Walks from Windermere

Easy walk to Lake Windermere's shore at Cockshott Point and, via the car ferry, the 18th-century Claife Viewing Station built for the first tourists.

Claife Viewing Station: An 18th-century purpose-built viewing station on the quieter western shore of Windermere, created for the lake's first tourists to admire the landscape through coloured-glass windows.

Time: 2h30

Warnings: The full loop needs the Windermere car ferry (foot passengers, roughly every 20 minutes); the Cockshott Point section can be done without it.

Walk details: Visit Lake District / Lakes Line Rail User Group (PDF).

Recommended: Stunning views of the full Lake District fell panorama. Leaves Windermere via residential roads, then climbs onto grassy low fells on stony, sometimes rocky tracks, before dropping farm to farm through lush agricultural fields and quiet lanes into Staveley. Largely follows a well-signposted national trail; gentle for the Lake District with only mild ups and downs and though boggy and uneven underfoot in places. A delightful stepping-stone stream crossing. Largely follows the Dales Way national trail, though not throughout, so keep an eye on the map.

Time: 2h30–5h

Warnings: A network of paths over the open fell around Grandsire requires care with navigation despite the signposting.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

An absolute joy. A great rural route of two halves: a fantastic upland off-road stretch using footpaths, grassy tracks, rough rocky bridleways and field paths (the joyful Dales Way section) as far as Crook, then more roads and tracks to Kendal. Grassy tracks can be muddy, there are stiles, gates and fords and rough terrain throughout. The terrain undulates over fells with great views. Follows the Dales Way for a long stretch. Notices explain about tree-planting and grazing by belted Galloway cattle. Crosses Cunswick Fell and Kendal Fell with great views of the Lake District fells.

Time: 5h–10h

1 lunch spot: the Sun Inn

Warnings: Foot-only due to many stiles, gates and rough terrain; a railway level crossing uses a light system; crossing the often-busy A591 dual carriageway means judging gaps in traffic (a nearby road bridge can be used instead). Navigation over the little hill of Grandsire and the fields from Low Crag needs care. The route through Kendal's shopping centre is only passable during trading hours.

Walk details: Slow Ways.