The English Lake District is known for its innumerable places to walk. Always, there is beautiful countryside to explore and even more spectacular views to take in. From scenery that encompasses lakes and mountains to quaint villages and hamlets where locals go about their business or woodlands and fields where Lakeland creatures live and take their ease, there is much to appreciate and enjoy. Serious walkers are never fazed by bad weather, but when there is extraordinarily good weather, then the less dedicated walkers come out too – and today was one of those days.
Alfred Wainwright, the celebrated Lakes fell walker, has inspired many to climb into their boots and hike the fells. There are fell paths and peaks to suit all types of walkers: from the novice to the very experienced. The Lake District National Park provides guided walks for visitors if they prefer not to walk alone. We at Blenheim Lodge can also help to arrange guided walks with pick up and drop off from our guest house.
The closest walk to Blenheim Lodge is The Dales Way. This is located quite literally behind our guest house, with the access gate a minute’s stroll from our front door. It is a long distance footpath which goes all the way to Ilkley in the Yorkshire Dales, and guests can walk as much or as little as they like of it. Within 10-40 minutes walk of our guest house on The Dales Way are three view points. We have even named one lovely bedroom The Dalesway, as the path can be seen from its windows.
The first Wainwright walk may be found five minutes by car or bus or 1.5 miles from Blenheim Lodge. With access located opposite Windermere Station, this path winds its way up to Orrest Head. The freedom of that country walk and the views of Lake Windermere and its surrounding fells inspired Wainwright to return time and time again to the Lakes and to climb its fells; eventually, he moved to the Lake District.
At Blenheim Lodge, we have a room called Claife Heights, for the simple reason that it looks over Lake Windermere to the Claife Heights mountains. If guests are staying with us at Blenheim Lodge, then one of the simplest ways to access this walk is to take the Windermere Ferry from Bowness to Ferry House, and following the route from the car park. Alternatively, guests can take a passenger ferry with Windermere Cruises and begin their walk on the opposite bank.
Another lovely walk may be accessed from Lakeside via Windermere Cruises or Windermere Ferry. The jetties for Windermere Cruises are located approximately five minutes’ walk from Blenheim Lodge, and the Windermere (car) Ferry crossing is 0.75-mile from our guest house. At Lakeside (via Windermere Cruises) or Ferry House (via Windermere Ferry), guests should take the main road and head towards Finsthwaite Church, where a path leads on to High Dam.
There are lots of walks in the Lake District, and these are just four of them. If you are visiting the Lake District and want information and maps on how to get about, the local Tourist Information Centre will prove most helpful. If you need a friendly, comfortable and convenient place to stay, do check us out at Blenheim Lodge. We always welcome walkers, and would be delighted to offer you hospitality. Perhaps you can even take advantage of our special offers this Spring?
Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’