Windermere Way
The Windermere Way is a 72 km circular route around England's largest lake — circumnavigating Windermere on both shores through the Lake District National Park, connecting Ambleside, Bowness, Newby Bridge and Hawkshead.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Windermere Way
Windermere is England's largest natural lake — 18 km long, surrounded by wooded fells and busy with sailing boats in summer. The Windermere Way circles it completely on a mix of lakeside paths, woodland tracks and quiet lanes, with the lake in view for much of the journey.
For trail runners it is a one to two day circuit on well-maintained paths. The western shore (less developed, more wooded) is the quieter section; the eastern shore passes through Bowness and the main tourist infrastructure. Starting before 9am avoids the summer crowds around Bowness.
The route
Ambleside to Newby Bridge (eastern shore, ~30 km): Through Bowness-on-Windermere and the ferry crossing at Far Sawrey. Newby Bridge at the southern end.
Newby Bridge to Ambleside (western shore, ~42 km): The quieter shore — Grizedale Forest approaches, Hawkshead, and back to Ambleside.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Ambleside or Windermere. Train from Manchester and London Euston to Windermere.
The Windermere Ferry (vehicle and foot passengers) makes a useful mid-route link.
Best time: Year-round, but early mornings in summer to avoid crowds.
Safety
Low-hazard lakeside route. Some paths near the lake shore can be slippery in wet conditions. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. Good mobile signal for most of the route.
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