Windermere is a famous and popular town in the English Lake District, famous for its large lake and nearby hills (locals call them fells).
It attracts people who enjoy shopping, boat trips, stunning views, hiking, great food and outdoor activities.
There are lots of lovely walks around Windermere, from short ones to longer hikes, fitting various abilities.
11 Best Walks Near Windermere
Related: Can You Walk Around Lake Windermere?
1. Orrest Head
This walk covers 2 miles and takes about an hour.
It has a moderate difficulty with some uphill sections.
Start from the Windermere Tourist Information Centre on Victoria Street.
The path leads to a summit with broad views over the lake and fells.
Alfred Wainwright first saw the Lakes from here, which inspired his guides.
Benches at the top allow time to rest.
- Starting point: Windermere Tourist Information Centre, Victoria Street, LA23 1AL
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
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Related: Where is the Best Afternoon Tea Windermere?
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2. Stockghyll Force
A 2.5-mile loop rated easy. Begin at the Lake Road car park in Ambleside.
Follow the trail through woods to a 70-foot waterfall with pools below.
The route circles back via quiet roads. It works well for families and includes spots for photos.
Useful Info:
- Starting point: Lake Road car park, Ambleside LA22 0DB
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
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3. Gummer’s How
This 2-mile route is moderate due to steep parts. Park at Gummer’s How car park near Fell Foot.
Climb to the top for wide sights across Windermere. Options include a gentle path or a scramble.
Visit in winter for mist effects over the water.
- Starting point: Gummer’s How car park, near Fell Foot, LA12 8NW
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
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4. Loughrigg Fell
About 5 miles long, lasting 3 to 4 hours. Moderate to hard with climbs. Start near Ambleside.
The trail shows Grasmere, Rydal Water, and Windermere from high points.
It gives a full taste of the area’s landscape.
- Starting point: White Moss car park, near Ambleside, LA22 9SE
- Distance: 5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
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5. Tarn Hows
An easy circuit of around 2 miles. Access from a car park off the B5285.
The path circles a tarn with calm water and hill backdrops.
It stays low and flat, making it open to most people.
- Starting point: Tarn Hows car park, off B5285, LA22 0PP
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
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6. Wansfell Pike
This covers 5 miles and rates moderate. Start at Waterhead car park in Ambleside.
Ascend to the pike for open views, then descend through fields.
It includes some rocky ground but rewards with panoramas.
- Starting point: Waterhead car park, Ambleside, LA22 0ES
- Distance: 5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
7. Claife Viewing Station
A simple 2-mile easy walk. Begin at the Claife Viewing Station on the west shore.
Explore the restored site with coloured glass frames for lake views. Loop back through woods.
The station has history from Victorian times.
- Starting point: Claife Viewing Station, west shore of Windermere, LA22 0LP
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
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8. Windermere Western Shore to Wray Castle
4 miles each way, easy and flat. Park at Harrowslack.
Stroll along the shore to the mock castle with grounds to see.
Return by ferry from Ferry House for a short boat trip.
- Starting point: Harrowslack car park, west shore of Windermere, LA22 0LR
- Distance: 4 miles each way
- Difficulty: Easy
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9. Cathedral Quarry
Short and easy, good for kids. Drive to Little Langdale from Ambleside.
Enter the old slate quarry with tall chambers and tunnels. It feels like a hidden cave system.
- Starting point: Little Langdale, near Three Shires Inn, LA22 9NZ
- Distance: Short
- Difficulty: Easy
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10. High Dam
2 miles, moderate. Start at Stott Park Bobbin Mill.
Walk through woods to the tarn for quiet spots and possible swims.
Combine with a mill tour for added interest.
- Starting point: Stott Park Bobbin Mill, near Newby Bridge, LA12 8AX
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
11. Windermere to Bowness and Back
This route covers about 4 miles round trip and takes around 2 hours.
It rates easy to moderate with some downhill and uphill sections.
Start in Windermere town centre. Head down to Bowness along paths that touch the lake shore twice, passing through parkland, woods, and residential areas.
Return via a mix of roads and trails.
It links the two towns and offers lake views along the way.
- Starting point: Windermere town centre, near train station, LA23 1AH
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Where to Stay in Windermere
After a day on the Cumbrian fells, a good base matters. Laik provides a selection of holiday homes across the Lake District.
Options include cosy apartments for couples, larger houses for families or groups, and calm retreats for solo trips or creative pursuits.
These homes feature stylish designs and extras like Nordic hot-tubs to aid relaxation.
Laik focuses on upkeep and guest care, making stays suitable for people exploring places like Windermere on foot.
Click here to see our Windermere holiday properties…
Final Notes on the Best Walks Around Windermere
These routes offer a broad mix of experiences near Windermere, ranging from gentle paths that suit casual visitors to more demanding hikes for those seeking a challenge.
Each walk uncovers unique aspects of the Lake District’s natural beauty, such as serene lakeside views, cascading waterfalls, ancient woodlands, and panoramic hilltops.
To make the most of them, prepare in advance by studying route details and packing essentials like sturdy footwear, waterproof layers, and snacks.
Always check local weather forecasts, as conditions can change quickly in this region.
Ordnance Survey maps provide clear guidance on terrain and navigation points, helping to avoid any surprises.
Respect the environment by sticking to marked trails, leaving no trace, and considering wildlife habitats.
If you visit during peak seasons, expect busier paths and plan for early starts.
