Related: Circular Walks in ands Around Windermere.
Lake Windermere stands as England’s largest natural lake, stretching over ten miles through the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District National Park.
Its clear waters, framed by rolling fells and ancient woodlands, draw visitors eager to experience the outdoors.
Many arrive with ambitions to trace its shores on foot, imagining a seamless path hugging the water’s edge from Ambleside in the north to Lakeside in the south.
Yet the reality proves more nuanced.
Private estates and restricted access along parts of the shoreline mean no single public footpath encircles the lake entirely.
Instead, a patchwork of trails offers rewarding sections, particularly along the western bank, where National Trust properties and permissive paths provide close-up views of the islands and fells beyond.
This setup suits active holidays, allowing walkers to mix trails with short boat crossings or bus links to cover ground efficiently.
At Laik, our luxury holiday lets in the Lake District position you perfectly for such adventures—think properties in Bowness-on-Windermere with direct access to ferry points or Ambleside bases near northern trailheads.
In this guide, we examine the practicalities: the true state of paths around the lake, the distances involved in various routes, and realistic time estimates.
Related: Best Ways to Walk Around Windermere
The Reality of Walking Around Lake Windermere
Attempting a complete lakeside circuit reveals Windermere’s unique challenges and charms.
The lake’s 10.5-mile length spans 15 square miles, but public access varies sharply between shores.
The western side boasts extensive footpaths, thanks to initiatives like the West Windermere Way—a 6km accessible route from Newby Bridge to Lakeside that winds through woodlands and along rugged shores, suitable for most walkers and parts open to cyclists or horse riders.
Here, trails from National Trust sites such as Claife Heights offer low-level paths with vistas across to Belle Isle and the eastern fells.
Contrast this with the eastern shore, where private land—home to grand houses and estates—blocks direct progress.
From Bowness southward, permissive paths exist in patches, but gaps force inland diversions via quiet lanes or higher ground.
No unbroken trail links the full perimeter, a legacy of the area’s history as a playground for Victorian gentry.
Walkers often bridge these divides with the Windermere car ferry, a vital link from Ferry Nab near Bowness to Far Sawrey on the eastern side.
This 10-minute crossing accommodates foot passengers for just £1.15 and runs frequently, every 20-40 minutes depending on the season.
The Windermere Way emerges as the premier solution for a full loop, a 41-mile circuit that blends available shore paths with hill climbs for panoramic rewards.
Spanning 3-4 days, it incorporates the ferry at its midpoint and touches highlights like Orrest Head for dawn views, Wansfell Pike’s ridges, and Gummer’s How’s summit.
Terrain mixes gentle lakeside tracks with bridleways and brief road sections, accumulating about 1,435m of ascent—mostly gradual.
Summer brings crowds to popular stretches, while autumn offers quieter paths amid turning leaves; always check for seasonal closures at viewpoints like Holehird Gardens.
To illustrate, consider breaking the route into key segments, each linking via paths or the ferry:
| Section | Starting Point | Ending Point | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Lakeside | Ambleside | Brockhole | 10 km | Footpaths via Waterhead, moderate with fell views |
| Mid-West | Brockhole | Ferry Nab | 9 km | Woodland trails, easy access from visitor centre |
| Ferry Crossing | Ferry Nab | Far Sawrey | 1 km | 10-min boat, frequent service year-round |
| Mid-East | Far Sawrey | Storrs | 7 km | Mix of tracks and lanes, limited shore access |
| South Circuit | Storrs | Lakeside via Newby Bridge | 12 km | West Windermere Way section, accessible terrain |
These stages total around 39 km for a shore-focused version, but the full Way extends further with loops.
Respect access rules: stick to rights of way, yield to livestock, and use the Countryside Code for gates and litter.
Such staged approaches turn potential barriers into features, letting you savour pubs like the Badger Bar in Bowness mid-route or picnic spots at Brant Fell.
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How Far is It To Walk Around Lake Windermere?
Distance depends on your ambitions— a tight shoreline hug or a broader circuit embracing the fells.
The lake’s perimeter measures roughly 15 miles if measured edge-to-edge, but public paths cover only fragments of that, demanding detours that inflate totals.
A practical shore-tracing effort, using the ferry to skip eastern gaps, clocks in at 22 miles: 12 miles on the accessible west, 4.5 miles on select east paths, plus the crossing.
For comprehensiveness, the Windermere Way provides the benchmark at 41 miles (66 km), weaving all viable lakeside routes with inland extensions for connectivity.
Variables include your starting point—Bowness shortens southern legs—and choices like adding Claife Heights’ 2-mile viewpoint loop.
Mapping apps such as OS Maps or AllTrails help customise, revealing options from 5-mile tasters to multi-day epics.
Compare common variants:
- Shoreline estimate (impractical full loop): 15 miles – Theoretical water’s edge, barred by private sections.
- Ferry-assisted circuit: 22 miles – Western paths plus eastern snippets, ideal for one vigorous day.
- Windermere Way complete: 41 miles – Four stages over hills and vales, with 1,435m ascent.
- Partial west shore (West Windermere Way): 6 km – Flat, accessible from Lakeside, perfect intro.
How Long Does it Take To Walk Around Lake Windermere?
Time hinges on fitness, weather, and stops—expect 3-4 mph on flats, slower on ups.
A ferry-boosted shore circuit demands 7-9 hours for steady walkers, factoring breaks for the 10-minute crossing and lake gazes.
Elevation stays low (under 200m per stage), but mud after rain or crowds in peak months add minutes.
The Windermere Way spans 16-20 hours total, best as 3-4 days to avoid fatigue.
Met Office forecasts guide outings; clear days suit longer pushes, misty ones favour shorter western rambles.
Scenario breakdowns:
| Route Type | Distance | Estimated Time | Pace Assumption | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Western Shore | 6 km | 1.5-2 hours | Steady | Families from Newby Bridge |
| Full Circuit with Ferry | 35 km | 7-9 hours | Moderate | Fit day-trippers from Bowness |
| Windermere Way Stages | 41 miles | 3-4 days | Varied | Immersive explorers |
Practical Tips and Alternatives
Gear simply: sturdy boots for damp paths, waterproofs for showers, and OS Explorer OL7 map.
Timetables matter: ferry sails dawn to dusk, buses like Stagecoach 599 link ends. Dogs join free on boats, but leash on trails.
Shorter swaps include the 4.5-mile Walker’s Ticket route: three cruises plus a western stroll, done in half a day.
Or try Queen Adelaide’s Hill’s 5km loop from Bowness for gentle hills.
These keep the essence without exhaustion, pairing well with Laik’s premium lets for evening unwinds.
Where Should You Stay on Your Lake District Visit?
For a great trip to the Lake District with its green hills and pretty lakes, choose Laik’s luxury holiday cottages.
These cozy properties mix old-style charm with up-to-date comforts, giving you a quiet place to relax by a wood fire or head out for easy walks in the woods.
They are great for couples wanting a romantic break or larger groups looking for fun outings.
Click here to find out about our Windermere Self-Catering properties…
Final Notes on Walking Around Windermere Lake
Windermere defies a simple yes to full-foot circling, yet its trails and crossings craft flexible paths for every stride.
From the West Windermere Way’s calm shores to the Way’s sweeping vistas, distances of 6km to 41 miles and times from hours to days invite tailored treks.
The Lake District thrives on such variety, blending effort with awe.
