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Activities

The Best Fell Walks Near Bowness

Bowness-on-Windermere is positioned right on the banks of Lake Windermere, making it a wonderful place to base yourself for a stay in the Lake District. 

It has become something of a tourist hotspot over the years, yet due to the very nature of its position surrounded by the lakes and fells, it manages to retain that air of peace and tranquillity that can only come from being surrounded by nature.

One of the best possible ways to clear your head and get in some exercise at the same time is by taking to the fells to enjoy one of the many wonderful Lake District walks.

We thought we would share some of our favourite walks that you might like to enjoy if you’re staying in Bowness. Without further ado, here are some of the best fell walks you’ll find near Bowness-on-Windermere!

view from brant fell

Brant Fell

This is a very easy walk that you will only take you about an hour to complete. Despite being able to complete it so quickly, the best way to enjoy this walk is by taking it slowly and really enjoying your surroundings. 

It starts in the centre of Bowness, and leaves the bustle of the town behind swiftly as it climbs through the fields above the town and into the fell. The way up is quite steep, and it can get muddy in poor weather, so be sure to come prepared. 

The views from the top are well worth the steep climb, with Windermere and Grizedale to look down upon.

If you don’t fancy the making it the whole way up the fell, you could stop at the Post Knott viewpoint, and sit on the bench and just enjoy the view.

 

view from orrest headOrrest Head

Orrest Head is famously the first fell that Alfred Wainwright walked up the first time he ever visited the Lake District. Coming from his home in Blackburn, the view was unlike anything he was used to, and completely changed his life.

Once you emerge from the trees and onto Orrest Head, it isn’t hard to understand these feelings as you take in the views over Windermere and into the heart of the fells.

It will take you a little over an hour to climb up to the viewpoint, and the sheer beauty of the view compared to the relatively little effort that is required makes this walk a firm favourite with plenty of people.

 

view from wansfell pikeWansfell and Wansfell Pike

Head to nearby Ambleside, at the top end of Windermere to begin this simple mountain walk. The walk follows a linear path, making it easy to navigate, and offers plenty of interest. 

You will pass Stockghyll Force on your way up, and the view from the Pike is absolutely breathtaking and well worth ticking off.

Allow around 2 and a half hours for this walk, and there is one section of the path that can get rather boggy, so do bear this in mind.

 

loughrigg fellLoughrigg Fell

Loughrigg Fell is a fantastic fell to climb if you want a good view of all the surrounding parts of the Lake District. Beginning the walk in Ambleside also affords you the chance to visit Rydal Cave, a popular man-made quarry with stepping stones leading into the cave.

Up on the fell, it’s hard to believe that it is not one of the tallest in the Lakes, as its isolated position and lack of neighbouring peaks offers panoramic views in every direction. 

This particular walk up to the top of Loughrigg Fell begins in Ambleside and takes just under 3 hours, and will probably take you a little longer if you do choose to stop off at the cave on your way.

 

 

 

We hope this roundup has given you a little bit of inspiration to get out and enjoy some of the Lakeland fells if you are visiting Bowness. For more walk inspiration, take a look at the Craig Walks section of the website or our guide to the best dog walks in the Lake District and be sure to get in touch with us here at Craig Manor if you are looking for a place to stay!