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Windermere Way

41.01 miles (66 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap A circular walk around Lake Windermere in the beautiful Lake District. The route takes you along various footpaths and quiet lanes visiting several of the pretty settlements surrounding the lake.
Starting in Bowness the route heads north along the lake before climbing up to the town of Windermere. Here you enjoy a climb to the viewpoint at Orrest Head and continue past Troutbeck Bridge to Wansfell Pike.
The route then descends into the popular town of Ambleside before climbing along Loughrigg Fell to the lovely Loughrigg Tarn.
The route descends to Skelwith Bridge, with its impressive waterfall and riverside tea rooms. You then pass along the western side of the lake visiting the National Trust's Wray Castle and exploring the woodland trails on Claife Heights.
At the southern end of the lake you cross the River Leven at Newby Bridge and head along the eastern side of the lake. You'll pass the fine viewpoint at Gummers How before returning to Bowness.

Windermere Way OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Windermere Way Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At Skelwith Bridge you can enjoy refreshments at the lovely Chesters by the River cafe. Here you'll find a nice riverside deck where you can sit outside and enjoy lunch on finer days. There's delicious salads, specials, cakes and a shop where you can buy souvenirs. You can find it at postcode LA22 9NW for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The walk links up with the West Windermere Way at the south western end of the lake. The new waymarked route visits Lakeside, Finsthwaite and Stott Park. It is suitable for both walkers and cyclists.

Photos

Rowing boats at Bowness on Windermere - geograph.org.uk - 498884

Rowing boats at Bowness on Windermere

Orrest Head - geograph.org.uk - 1341271

Orrest Head

A591, Troutbeck Bridge (geograph 3132606)

A591, Troutbeck Bridge

Wansfell Pike - geograph.org.uk - 2748756

Wansfell Pike

Loughrigg Tarn - geograph.org.uk - 1041710

Loughrigg Tarn

Skelwith Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 2032290

Skelwith Bridge

At Brown Stone Moss on Claife Heights

At Brown Stone Moss on Claife Heights

Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge (geograph 4010831)

Swan Hotel, Newby Bridge

Video