Short, accessible walks in the southern Lake District

Short, accessible walks appeal to a wide range of people, not just those with mobility issues. And whilst the Lake District is of course well known for its dramatic but often challenging fells, thankfully there are plenty of shorter, more accessible options available. So, if the hills are not accessible to you, just a little too daunting, or you have toddlers or pushchairs in tow, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of other options to choose from. And here’s a handful of suggestions to get you started.

Kendal riverside

This walk follows the River Kent through the historic town of Kendal, offering a gentle, scenic route. Enjoy views of the river and Kendal Castle as you walk along the banks of the river. It’s an easy, pleasant walk with plenty of spots to stop and appreciate the surroundings, as well as a number of bridges where you can cross, so you can make this as long or as short as you wish.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km), depending on precisely where you choose to walk
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Paved and level, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is time-limited street parking as well as several pay-and-display car parks in the town.
Facilities: Kendal has numerous cafés, shops and restaurants.

Orrest Head

Orrest Head is a short walk that rewards you with one of the most iconic views in the Lake District – indeed, it was said to be one of Wainwright’s favourites. The route is much more accessible than it used to be (particularly close to the summit) and takes you through woodland before reaching the top where you can enjoy panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accessibility: Some steep sections, but a well-maintained path
Parking: There is time-limited parking on the streets in Windermere and pay-and-display parking Windermere railway station.
Facilities: There are several cafes and shops in Windermere village.

Rothay Park, Ambleside

Rothay Park, located in the heart of Ambleside, offers a peaceful and scenic walk that is perfect for families, dog walkers, and those looking for a relaxing stroll. The park is set along the banks of the River Rothay, providing lovely riverside views, open grassy areas, and well-maintained paths. Pictured here when an event was taking place (the marquees are not normally there), do note that parkruns take place here at 9am every Saturday morning. You might want to avoid this time as it can get quite busy. Alternatively, you might want to join in – parkrun is very inclusive and welcoming, and does welcome walkers as well as runners.

Distance: Various short paths within the park
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Flat, paved and grassy paths, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is available at the nearby Rydal Road car park, just a short walk from the park entrance. There is a a disc parking system in some parts of Ambleside. You need to display a parking disc (available for free from many shops) showing your arrival time.
Facilities: Rothay Park has a children’s play area, and public toilets are available at the park entrance. Ambleside offers numerous café and shops.

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands

The promenade at Grange-over-Sands offers a flat, peaceful walk with beautiful views over Morecambe Bay. This easy route is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with well-kept gardens on one side and the bay on the other. You can extend it a little by wandering around the duck pond at the bottom end of Grange. Benches along the way provide plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the scenery. Afterwards, why not visit nearby Holker Hall and Gardens (a short drive away) the grounds of which are also largely accessible.

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Flat, paved and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: Pay-and-display parking is available at the Main Street car park in Grange-over-Sands.
Facilities: Public toilets and cafés are conveniently located along the promenade.

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a picturesque spot that offers a serene circular walk around a manmade tarn. The path is wide, undulating, and well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. As you stroll through a mix of open landscapes and woodland, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding fells and the tranquil waters of Tarn Hows. As one of the most-visited beauty spots in the Lake District, be aware that it can get busy, though.

Distance: 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
Difficulty: Easy for the most part, but with some inclines
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a National Trust car park at Tarn Hows (pay-and-display, free for members).
Facilities: Public toilets are available near the car park, with cafés and shops in nearby Coniston and Hawkshead a short drive away.

Fell Foot Park, located at the southern tip of Windermere, is a beautiful spot for a leisurely day out. The park offers several short, accessible walks with scenic lakeside views, open lawns, and wooded areas. The path running along the lake shore is flat whilst some others are a little hillier. All are well-maintained, making them ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities. The picture below of the southern end of the lake is actually taken from Gummer’s Howe which, although not a huge fell, is a little more challenging and not quite so readily accessible.

Distance: Various short routes
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a large National Trust car park at Fell Foot (pay-and-display, free for members).
Facilities: A café, public toilets and picnic areas are available on site, along with boat hire for exploring Windermere.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is a wonderful destination for woodland walks, and the Ridding Wood Trail offers a short, easy path through the heart of the forest. This gently undulating trail is accessible to all. Along the way, you might spot some of the forest’s famous sculptures hidden among the trees, adding a unique artistic element to your walk.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a large pay-and-display visitor centre car park at Grizedale Forest.
Facilities: At the visitor centre, there is also a café, public toilets and information about the forest’s various trails. The area is also popular with mountain bikers.

Waterhead, near Ambleside

Waterhead, located on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, offers a picturesque lakeside walk with stunning views across the water. This area is perfect for a gentle stroll along the shore, where you can enjoy the calming ambiance of the lake, watch the boats, or even take a cruise on Windermere. The path is flat and accessible, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for all visitors. If you wish to extend it a little, you can walk all the way to Ambleside on reasonable paths.

Distance: Various short lakeside paths
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Flat, paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Parking: There is a pay-and-display car park at Waterhead, just across the road from the lake.
Facilities: Waterhead has several cafés and pubs along the lakeshore, as well as public toilets. You can also find boat hire and cruises departing from the pier.

A few final tips

Keep an eye on the weather as the Lake District can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before setting off and make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. Remember the old adage… there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

Also keep an eye out for wildlife, even on these walks. The Lakes are rich in wildlife – maybe take a pair of binoculars with you, just in case you spot something. We hope these routes provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore some of the South Lakes in a leisurely way, and at your own pace.