Walking trail
Lakeside walk at Stowe
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lakes at Stowe, looking at beautiful temples, spotting wildlife and enjoying views as you walk along.
A varied and interesting family-friendly walk
Recently upgraded paths through the wooded area allow pushchair and wheelchair access, and children will love exploring the temples and pebble alcove along the way.
Map
Start:
Stowe's wooden bridge, grid ref: SP677372
1
Start your walk at Stowe's wooden bridge.
Stowe's wooden bridge
Installed in March 2011 the bridge is made of oak and was left to cure for a year. It was then lime-washed to match other woodwork on the estate.
2
Walk over the wooden bridge along the edge of the lake towards the Palladian Bridge.
3
Once you've crossed over the Palladian Bridge and enjoyed views in between its pillars, carry on straight ahead towards the ruin of the Temple of Friendship.
Palladian Bridge and Temple of Friendship
Stowe's Palladian Bridge is one of only three in the country - and Stowe's is the only one with no steps so that carriages can cross it, not that this happens very often in the 21st century! There's a great view from the steps of the Temple of Friendship, looking out towards Gothic Temple.
4
Follow the path along past the Temple of Friendship, and then take a right fork back to the lakeside. This will bring you to the pebble alcove.
Pebble alcove
Children will especially love looking at the detail in the pebble alcove that has been created with pebble mosaics.
5
Continue along the lake's edge until you come out into the open once more, to reveal one of the best views at Stowe.
Lake Pavilions
You can stand in the middle between the two Lake Pavilions and enjoy lookng one way to Corinthian Arch, and the other way up to Stowe House, the largest temple in the gardens.
6
For a quick diversion, walk down between the two lakes to the Cascade.
Cascade
You get two very different views of the two lakes from here, and it's well worth the minute or so extra stroll.
7
Come back to your path and continue on to the next lake, until you reach a small temple, called the Hermitage.
The Hermitage
The Hermitage is a good size for children to enjoy the echoes inside.
8
After this, take the path towards the Temple of Venus.
Temple of Venus
This is one of the larger temples in the gardens, and is licensed for weddings.
9
Now follow the path so that you walk along the bottom side of the lake towards point 9, where you will turn again to keep on the lakeside path.
10
Continue to hug the lake along the path as you go back into a wooded area. This has recently been upgraded so that pushchairs and wheelchairs can use the path.
The rotunda
Along this section of the path you should be able to see the rotunda, with a beautiful golden statue of Venus at its centre.
11
Now follow the lake side path back to the wooden bridge.
Views towards the Corinthian Arch
Make sure you stop again at the middle of the lake to enjoy the view towards the Corinthian Arch.
End:
Stowe's wooden bridge, grid ref: SP677372
