21 July 2025 Local area
Easy walks across The Lakes for all ages and abilities
You don’t need to be super fit to get outdoors in the Lake District, there are plenty of gentle walks on offer, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular scenery without working up a sweat!
We’ve hand-picked just some of our favourite easy walks. All are suitable for novice hikers and feature well-maintained and clearly marked paths.
Distance from Park Cliffe: 6 miles, 15 minutes by car
We highly recommend walking to Orrest head during your stay at Park Cliffe. This short but scenic route can be accessed from the town centre and rewards walkers with 360 degree views over Windermere and the central fells from the top. There’s plenty of seating at the summit, providing the perfect setting for a picnic or a quiet moment taking in the views.
The main trail is short, but challenging in parts, with steeper sections as the path winds through Elleray Woods. If you have mobility issues, there is an accessible route suitable for scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs. Follow the blue signs to avoid any steps.
View the route
Car park: LA23 2AB
Route: 3.5 miles round trip
Distance from Park Cliffe: 3 miles, 8 minutes by car
Fell Foot Park is a fantastic option if you don’t want to travel too far from Park Cliffe. This scenic park is located on the southern tip of Windermere and boasts a fantastic café, play area, spalling lawns, watersports hire and easy access to the lake.
We highly recommend completing the Fell Foot Circular Heritage Trail during your visit. This easy route provides the perfect opportunity to discover some of the park’s history, including Gothic Revival Boat Houses and 18th– century pleasure ground with Pinetum.
Car park: LA12 8NN
Route: 1.6 miles, approximately 1 hour
Distance from Park Cliffe: 15 miles, 35 minutes by car
Tarn Hows is one of our favourite easy walks in the Lake District. This popular destination offers magnificent waterfront views, without having to walk too far!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the tarn, which is flanked by impressive woodland and fauna. Admire the surrounding Coniston Fells from one of the plentiful benches or pack a picnic and make a day of it!
The circular route is less than two miles long and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire – they must be pre-booked at least 48 hours in advance. There are some hilly sections in places.
Car park: LA22 0PW
Route: 1.8 miles, 1.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace
Distance from Park Cliffe: 11 miles, 30 minutes by car
Grizedale Forest has a series of waymarked trails of varying levels of difficulty to explore. The easiest is the Millwood Trail, which cuts through the heart of the forest. The short loop is just 1km in length and incorporates some of the oldest trees in the forest. Along the way you’ll discover some of the famous sculptures that are hidden among the trees.
Alternatively, the slightly longer 1.5km accessible Ridding Wood Trail is a great option
Car park: LA220QQ
Route: Various options – the shortest route is 1km
Distance from Park Cliffe: 37 miles, 1 hour 22 minutes’ drive
The Buttermere Walk is one of the most dramatic walks in the lake district that doesn’t require mountaineering. The lake is flanked by impressive peaks that extend right down until the lakeshore, creating unbeatable vistas in every direction.
The walk is more strenuous than others on the list but easily do-able for those with a good level of fitness. The route starts in Buttermere and circumnavigates the lake. You’ll follow a series of valley lanes and farm tracks.
Car Park: CA13 9UZ
Route: 4.2 miles, 2 hours
Distance from Park Cliffe: 27 miles, 1 hour by car
Walk to Friars Crag and sit on the most iconic bench in the Lake District – this iconic viewpoint is the perfect place to soak up the scenery and enjoy some peace and quiet.
It’s only a short walk from the town center. Along the way you’ll pass through the beautiful gardens of Hope Park.
Car Park: CA12 5DG
Route: Less than a mile from Keswick town centre. Suitable for pushchairs and come wheelchairs
Distance from Park Cliffe: 22 miles, 50 minutes by car
No trip to the Lake District is complete without taking time to visit at least one waterfall and Aira Force should top the ‘must visit’ list. This impressive waterfall is set in ancient woodland and boasts a drop of 65ft! It is quite the spectacle watching the water thunder onto the rocks below, especially after heavy rain!
It takes around 20 minutes to get to the falls from the National Trust car park via the most popular route – the circular trail takes about an hour it total. The path is well-maintained with good handrails, though there are a couple of slightly steeper sections along the route (139m elevation gain).
Car park: CA11 0JS
Route: Waterfall trails range from 0.5 to 2 miles
Distance from Park Cliffe: 13 miles, 30 minutes by car
If you’re looking for something a bit different, we highly recommend combining your hike with a Windermere Lake Cruise. This is a fantastic way of covering maximum distance, without having to expend too much energy!
Purchase the Walker’s Ticket and combine 3 boat cruises with a scenic walk along Windermere’s scenic western shore. This quiet section has wonderful views and plenty of extractions to explore.
We suggest making a day of it and exploring Wray Castle as part of your trip.
Car park: LA23 1BN (limited parking)
Route: 4.5km
For more inspiration, please see the ‘Miles Without Stiles’ website.
Park Cliffe is the ideal base for exploring easy walks across the Lake District. Our Windermere location affords guests easy access to host of natural beauty spots within minutes of the park.
We have a selection of accommodation to choose from. Bring your own touring caravan, motorhome or tent, or opt for one of our glamping options.
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