Short on effort – big on views.
These are our easy family-friends walks in the Lake District, ones we often do on lazy days. Walks that will get you the knockout view you need, give you chance to walk off that Lake District grub but won’t put you in bed by 9pm. We often do these walks with our kids, no carrying needed – lots to see along the way and an easy way to get some fresh air.
1. Hampsfell Hospice
It would be rude to not do this one if you’re in Cartmel. Not many walks in the Lakes tick off cracking sea views and green rolling hills. Plus if you look carefully you’ll be able to see our holiday home, Pheasant Lodge.
You can start near Grange Fell Golf course. We were able to park on the road side easily. The route is signposted but you’ll know which way to walk as you’re going up hill to start. You’ll walk across a couple of grassy fields, climbing over some stiles and soon enough you’ll be able to turn around onto views of Morecambe Bay. From then on it’s more open, parts of which you’ll be on a path, the rest you’ll be walking across open hills.
As you continue to walk up, you’ll see Cartmel on the left hand side at the bottom of the valley. It’s as straight forward as it seems – just keep heading up. It’s a gentle climb and there are great places to sit and takes in the views along the way.
Although the best view has to be once you reach Hampsfell Hospice. Hampsfell Hospice was built in 1846 by Reverend Thomas Remington (the Vicar of Cartmel at the time) as a resting place for weary travellers. You can take the stone steps up to the top or take a moment inside, if you’re feeling weary yourself, but hopefully this was the perfect walk for an easy afternoon.
RODODAKTYLOS EOS – Greek letters above the entrance translate to ‘Rosy Fingered Dawn’ From Ancient Greek Poet Homer.
Duration: Approx 1 hour to the Hospice (Under 6km dependent on route)
2. Gummers How
For a fairly short(ish) route, the walk up Gummers How will give you breathtaking views across Lake Windermere and further into the Lake District National Park. Think huge bodies of water, mountains, rolling hills, possible sunsets, if you pick a clearer day than we did, oh and some Luing cows. (Think Highland Cattle but Cumbrian)
You can drive right up to the start point for this one, which is on the way to Bowland Bridge. Once parked up it’s signposted – so pretty straight forward. It’s around a 40 minute walk to the top, a little bit steep in places but the sights will make you forget about that.
You can loop round the top and back down the same way. I’d recommend jumping in the car and driving to The Hare and Hounds at Bowland Bridge – one of the Lake District’s finest pubs.
Duration: 30/40 minutes to the top (2 miles)
3. The Swan at Newby Bridge to Lakeside
If you want something completely accessible, with a pub at either end – West Windermere Way is it. The route is fairly new, paved only a few years ago to keep people from walking on the Lake road. It means, no traffic and is easy with prams, scooters, bikes or wheelchairs.
Kids will love this route, not only is it flat but you may catch the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam train passing if you’re lucky. Noisy and a beautiful sight to see. You walk through a few fields, across a couple of bridges and along the River Leven which feeds into Lake Windermere. There are loads of benches to stop and sit if needed, plus you can watch people paddle boarding and sailing along the river.
Once you’re through the fields you’ll walk alongside the railway track (fenced off – so don’t worry) and end up at Lakeside where you’ll find the Aquarium, Lakeside Hotel and Windermere Lake Cruises.
You could enjoy a drink or afternoon tea at Lakeside, take a boat up Lake Windermere or turn back and relax at the Swan hotel instead. A walk that has something for everyone.
Good news – the plan is create a continuous walking and cycling route to connect Newby Bridge all the way up the West Coast of Lake Windermere to Wray Castle. So it will continue on from Lakeside encouraging people to leave their cars at home.
Duration: 40 minutes each way (3km round trip)
Miles without Stiles route 51: West Windermere Way
4. Cartmel Village to Holker Hall
We do this walk often, especially if there is a fun event on at Holker Hall. You can park in the Cartmel Racecourse parking and head out of the back entrance across the fields, away from Cartmel. You’ll eventually come to a more wooded area – which used to be a huge forest but was cut down a few years ago in the storms.
Follow this path through the old woodland, where you then come to a road. Don’t worry – you won’t see cars on here often, so it’s safe to walk along. You’ll then head up a fairly steep hill but only for about 5 minutes and once you reach the stop you’ll be rewarded with views of Morecambe Bay. Then you’re all down hill to Holker Hall. Just stay on the same road – you’ll pass fields and farms.
Once you reach the end of this road, there will be a T-junction. If you head across the road here you’ll walk into the back entrance of Holker Hall or turn left down the road to find the main entrance. It’s a really pretty welcome through the main gates, with rolling lawns and herds of deer grazing on the lawns. You’ll then curve round to meet Holker Hall and Gardens.
Make sure you enjoy some time here. There are events dotted throughout the year and the gardens are magical to wander around, anytime of year.
Duration: 1 hour (3km)
We never tire of exploring these walks, and we love seeing our guests discover them too. If you’re staying at Pheasant Lodge, we’ll happily point you in the right direction for your next adventure. Book with us today.
See you soon. Hannah x