Bowness Viewpoints

About Bowness Viewpoints

Enjoy a scenic walk which takes you to two of the best viewpoints over Lake Windermere and the surrounding area, Biskey Howe and School Knott. Returns on the route of the Dales way, which finishes at Bowness after 84 miles.

Start point: At ‘Lakeland’ clothes shop, at the bottom of Helm Rd
Distance: 5 miles
Suitability: Moderate climb, some wet areas.
Suitable for children, and dogs on leads.
Parking: Pay and displays in Bowness

Directions

• From the ‘Lakeland’ turn up Helm road, passing the Windermere Hydro Hotel
• Follow the sign to the viewpoint on the left, and after enjoying the views, return to the road, via an alternative footpath. Turn right at the road.
• Follow the footpath sign to Helm farm, and at the fork bear right.
• At Helm farm, follow the way-marked path on the left and continue to follow a path marked to School Knott.
• Cross a minor road, and follow the sign to Old Droomer.
• Cross the footbridge and turn left at the road, and after a gate, turn right and follow the sign to School Knott. Follow the clear path to the summit.
• From the summit, follow the vague path down to a gate in a wall, and the tarn, and then follow the path around the hillside to the right of the tarn to reach a more distinct track and gate.
• From here, follow the Dalesway signs, for some distance. Each path junction is clearly marked. At the road junction, look for a stile and path running along the side of the road, and then continue to follow the Dalesway signs back to Bowness.

Photo credit: Tony West, Cumbria Media Library