Walks

All the below walks are on the 555 bus route.

Brant Fell, Bowness, 4.5km, 1.5 hours
A hidden gem with breathtaking views of Lake Windermere and the Lake District mountains. Brant Fell is the subject of a chapter of Wainwright’s book The Outlying Fells of Lakeland. On page 34 of volume 8, Wainwright said: “A visitor to Bowness with time to kill or wishing to escape the throngs of day-trippers cannot do better than walk up Brant Fell and, in solitude, enjoy its fine prospect of Windermere or a simple scramble on its inviting summit rocks.” This circular route also enjoys woodland paths & three beautiful tarns.

Lily Tarn, Ambleside, 5km, 1.5 hours
Escape the crowds with this short walk from the centre of Ambleside to Lily Tarn, offering spectacular views of Ambleside, Lake Windermere & the Lake District fells. On the way back to the town, the walk follows the river to the Ambleside Roman Fort & lakeshore.

Ambleside Waterfalls, 3km, 1 hour
Stock Ghyll, a tributary of the River Rothay, tumbles down through a series of waterfalls to the centre of Ambleside. I’d recommend stopping at the newly opened Force Café for a warming drink or bite to eat.

Grasmere & Rydal Water, 9km, 2 hours
This route is from WalkLakes and is a family favourite! Start in Ambleside or Rydal, giving you a perfect lunch break in Grasmere.

Ambleside to Grasmere, via Loughrigg Fell, 10km, 3.5 hours
A wonderful walk full of tarns & lake views. Starting from Ambleside, the first detour is my favourite view of Ambleside & Lake Windermere. It’s then a gradual ascent to Loughrigg Fell, on smaller & less busy paths, passing beautiful tarns, enjoying views to Loughrigg Tarn & Elter Water. The detour near the summit offers views to Rydal Water. The descent is steep, with rangers currently repairing the paths – I was glad to be going down rather than up! The woodland paths were quiet and stunning with autumn colours, and Grasmere is a perfect stop for hot chocolate before waiting for the 555 bus to head back to Ambleside (or, if you have time, as a lunch stop before walking back via one of the routes above).

Orrest Head, Windermere, 3.7km, 1 hour
Uncover the magic of the first fell that transformed Alfred Wainwright’s life. In 1930, he saw his first view of the Lakeland mountains from Orrest Head and said, “Those few hours on Orrest Head cast a spell that changed my life.” This walk utilises public footpaths that avoid the signposted/busier paths. Enjoy a variety of wonderful views of the lake & surrounding countryside, off the beaten track.

Reston Scar, Staveley, 6.5km, 2 hours
A lovely circular route, taking in views over Ings, Staveley and beyond to the Lake District mountains, Kendal and Morecambe Bay. A great post breakfast walk (The Lakeland Farm Kitchen is just down the road) and the Eagle & Child is a great place to finish!