1 – Orrest Head

One of the most popular walks in the area – the climb to Orrest Head’s summit – is relatively easy and is perfect for anyone who is looking to kick off their stay in the Lakes the right way.

Whilst it only takes around 20 minutes to reach the summit, you can expect to see fantastic views of Lake Windermere on a clear day. If you look towards the North West, you’ll see some of the Lakes most iconic hills including Scafell Pike, Bowfell and Pike O’ Stickle.

The walk starts on the A591 and is only a 15-minute drive from Windermere Marina Village – If the little ones are starting to become restless, you can simply return the way you came for a quicker exit, or you can opt to carry on North and head towards a truly stunning woodland section through St Catherine’s Woods.

2 – School Knott

Like Orrest Head, School Knott is a small peak that overlooks Lake Windermere. This trail is popular among locals and clued-up tourists (just like you!) and offers a far more relaxing experience than climbing Orrest Head.

This walk is great for the whole family, it isn’t particularly strenuous but does have some steep climbs, especially when you’re nearly at the summit.

This particular walk takes around 2 hours to complete and is 5 miles long but will guarantee you some fantastic views of the area once you reach the summit. If you’re looking to get away from the tourist hustle and bustle, a walk up School Knott is a must during your visit to Windermere.

3 – Gummer’s How

With a peak height of only 88m and a total walk time of around 30 minutes, Gummer’s How is a great walk for beginners.

This walk is also great if you’re looking for something a little more challenging too, as there are plenty of other areas around the trail which you can choose to explore if you so wish.

The walk offers great views over Windermere and Newby Bridge and on a clear day, you will even be able to see the sea. On the route up, you’ll find heather-clad slopes and fantastic rocky outcrops throughout this walk, making this the perfect setting for a winter walk in the Lake District.

4 – Brant Fell

This climb offers up a wide range of spectacular views of the Lake District, from the stunning Lake, right through to the central fells across the area.

Situated on the fells above Bowness on Windermere, this trail offers a getaway from the usual tourist hotspots, just like School Knott.

At 3.5 miles, this walk is moderately difficult but is definitely worth the effort, as the trail has a fantastic mix of woodland, open spaces and truly breath-taking views over Windermere. On average, this walk takes around two hours to complete, so it’s ideal if you’re looking to see a range of what the Lake District has to offer in a relatively short time.

5 – Easedale Tarn

If you are looking for a walk that is a little further afield and slightly more challenging, you should definitely head out to Grasmere to tackle Easedale Tarn. This walk is just under 6 miles long and will take roughly 4 hours to complete, so it’s not perfect if you have children in your party.

Easedale Tarn truly does have it all, from a mountain tarn surrounded by stunning fells and waterfalls plunging into pools. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by a large tarn which is perfect for having a spot of lunch next to.

When you’ve finished admiring the view, the tarn can be crossed via stepping stones for a more scenic descent, or you can opt to simply return via the same route you ascended for a slightly shorter route back.

Once you have completed your walk through a winter wonderland, you’ll be glad to come back to your group accommodation in the Lake District to warm up together.

Here at Windermere Marina Village, we are pleased to offer a warm, safe haven following a day of exploring all the Lakes have to offer in the winter.