Easy Lake District walks using public transport

Are you looking for walks in the Lake District that offer spectacular views without climbing high? Our 50 Miles without Stiles routes are accessible and great for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs or little legs, those with limited mobility or anyone seeking a stroll to simply take in the fabulous scenery of the Lake District National Park. Our Miles without Stiles routes are graded based on gradients and surface conditions and provide a guide so you can decide if the route is suitable for you. We have picked our top 10 routes that you can do without a car. Hop on a bus, boat or train and take it all in, without worrying whether you will get parked.

1. Pooley Bridge to Gale Bay

Valley: Ullswater

Distance: 1.8km linear route

Grade: For some

Transport: Take the Stagecoach 508 bus from Penrith to Pooley Bridge, running throughout the year. Trains also run regularly to Penrith.

Follow the path along the shore of Ullswater, taking in the views along the northern reaches of the lake. Watch the Ullswater Steamers make their journey to Howtown and Glenridding. Looking north, you can see the steep mound of Dunmallard Hill with the remains of its ancient settlement on top. This must have been an important defensive location at the entrance to Ullswater and may have been part of a line of defensive locations that were designed to repel any invader. Once you arrive back in Pooley Bridge, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in one of the pubs or cafes.

© Image of Duke of Portland Boathouse by Mike Childs

Map and route information for Pooley Bridge

2. Brothers Water

Valley: Ullswater

Distance: 3.75km linear route

Grade: For many

Transport: Between Easter and October, you can catch the 508 bus service between Penrith and Windermere, stopping at Cow Bridge or the Brotherswater Inn, depending on which end you wish you start.

This gentle route takes you along the wooded shoreline of Brothers Water, look out for summer blooms of water lilies, moorhens, coots and swans. Along the track you’ll come to the historic Hartsop Hall, a 16^th century Grade I listed building. Dove Crag, one of the steepest cliffs in the Lake District, stands mighty at the head of Dovedale valley.

©Image of Brothers Water by Nick Hall

Map and route information for Brothers Water

3. Orrest Head

Valley: Windermere

Distance: 3.5km linear route

Grade: For some

Transport: The route starts across the road from Windermere bus and train station. Regular train services arrive from Kendal, Oxenholme and beyond with frequent bus services calling in, eg 555 Stagecoach service.

Discover the view that made Alfred Wainwright fall in love with the Lake District and inspired him to write his pictorial guides on the 214 fells. This is a fabulous accessible route, that allows people to experience a panoramic view of Windermere and the central fells. Make sure to follow the blue-marked route, to avoid any steps.

Map and route information for Orrest Head

4. Windermere’s Western Shore

Valley: Windermere

Distance: 9km linear route

Grade: For many

Transport: Start at Bowness and take the scenic route by boat across Windermere from pier 3, or take the car ferry (with or without the car) from Ferry Nab to Ferry House.

Discover a quieter part of Windermere along the western shore and escape from the hustle and bustle of Bowness-on-Windermere. Following a stone track, along the shore, you’re presented with spectacular lake views and mountain tops. There are plenty of picnic spots along the way, with pebbled beaches and wooded areas to rest for a moment or two. Feeling adventurous? Continue all the way to High Wray and explore Wray Castle.

Map and route information for Windermere’s Western Shore

8. Dubwath Silver Meadows

Valley: Borrowdale and Bassenthwaite

Distance: 2.5km circular route

Grade: For all

Transport: X5 Stagecoach bus service from Keswick to Dubwath village.

Explore Lake District’s first wetlands nature reserve at Dubwath Silver Meadows.

A home for many species of wildlife, it’s a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. Stop off in the many shelters, built by volunteers using traditional methods such as willow weaving, and travel along environmentally friendly boardwalks, made from recycled bottles.

© Image of Osprey, RSBP Ben Andrew

Map and route information for Dubwath Silver Meadows

9. West Windermere Way

Valley: Windermere

Distance: 3km linear route

Grade: For some

Transport:

• Bus: Stagecoach 6 from Kendal or Windermere, 6C from Kendal to Barrow or X6 from Kendal to Ulverston, and the X60 Blueworks bus from Newby Bridge to Ulverston.
• Train: Lakeside and Haverthwaite railway from Haverthwaite Station to Newby Bridge Halt or Lakeside Ferry Terminal.
• Boat: Windermere Lake Cruises from Bowness on Windermere or Ambleside.

Enjoy a quieter part of the Lake District whilst spotting the 1950s steam train, buzzards circulating over the woodlands and bats darting at dusk. There are benches along the way for you to take a moment to rest and look up at Gummers How fell. A newly built boardwalk and railway bridge and has built to provide access along with interesting information panels to learn more about the area.

At Lakeside you’ll find an aquarium, a ticket office for Windermere Lake Cruises and Lakeside Hotel or at the other end you can grab something to eat at Swan Hotel or Newby Bridge Hotel. The full West Windermere Way route continues from Lakeside through Finsthwaite to YMCA, but not all of it is a Miles without Stiles route.

Map and route information for West Windermere Way