Claife Viewing Station to Wray Castle trail
This gently undulating track is suitable for cyclists and runners of of all ages and abilities. The route hugs the west shore of Windermere and provides far-reaching views across the lake. It's also worth taking time to explore the two fascinating places that bookend the trail: Claife Viewing Station, a platform built in 1790 to enhance the views for the first tourists to the Lake District; and Wray Castle, a Gothic Revival house and estate hugging the lake shore.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Ash Landing car park, grid ref: SD387953
Step 1
Before you start, take time to walk up to Claife Viewing Station for wonderful views across the lake.
Step 2
From the entrance to Claife Viewing Station head north on the road along the shore of Lake Windermere signed for Bank Barn / Wray Castle.
Step 3
After a short while you'll pass over a cattle grid where the road turns into a wide gravel track. The trail leaves behind the open views across Windermere and enters mature woodland.
Step 4
On reaching Bank Barn, ignore the track left signed to Hawkshead and continue on towards Red Nab. You will soon arrive at Red Nab car park. Ignore the road running uphill and head on through the car park and along the lakeshore. You'll eventually reach a small bay with a couple of boathouses and you'll pass through a gate where the trail turns to the left. Head on uphill signed towards Wray Church.
Step 5
Just past the church you will reach a road. Turn right and then right again through the entrance gates to Wray Castle. Continue along the driveway to the castle.
Step 6
After resting for a while at Wray Castle, turn around and retrace your route back to your start point at Claife Viewing Station.
End point
Wray Castle, grid ref: NY374010
Trail map
More near here
Windermere west shore walk
Enjoy a relaxing lakeshore walk through woodland and parkland on this linear trail, taking in views of the islands of Windermere and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle
Ash Landing and Claife Heights Windermere walk
Challenge yourself with a walk along Windermere's undeveloped western side and discover some of the Lake District's most dramatic views. Here you can find a café and toilets before heading back to the car park.
Wray to Blelham Tarn circular walk
Discover fascinating stories from the past and enjoy some great views on a circular walk from Wray to Blelham Tarn that also takes in the Windermere shoreline.
Wray to Latterbarrow circular walk
Starting and finishing at the castle at Wray, this route through fields and woodland offers rewarding Lakes views without the big fell climb.
Get in touch
Beside the Ferry on Windermere's west shore, near Far Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria
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