Full Description
Discover the Lake District's iconic beauty with this expertly curated collection of 15 short walks in and around Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Each route has been handpicked for its stunning scenery, local interest and accessibility, inviting you to explore the heart of the Lakes at a relaxed pace, perfect for families, newcomers and anyone seeking gentle adventure in this much-loved national park.
Each walk comes with a clear, easy-to-follow Ordnance Survey® map and step-by-step route description, making navigation in the Lake District simple and enjoyable for walkers of all experience levels.
Practical information is included for every route in the Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere areas, covering parking, public transport options, facilities and must-see highlights, so you can focus on making the most of your day.
Discover classic Lake District landscapes as you stroll through ancient woodlands, picturesque villages and along shimmering lakeshores, with panoramic viewpoints at Orrest Head, Wansfell and Loughrigg, the storybook charm of Beatrix Potter's Hill Top, and the literary heritage of Wordsworth's Grasmere.
Routes range from 5 to 11km (all under three hours), including an optional longer challenge walk (Helm Crag), and are graded easy to moderate, with short climbs but no technical terrain, ideal for relaxed outings or walks with the whole family.
Enjoy the best of Lake District hospitality, with recommendations for welcoming pubs and cosy tea rooms along the way, plus expert tips for every season, from spring's wildflowers and summer's long days to autumn's fiery colours and the crisp magic of winter walks.
Part of Cicerone's trusted Short Walks series, this Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere guidebook is your all-in-one companion for exploring the region's most memorable walks. Whether you're discovering waterfalls, caves and historic sites, or simply soaking up the views and vibrant village life, this guide offers everything you need for a rewarding day out in the Lake District's most captivating corners.
Contents
Location of walks
Map key
Using this guide
Routes in this book
Clothing and footwear
Walk descriptions
Maps, GPX files and what3words
Walking with children
Dogs
Enjoying the countryside responsibly
Route summary table
Introduction
Walking in the Lake District
Things to see
Where to stay
Travel
The walks
Walk 1 Bowness, Windermere and School Knott
Walk 2 Windermere, Orrest Head and Holehird Gardens
Walk 3 Near and Far Sawrey, and Beatrix Potter's Hill Top
Walk 4 Windermere's western shore and Wray Castle
Walk 5 Troutbeck village and upper valley
Walk 6 Wansfell, Troutbeck and Robin Lane
Walk 7 High and Low Sweden Bridges from Ambleside
Walk 8 Lily Tarn, Windermere view and Galava Roman Fort
Walk 9 Loughrigg from Ambleside
Walk 10 Ambleside to Elterwater
Walk 11 Elterwater and Red Bank
Walk 12 Dove Cottage, Grasmere and Rydal
Walk 13 Silver How from Grasmere
Walk 14 Easedale Tarn
Walk 15 Helm Crag - The Lion and the Lamb
Useful information
