SCENIC LAKE DISTRICT WALK: EXPLORE CLAIFE VIEWING STATION AND WINDERMERE WEST SHORE

Experience the best of the Lake District on this easygoing walk, featuring serene lakeside views, fascinating historic landmarks, and charming local cafés.

Start: Ash Landing Car Park, LA22 0LU

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation: 425 feet

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy (with some moderate sections)

Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file

About the route

Looking for a relaxing yet picturesque walk in the Lake District? This 3-mile circular route starts at Ash Landing Car Park near popular Lake District landmark, Claife Viewing Station, before leading you along Windermere’s serene west shore. You’ll enjoy peaceful lake views, historical landmarks, and even have the chance to stop at some lovely cafés along the way.

Perfect for a short morning or afternoon adventure, the walk is mostly flat with gentle inclines, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo walkers.

Route difficulty

• Walk type: Easy with gentle elevation.

• Terrain: Well-maintained gravel and woodland paths.

• Accessibility: Some areas may be unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

• Dog-Friendly: Yes, but dogs should be on leads near wildlife and busy areas.

Route highlights

Claife Viewing Station

Perched on a hill above Lake Windermere, this historic viewing platform dates back to the 18th century. The station offers panoramic views of Windermere, with colourful stained-glass panels that recreate how Victorian tourists once experienced the scenery.

Windermere West Shore

This tranquil lakeside path is a peaceful alternative to the busier eastern side of Windermere. With frequent benches along the way, it’s the perfect spot to pause and enjoy the views.

Joey's Café

Located near the Claife Viewing Station, Joey's Café serves up delicious coffee and cakes. It’s a great option for a pre-walk breakfast or a mid-route break.

Ferry House

At the end of the west shore path, you'll find Ferry House, the starting point for the historic Windermere Ferry crossing. From here, you can either return along the shore or extend your walk.

Caife Café

After completing your walk, reward yourself with a stop at Caife Café, offering locally sourced treats and excellent lakeside views.

Options to extend the route

Want to make it a longer adventure? Continue walking along the west shore to Wray Castle, adding approximately 4 miles (return) to your route. The additional walk remains relatively flat and offers more fantastic lakeside views, as well as the opportunity to explore the castle's grounds.

Getting to the starting point

By Car

Park at Ash Landing Car Park (LA22 0LU), located near the Claife Viewing Station. Parking charges apply.

By Public Transport

Take a train to Windermere, then catch a bus or taxi to the ferry terminal. From there, ride the Windermere Ferry across the lake and begin your walk at Ferry House.

✔️ Good to knows

• Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all levels.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes.

• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome but must be on a lead in certain areas.

• Food & Drink: Joey's Café and Caife Café are both fantastic options for a pre or mid-walk refuel.

• Facilities: Public toilets available at Claife Viewing Station and Ferry House.

🧭 Following the route

I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow the full walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.

MALHAM COVE, SHIRE

Looking for best walk in the Yorkshire Dales? Look no further…

Distance: 8.32 miles

Time: 2-4 hours

Ascent: 900 feet

Start: National Park Centre, Malham

Navigation link: follow the trail here

Feel like you might’ve accidentally clicked the wrong link?

As much as these images feel like another country entirely, they’re still very much within driving distance to our rainy city! This trail truly has it all: not one, but two fairytale-esque waterfalls (Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar), a hidden cave… and a cove that wouldn’t look out of place in Arizona… and a fairly flat route throughout!

A magnet for families and ramblers alike, Malham, North Yorkshire is home to so many enchating places to explore — that said, it can get pretty busy in the summer months, so if you’re after a less populated stroll, we’d recommend popping down during the week.

Unlike a lot of other waterfalls in the surrounding area, Gordale Scar allows walkers to discover its beauty without having to undertake a difficult climb en route.

Fancy a dip? Wild swimming has become immensely popular over the past year - and we couldn’t think of a better place to dip a toe in than this one!

All in all, if you’re looking for one of the best walks in the Yorkshire Dale’s — you’re sure to find it in Malham.

Follow the route step by step here — or if you fancy shortening the route, a quick pit stop to the National Park Centre will have you set.