4.6
(5131)
39,404
hikers
62
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Claife offer diverse landscapes on the western shore of Windermere, featuring tranquil woodlands, impressive viewpoints, and picturesque tarns. The region is characterized by scenic woodlands with mossy oak and yew trees, providing shaded paths and rich natural beauty. Hikers can enjoy expansive views over Windermere, England's largest lake, from various points along the trails. Claife's terrain includes a mix of woodland paths and more open areas, with many routes considered moderate or easy, making them…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.3
(55)
232
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(71)
322
hikers
5.58km
01:32
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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4.7
(63)
255
hikers
8.24km
02:13
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(33)
130
hikers
14.3km
04:00
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(17)
240
hikers
5.45km
01:26
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Great view from what was a Summer House built to look like a small castle.
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There is a cafe about 1m down the track. This would add two miles to any walk!
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Great Coffee, Vegetarian sandwiches and pasties, lovely cakes
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Excellent cafe half way down the west side of the lake. Tremendous selection of coffees, sandwiches, soup, drinks and more. Well worth a stop.
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Joey's Cafe at Claife Viewing Station is one of their four eateries in the Lake District. This one is located in a beautiful stone cottage at Claife, which offers fabulous views over Lake Windermere. Joey's cafes are eco-based and plant-focused with plenty of delicious vegan treats and great coffee.
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Claife offers a fantastic selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with over 60 routes suitable for various ages and abilities. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate paths, perfect for getting the whole family outdoors.
Family hikes in Claife offer a diverse range of beautiful scenery. You can expect stunning panoramic views over Windermere, England's largest lake, tranquil woodlands with mossy oak and yew trees, and charming tarns like Moss Eccles Tarn. The trails provide a wonderful mix of natural beauty.
Yes, there are several easy and shorter walks perfect for families with young children or those using strollers. For example, the High Wray Bay Boathouses – Wray Castle loop from The Lakes School is an easy 5.4 km route that offers gentle paths and lovely lakeside views.
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly routes in Claife are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. The Wray to Blelham Tarn Circular Walk is a great moderate option at 5.5 km, offering a lovely loop around the tarn.
Claife is rich in history and offers several interesting landmarks. You can explore the historic Claife Viewing Station, a Grade II listed ruin designed for appreciating the views across Windermere. Wray Castle, a Gothic Revival castle, is also a notable landmark that can be incorporated into longer walks, such as the Windermere, Wray Castle, Latterbarrow & Claife Heights loop.
Yes, Claife Heights is home to several picturesque tarns. You can enjoy walks that pass by or loop around these serene water bodies. The Moss Eccles Tarn – High Wray Bay Boathouses loop from Wray Castle is a moderate 14.3 km route that specifically features Moss Eccles Tarn.
The family-friendly trails in Claife are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from nearly 4,600 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning lake views, the peaceful woodland paths, and the well-maintained routes that make for an enjoyable family outing.
Yes, there are various parking options available in and around Claife, particularly near popular starting points like Wray Castle or the Claife Viewing Station. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for the most convenient parking locations.
Beyond the trails, Claife's location provides easy access to other family-friendly Lake District attractions. You could visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's former home, or explore the charming village of Hawkshead. For more ideas, you can check out other attractions in the Lake District.
Claife is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for family hiking. The woodlands are vibrant with new growth or rich with autumnal colours, and the weather is generally milder. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter walks can be magical, but require appropriate gear for potentially colder and wetter conditions.
Many trails in Claife are dog-friendly, allowing your furry family members to join the adventure. However, it's important to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock and wildlife, and to follow the Countryside Code. Always check specific route details for any restrictions.


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