head is a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the Lake District Fells. Famously known as the very first fell climbed by Arthur Wainwright, whose name is now used for the 214 peaks in the Lake District.
Start the walk from Cedar Manor and head towards the railway station. The trailhead starts on the A591, on the opposite side of the road to the station.
The Orrest Head walk is well signposted, all the way up to the 784ft summit. The original route has plenty of steps; however, the Miles Without Stiles route provides an alternative option when necessary, making this a wheelchair and pram-friendly walk. The top provides a breathtaking panoramic view with the Lake, Crinkle Crags, Scafell Pike and Swirl How all on show.
Once you’ve had your fill of amazing Lake District views, you can either go back down the way you came or for a slightly longer walk, take a woodland route down. Head through a lovely section of St Catherine’s Wood and then onto High Hay Wood before you return to the A591 and the railway station.
Miller Ground walk
If you’d like a short walk down to the shores of Lake Windermere, your best bet is Miller Ground (or Millerground). From Cedar Manor, you’re there in a matter of minutes.
At Miller Ground, you’ll find a wonderful spot on the natural lakeshore with jetties, shingle beaches and wonderful viewpoints. Explore the woodlands, little waterfalls and take in the view from Queen Adelaide Hill. If you have children in tow, they will enjoy the playground, meadowfields and little lakeside walk too.
If you’d like to make it a longer wander, head along the lake shore to Windermere Jetty Museum - more about this wonderful attraction here . You can even strike out for the village of Bowness, a two-kilometre walk along the water, before returning to Cedar Manor via Windermere.
Windermere Lakeshore walk
For a stunning circular route around Lake Windermere - on and off the water - we’d recommend Windermere Lake Cruises’ Walker’s Ticket. A stunning day out that combines three boat cruises with a wonderful 4.5 mile walk along the quiet western shore.
Start your journey from the nearby Bowness Pier, reachable by bus or on foot from Cedar Manor. From there, you’ll catch a cruise north to Ambleside. Continue the journey by catching a traditional wooden launch to Wray Jetty. Stop off at the National Trust’s Wray Estate to explore the castle, grounds and small arboretum.
Follow the 4.5 mile walk along the lake shore to Ash Landing with a chance to detour to Claife Station. A 1790s viewing platform built for the first tourists to the Lake District with panoramic views framed by coloured glass. Finally, catch the Cross Lakes Shuttle back to Bowness to complete a wonderful day of walking and sailing.
Rydal Water walk
A short bus ride away is the village of Rydal. Starting here, you’ll find a leisurely walk around the edge of a scenic lake (well, we’re in the Lake District after all). The route is easy to navigate, with a mix of open fields and woodlands that will give you picturesque views across Rydal Water to Loughrigg Fell and Nab Scar.
Aside from the walk itself, there are a couple of recommended detours to take. The first to Rydal Mount, the historic family home of famed poet William Wordsworth. The second to Rydal Cave, a large man-made cavern, created as a result of slate quarrying. Hop across the shallow lake at the entrance to drier floor space inside.
Some sections of the trail can get a little boggy so it’s worth wearing proper footwear but all in all, this is a lovely Lake District walk for most abilities.
Wansfell Pike walk from Ambleside
For a more challenging hike, Wansfell Pike calls. Starting from the nearby village of Ambleside, this challenging circular route follows old, steep trails and pathways up to the top of Wansfell through Troutbeck and the fells beyond.
From Cedar Manor, catch the bus just outside the hotel or drive over to Ambleside. A beautiful place to explore in itself, the trail start outside the Tourist Information centre. The ascent up Stock Ghyll Lane is steep but short-lived and views over Windermere and Ambleside from the top are well worth it.
Descend to the east through the picturesque hamlet of Troutbeck before reaching the ancient Skelghyll Woods and the final stunning viewpoint at Jenkin Crag. From there, it’s just a few minutes back to the delights of Ambleside and a well-earned drink or two.
And if you’d like to go further afield
Here’s a few more options for some of the more adventurous hikers