MARK Walks Near Windermere
Windermere is one of the busiest bases in the Lake District — with lakeshore loops, woodland trails, and panoramic viewpoints all within minutes of town.
These are the best walks near Windermere, curated to answer the exact search intent behind “walks near Windermere” — easy to choose, easy to start.
Best Walks Near Windermere
Orrest Head
~3 km · ~200 m ascent · start Windermere town centre. Wainwright’s first Lakeland summit — the classic Windermere walk, perfect for families and first-timers.
School Knott
~5 km · start Windermere. A quiet, scenic loop with rolling hills and lake views — less busy than Orrest Head, great for a peaceful half-day.
Brant Fell & Post Knott
~4 km · start Bowness. A short ridge walk above Bowness with big views over the lake — easy access and a perfect sunset spot.
Windermere West Shore Walk
~6 km · start Windermere Ferry. A gentle lakeshore walk from Ferry House to Claife Heights — flat, scenic, and ideal for families or low-level days.
Claife Heights
~6–8 km · ~200 m ascent · start Ferry House. Woodland trails, tarns, and quiet viewpoints above the lake — a hidden-gem walk near Windermere.
Wansfell Pike
~6 km · ~400 m ascent · start Ambleside (10 mins from Windermere). A steeper, more dramatic option with big views — great for fitter walkers.
Parking & Getting Around Windermere
- Parking: Broad Street car park (best for Orrest Head), Rayrigg Road lakeside parking (lakeshore walks), Bowness car parks (Brant Fell & Post Knott), Ferry House (Claife Heights & the West Shore).
- Train: Windermere station has direct trains from Manchester and the west coast main line.
- Buses: The 555 runs Kendal → Windermere → Ambleside → Grasmere → Keswick.
- Windermere Ferry: connects Bowness to the quieter west shore at Ferry House.
- Facilities: cafés and pubs throughout Windermere & Bowness, toilets at Bowness and Ferry House, and outdoor shops for last-minute gear.
MX Summary: Windermere is one of the best bases for easy, scenic walking — viewpoints, lakeshore loops, and quiet woodland trails all within minutes of town. These curated routes are simple to start, easy to choose, and link straight into the full MX route guides.