5 of my favourite walks near Ambleside and Windermere
Nestled in the heart of England’s stunning Lake District, Ambleside and Windermere are two of the most popular places that visitors like to base themselves – both having plenty of accomodation options.
Ambleside is your go-to spot for a more laid-back vibe with plenty of character. It’s a hiker’s paradise, with trails leading off in every direction—whether you fancy a gentle stroll or a more ambitious trek. It’s also nice to just wander through its pretty streets, enjoy some local goodies, and soak up that classic Lakes charm.
Ambleside is located at the northern edge of Lake Windermere — England’s largest lake. The town of Bowness-on-Windermere sits right on the lakeshore also, in a more southerly position. Bowness-on-Windermere is packed with attractions, including the popular World of Beatrix Potter, and is bustling with people due to having plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and offers easy access to boat cruises on the lake.
Whether you’re in the Lake District for hiking or just some quality chill time, Ambleside and Windermere have got you covered. Bring your camera, your appetite, and a good pair of shoes—you’ll need all three!
If you decide to visit and stay in the Ambleside or Bowness-on-Windermere area – then here are 5 of my favourite walks that you have to know about, which can all be accessed easily enough by public transport or car.
LOUGHRIGG FELL WALK
I often say that step for step – a walk to Loughrigg Fell is one of the best Lake District walks there is! I say this because it’s a modest fell in height – and when walking to it on my favourite route – you get loads of different views around evety corner – of Grasmere, Loughrigg Tarn, Langdale, Rydal Water and Windermere itself. If I was going to recommend 1 Lake District walk to a new visitor to the Lakes – this would be it.
HELM CRAG WALK
Helm Crag is another modest Lake District fell in height but is perhaps one of the most distinctive fell summits in the Lake District with it’s rocky outcrops and it gives some superb and dramatic views of Grasmere and the surrounding fells. In this photo I’m stood on the well known local rocky landmark that goes by the name of the ‘The Lion & the Lamb’. If you are looking for a walk close to Ambleside or Windermere then this is a Lake District classic.
CATHEDRAL QUARRY WALK
I’ve put in this list a relatively short walk to Cathedral Quarry Caves as it offers something a little different for the Lake District and is a great one for kids too. It remains one of my most popular blog posts. The caves at Cathedral Quarry are a small network of interlinked quarries above Little Langdale that where mined hundreds of years ago, and although now disused, they are maintained and kept open for free by the National Trust. The impressive main chamber inside Cathedral Quarry is indeed ‘Cathedral like’ and you can understand how the place gets its name. They are a brilliant little destination for a short walk and kids will also love exploring the caves.
TARN HOWS WALK
Tarn Hows is a lovely and very accessible walk not too far from Lake Windemere and is classic Lake District. Its a short drive from Windermere and if you want an easy low level walk – then this is the one to do.
GRASMERE & RYDAL WATER WALKS
Grasmere was the home of the famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” So as you can imagine- it is well worth a visit. Grasmere village village is renowned for its picturesque beauty and literary heritage. Visitors should also explore Grasmere ‘lake’ itself – and there are 2 really goof walks you can do. A shorter one around Grasmere, and a longer route that takes in Rydal Water too via the ‘old coffin route’.
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