The Windermere Way Walk

The Windermere Way takes you on a scenic stroll through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Lake District. These series of walks around Windermere start in the delightful lakeside town of Ambleside and consist of four days walking (7-15 miles per day). Using the regular ferries to traverse the Lake, you get a chance to sit back and enjoy the outstanding views across the water as well as the fantastic walking. You will stay in the pretty town of Ambleside for two nights and then the bustling Bowness-on-Windermere for a further three nights, in carefully selected B&B's or guesthouses. Your luggage will be transferred for you between Ambleside and Bowness and you will be provided with detailed maps and route notes for your walk, as well as an emergency contact number should you need it.

The walking will consist of a series of well maintained paths and trails as well as some sections of easy road walking. At times you will climb into the hills where you will be afforded magnificent views, at others you will follow the lake on gentle flat paths.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Ambleside.

Reaching Ambleside is easy enough by taking the train to Windermere, from where a frequent Lakeslink bus runs to Ambleside. Alternatively a taxi from Windermere takes just 10 minutes to Ambleside. This bustling town is the perfect place to be based for an introduction to walking in the Lake district. Overnight: Ambleside

Day 2: Ferry to Bowness-on-Windermere & Walk back to Ambleside (10 miles)

This morning following breakfast, you will catch an early ferry from Ambleside to Bowness Bay and begin your walk back to Ambleside.

You will follow the footpaths through bustling Windermere, before leaving the village and climbing up into the hills where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Lake District from Orrest Head; famously described by Wainwright as the ‘introduction to a dream’.

You will continue to the high point of the Windermere Way at Wansfell Pike, before descending to Ambleside for a well deserved rest. Overnight: Ambleside

Day 3: Ambleside - Ferry House (13 miles) - Ferry to Bowness

Today you have the option of taking a higher route up to Claife Heights, or following the route up to Loughrigg Fell where you will be greeted by a stunning lake panorama. This is followed by some gentle lakeside walking from Wray Castle.

You will arrive at Ferry Nab from where a short ferry trip delivers you to the bustling town of Bowness; full of good restaurants and pubs and the perfect base for your next few nights. Overnight: Bowness

Day 4: Ferry to Ferry House - Walk to Lakeside (7.5 miles) - Ferry to Bowness

A short ferry ride this morning takes you back to Ferry House for the start of your walk to Lakeside.

You will stroll along the lakeshore and through tranquil woodland on this gentle walk, with plenty of opportunity to see local wildlife and birds.

Take the ferry from Lakeside back to Bowness. Overnight: Bowness

Day 5: Ferry to Lakeside - Walk to Bowness (14.5 miles)

Take the ferry back to Lakeside this morning, from where you begin a more challenging walk for your final day. You will begin with a steady ascent following forest paths to the summit of Gummer How, from where you have yet another magnificent 360 degree panorama of the Lake District. When the visibility is good, you can see the River Leven to the South, Coniston and the Langdales to the west, Helvellyn and Fairfield at the lake head and the Pennines to the East. Overnight: Bowness.

Day 6: Departure.

Price:

£535.00 per person based on two people sharing. Accommodation in small hotels, B&B's and guest houses with en-suite facilities.

Single supplement £200

Practical Information:

Included:

5 nights accommodation with full English breakfast Provision of map sections and route descriptions Luggage transfers Back-up service.

Not Included:

Lunches, dinners, transport to/from, Windermere ferry.

Departure dates:

Any day April-October subject to accommodation availability Contact us to book this walk or make an enquiry.

Getting There:

The closest airport would be Manchester, other options could be Glasgow, Birminggham or London airports.

Reaching Ambleside is easy enough by train to Windermere, from where a frequent Lakeslink bus (555) runs to Ambleside. Alternatively a taxi from Windermere takes just 10 minutes to Ambleside.

Difficulty:

Many of the walks are easy and along the lake shore, however there are several climbs up to higher ground which can be more challenging. On the whole this is a gentle introduction to walking in the Lake District.

What to take:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sunblock/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit.

Insurance:

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason. Contact us now to book this walk or make an enquiry.