Miles Without Stiles 6: Windermere's Western Shore
Details
Route type: For all. A tarmac road and stone track to the quiet west shore, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bowness and Windermere - OS Explorer Map OL7
Distance: 4 km, 2.4 miles
Start point: Ferry House - grid ref. SD 391957
Turning point: Bass How - grid ref. SD 387973
Facilities: Toilets at Ferry Nab and western ferry access point, plus toilets and refreshments available in Bowness
Getting there: Bus, boat or ferry: Cross Lakes Experience, take the boat from Pier 3, Bowness, or the 525 bus service from Hawkshead. The car ferry from Ferry Nab can also be used. Car: take the ferry and park in the National Trust car park - grid ref. SD 388960
Conditions update
Some routes have suffered water damage after the floods of November 2009, with sections washed away or affected by flood debris. We are checking all routes. In the meantime be prepared that present surface conditions may not be as good as originally described. Please report any damage you encounter to David Robinson at david.robinson@lakedistrict.gov.uk or 01768 871409.
Route
Once you have crossed the lake and arrived at Ferry House, follow the road around the headland for 400 metres and take the next right. Take care on this stretch as it can be busy in summer. A public footpath cuts off this loop, but is not wheelchair accessible.
The first kilometre is on tarmac and weaves through open meadow. Expansive cross lake views include Bowness and, further north, the Troutbeck hills. Busy Bowness streets could be miles away from the scenic wooded shoreline and pebble beaches. There is plenty of scope to rest and picnic on the grass, or by the lakeshore itself.
The tarmac ends by the second of two cattle grids and you go into Heald Wood on a level, stone track. A few hundred metres further on, you will see the landing stage at Bass How. The track continues to Red Nab (the start of Route 7 Red Nab to High Wray) and the tarmac road further north. It has two steep climbs and a rough and rocky surface. Walkers and all-terrain buggies could get all the way to the end - otherwise retrace the route back to Ferry House.
Map
