Lake District Walks from Windermere
A selection of short and easy walks from Windermere
There's an abundance of fantastic walks beginning right from Windermere and Bowness, offering breathtaking views overlooking Lake Windermere. Whether you're craving a quick break from the hustle and bustle or an effortless day hike, you'll find plenty of options to suit your preferences. In this guide, we'll explore several short walks that cater to all levels of fitness and offer a variety of distances to accommodate everyone's needs. From the iconic Orrest Head and tranquil School Knott to the scenic Sunset Jetty and a leisurely stroll to Ings village, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.
Circular walk to School Knott from Windermere
The School Knott walk offers a great view over Lake Windermere and the Langdales in the distance. School Knott can be accessed from both Windermere and Bowness from many different footpaths and is a great alternative to Orrest Head which can often get busy in the summer with many walkers and tourist.
School Knott Walk from Windermere
How high is School Knott?
School Knott is just over 230m high.
How long does it take to walk School Knott?
The route is fairly short at 6km and should take just under 2 hours if starting from Windermere town centre.
Where can I park for free to walk School Knott?
There is a large public carpark located in Windermere (Postcode: LA23 2AB). Alternatively, you can park for free on Thornbarrow Road.
Walk to Orrest Head
A short but rewarding ascent, Orrest Head offers stunning panoramic views of Windermere and its surrounding fells. This gentle walk begins near the town centre and winds its way through lush woodlands before reaching the summit. At just over 780 feet, the hill provides a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains including Scafell Pike, Bowfell, Great End, Great Gable, Harrison Stickle and many more.
Orrest Head Viewpoint, Windermere
How high is Orrest head?
Orrest Head is just over 238m high.
How long is Orrest Head walk?
The walk is under 3km and should take less than an hour total.
Where to park for Orrest Head?
There is no specific car park for the Orrest Head walk, however, there is a large public carpark located in Windermere (Postcode: LA23 2AB). Alternatively there is parking in both the Booths and Lakeland car parks. As the walk is fairly short, you shouldn’t need to park for too long. I recommend parking in Windermere and then heading to Homeground for cake afterwards.
Is Orrest Head a Wainwright?
While not an official Wainwright, Orrest Head was the first fell Alfred Wainwright climbed in the Lake District.
Walk to Ings and the Watermill Inn & Brewery
For a change of pace, consider a leisurely walk to the nearby village of Ings.
The walk from Windermere to Ings takes you across School Fell and along quiet country lanes and scenic footpaths. The circular walk is about 10km long and just under 2 hours.
Upon reaching the village, you can reward yourself with a well-deserved break at the Watermill Inn & Brewery, an award-winning pub and brewery. They have a great selection of home brewed beers; I recommend the Collie Wobbles.
The walk can either follow the same route back, or add on an extended loop. I’ve linked the route in the link below.
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Circular walk via Sunset Jetty
Sunset Jetty holds a special place for me in the Lake District. Tucked along the peaceful shores of Lake Windermere, it offers a stunning view, especially during clear sunsets with the Langdales in the distance.
You have the option to either drive and park nearby or begin your journey from Windermere itself. Along the way, you'll walk past cascading waterfalls and through a beautiful forest until you finally arrive at the tranquil shoreline. It's a serene spot that truly encapsulates the beauty of the area.
The video below captures just some of this beauty.
The sunset walk takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and is just under 5 km.
Kit list for when walking in the Lake District
As mentioned, it's essential to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for your walk. The walks in this guide are very short, however if you’re planning to head out into the mountains, then the below list is a handy guide for the essential items to bring:
Sturdy walking boots and socks with good ankle support
You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!
Hiking socks: I personally use Smartwool merino wool socks which are incredibly comfy, help keep my feet dry
Daypack: when out walking in the Lakes, I always take my Osprey Talon 44L bag. I recommend the Osprey daypacks such as the Talon range for men and Tempest range for woman.
Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key
You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you are going to be hiking often then investing in a good waterproof may be a good idea
Warm layers
Fleece - My go-to warm layer - Patagonia R1 Fleece
Warm gloves or mittens: I personally use the Rab Mens Pivot GTX Gloves and these worked well on my recent winter hiking trips.
Lightweight Gloves: For lower hills I recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. I personally use the Sealskinz unisex waterproof gloves if it is raining and the Montane Prism gloves if it is dry but windy (they are lighter and a little more comfy.
Neck bandana or scarf: For the chilly days on the mountain, I recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. I recommend the Buff unisex bandana.
Map and compass (and the ability to use them)
Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. I recommend adjustable Black Diamond or Leki trekking poles
Food and water
Kendal Mint Cake is my favourite snack for any walk and is a famous snack still made in the Lake District
Water bladder / bottles: When out in the fells, I aim to drink at least 1L of water. I recommend the Osprey 2 litre water badder which can be used in most backpacks.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
First aid kit - a small mix of plasters, Savalon (for bites and stings) and antiseptic wipes will do
Head torch: You will need a head torch with a decent power for any trips to the loo and more importantly the summit hike. I personally use a Petzl ACTIK® 600 CORE which is affordable and has a decent battery life. You’ll also need spare batteries as the cold will drain them quicker.
Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger.
I recommend any Anker Power Bank as they are reliable and well made. I use the USB-C 10,000 maH with 20W model. It charges my phone and watch when wild camping and is a great lightweight option