The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Windermere

There are over 75 family-friendly hiking trails around Windermere, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more moderate routes with gentle inclines. This guide focuses on a curated selection of these to help you find the perfect adventure for your family.

For an easy and relatively short walk, consider the High Wray Bay Boathouses – Wray Castle loop. This route is around 5.5 km and offers gentle terrain, perfect for families. The Windermere Western Shore also features relatively flat paths, ideal for strollers.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes around Windermere are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A great option is the Windermere, Wray Castle, Latterbarrow & Claife Heights loop, which offers varied scenery and historical interest, though it is a moderate, longer route.

Many trails offer stunning views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. You might encounter historical sites like Windermere Ferry Crossing, or enjoy the unique architecture of Wray Castle. The area is rich in natural beauty, including woodlands, tarns, and the expansive lake itself.

Spring (April to June) is wonderful for seeing wildflowers in bloom, while autumn (September to November) offers spectacular vibrant foliage. Both seasons provide pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summer can be busy, and winter walks are possible but require appropriate gear for colder, potentially wetter conditions.

Many trails are accessible from towns like Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, which are well-served by public transport, including train and bus services. For example, the Orrest Head walk is easily reached from Windermere town and its train station. The Windermere Ferry also connects various points along the lake, offering unique access to routes on the western shore.

Parking is available at various points around Windermere, often near popular trailheads or visitor centers. Specific car parks can be found in towns like Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, as well as at attractions like Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre. Always check local signage for parking fees and restrictions.

Yes, you'll find numerous cafes and pubs in the towns and villages surrounding Windermere, such as Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside, which are often starting or ending points for hikes. Some routes, particularly those near Wray Castle or Brockhole, may also have facilities directly on or very close to the trail.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails around Windermere, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake views, the variety of easy-to-follow paths, and the opportunities to combine walks with visits to attractions like Wray Castle or the Windermere Ferry.

While not directly on the routes listed in this guide, the Windermere region is home to picturesque waterfalls like Stock Ghyll Force and High Dam, which can be incorporated into longer family adventures or visited separately. These natural features add to the diverse landscapes of the Lake District.

Absolutely. The area is rich in history and unique landmarks. For instance, the Windermere, Wray Castle, Latterbarrow & Claife Heights loop takes you past the distinctive Wray Castle. Many trails also offer glimpses of traditional Lakeland architecture and the historical significance of the lake's glacial formation.