Caption: © Richard Bell via Unsplash
Windermere is one of the best places in the Lake District for scenic walks, offering everything from gentle lakeside strolls to panoramic fell-top viewpoints.
Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing weekend break or a longer stay in the Lakes, there are plenty of walking routes close to Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere that allow you to experience the area at a slower pace.
From peaceful woodland paths to some of the most iconic views in the National Park, these are some of the best scenic walks around Windermere.
Orrest Head
One of the most popular walks and for good reason.
Orrest Head is famous as the first fell climbed by Alfred Wainwright, inspiring his love of the Lake District and later his celebrated walking guides.
The route begins close to Windermere village and takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on pace. The walk itself is relatively accessible compared to many Lakeland fells, making it ideal for casual walkers and first-time visitors.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.
For guests staying at Hillthwaite, Orrest Head is one of the easiest scenic walks to access directly from the hotel.
Orrest Head Route Map
Image © Patrick Bate via Pexels
Brant Fell
For a quieter alternative to Orrest Head, Brant Fell offers beautiful views over Bowness and Lake Windermere without the larger crowds.
Starting near the edge of Bowness-on-Windermere, the walk climbs gradually through woodland and open fellside before opening out to panoramic scenery across the lake.
It’s particularly popular for evening walks during spring and summer when the light over Windermere is at its best.
Brant Fell Route Map
Image © Elizabeth Oldham
School Knott
School Knott is often overlooked by visitors, which makes it one of the hidden gems around Windermere.
The walk is peaceful, scenic, and less demanding than some of the larger surrounding fells. From the summit, walkers can enjoy views across Windermere, Morecambe Bay, and the Coniston Fells on clear days.
For visitors looking for quieter walking routes away from the busiest tourist areas, School Knott is well worth exploring.
School Knott Route Map
Image © John Lennox / www.wainwrightroutes.co.uk
Tarn Hows
Although slightly further from Windermere, on the western shore of the lake, Tarn Hows is one of the most photographed and accessible beauty spots in the Lake District.
The circular walking route around the tarn is relatively gentle and suitable for most visitors, offering woodland scenery, open viewpoints, and classic Lake District landscapes.
It’s particularly beautiful during autumn when the surrounding trees begin to change colour.
Tarn Hows Route Map
Image © Jonny Gios via Unsplash
Lakeside walks around Bowness
Not every walk in the Lake District needs to involve climbing a fell.
Around Bowness-on-Windermere, there are several scenic lakeside routes perfect for slower mornings and relaxed afternoons. These shorter walks are ideal for visitors wanting to enjoy the atmosphere of Windermere without committing to a full hiking route.
Stopping for coffee, browsing independent shops, or simply watching the boats on the lake is all part of the experience.
Guided walks in the Lake District
For visitors wanting to explore somewhere new, the Lake District National Park runs a range of guided walks between spring and autumn.
These walks vary in difficulty and offer a great way to discover lesser-known areas with experienced local guides.
Many routes can be easily reached from Windermere, making the area an excellent base for walking holidays and scenic weekend breaks.
Lake District National Park Guided Walks
A relaxing base for exploring Windermere
Hillthwaite is ideally positioned for exploring some of the best scenic walks around Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere.
Set above the lake in a quieter hillside location, the hotel offers easy access to walking routes while providing a more peaceful place to return to after a day outdoors.
Whether you’re planning gentle lakeside strolls, scenic viewpoints, or full days exploring the fells, Hillthwaite offers a comfortable and relaxing base for discovering the Lake District on foot.