Lake District walks are the perfect activity for the whole family, even your four-legged friends. As we’re one of the most dog friendly hotels in The Lake District, so if you’re planning on travelling to the Lake District with dogs, you’ve already found the perfect dog-friendly Lake District activity to take part in! Why not take a look at our guide that shows you the best of the dog friendly lake district.
So, grab your walking boots and wrap up warm as you set out on an adventure like no other! Here are some of the best walks in the Lake District that we know you will fall in love with!
The Best Family Walks in the Lake District
Family days out in the Lake District, are days out like no other! Fresh air, laughter and adventure lie around every corner, and there’s no telling what you may discover on your journey. However, little legs cannot always cover great distances, and it’s important you find the right walks for your family. Here are some of our favourites!
The West Windermere Way
Brand new for 2023, we are delighted to now have the West Windermere Way running between Newby Bridge and Lakeside, connecting us to the shores of Windermere Lake. This accessible one-mile long pathway is bike, wheelchair and horse friendly, making it a perfect option for all of our guests. Little ones will enjoy the stroll alongside our marina and may even see some local wildlife on the way! Once you arrive at Lakeside, you can grab an ice cream, enjoy a trip to the Lakes Aquarium, or even catch the Windermere Lake Cruises ferry over to Bowness-on-Windermere!
Tarn Hows
Learn the tale of Tarn Hows as you enjoy the glorious circular walk and take in the beautiful scenery. As you walk, you will gradually incline, revealing a beautiful view of the water below. This walk is perfect for those of all ages and only a 25-minute drive from the Swan, a firm favourite for tourists and locals alike!
Galleny Force Walk
A walk around the stunning Galleny Force waterfall is sure to entice children of all ages, especially when you realise that it is also known as the Fairy Glenn. Be sure to have your camera at the ready, to snap stunning shots of the waterfall itself, alongside any fairy-friends you might meet along the way! This is the perfect walk for children whose love of magic outshines everything else.
Kendal Castle Walk
Soaked in history and stories from the past, Kendal Castle is one of the Lake District’s top attractions year-round. It is also one of the best places to visit in the Lake District if you are looking for a gentle walk that will not leave you feeling too tired. Be sure to peep through the gaps in the castle’s walls to see if you can spot any friendly ghosts!
Orrest Head Walk
The Orrest Head Walk is perfect for adventurers of all ages and is considered one of the best things to do at Lake District Windermere. As you travel down the winding path, you will be met with stunning views of the famous lake, alongside neighbouring woodland and hills. If you want to get a closer look, Lake Windemere is the best spot around for Lake District boat hire! This means that you can take to the water by rowboat, motorboat or even a kayak.
The Best Walks in the Lake District for Experienced Hikers
Sometimes, you’ll want to take part in a walk that presents you with a challenge. However, you should ensure you are fully prepared for what lies ahead, and that you do not attempt a walk that exceeds your abilities. Here are some the best walks in the Lake District for experienced hikers visiting the Lake District, who are looking to try something new.
Fairfield Horseshoe
The Fairfield Horseshoes is an adventurous walk covering 10.2 miles (16.4km) of mountainside, hills and marshlands. Ensure that you set out early to provide you with plenty of light along the way. This gives you even more chance to take in the stunning views. You should also ensure you bring plenty of snacks to enjoy along the way.
Scafell Pike
A walk up to Scafell pike is often considered one of the best walks in the Lake District. This is due to the fact that it is Britain’s highest mountain, standing tall at 978 metres above sea level. This walk is sure to leave you with a great sense of accomplishment, but it is important that you are fully prepared for a hike of this magnitude. Be sure you have a camera on hand to take photographs of the view once you reach the summit.
The Best Walks for Couples
The Lake District was home to some of the best romantic poets and writers of the ages, including William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who were undoubtedly inspired by their beautiful surroundings. As a result, the Lake District is the perfect location for a romantic getaway. Here are some romantic walks that you may enjoy!
Darling Fell Walk
Darling Fell is a quiet, peaceful waterfall that is often the backdrop to many proposals and romantic strolls. It is a great way to spend some time together whilst surrounded by nature, and is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic!
Loweswater Walk
Loweswater is one of the lesser-known Lake District attractions, as the lake is smaller than most. However, this means that it is often much quieter and peaceful – and therefore, the perfect place for a romantic walk. Undisturbed nature, beautiful scenery and relaxation are all guaranteed during a visit to Loweswater.
After Walking
After a day full of walking, head to the Swan Hotel, where you can relax, unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure in style. Whether this means you head for a massage at our Lake District spa, or indulge in some delicious food and drink at the Swan Inn or Cygneture Brasserie – the fun does not stop once you enter our doors. When evening falls, retire to your room or one of our luxury lake district cottages for comfortable, luxurious night’s sleep!
At the Swan Hotel, we are known for excellent service and work hard to ensure our guests have everything they need at their fingertips during a stay at our swanderful hotel.
As we’re rated one of the best spa hotels in the Lake District we’re proud to offer amazing spa treatment to our visitors. Find out more and have a spa day in Windermere.