Lake District

Fell Foot circular heritage trail

View of the Active Base and jetties from the lake, on an early morning in spring — View of the Active Base and jetties from the lake | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Enjoy this circular Lake District walk exploring some of Fell Foot's heritage, including a complex of historic boathouses, a modern Active Base, and an 18th-century pleasure ground including a Pinetum.

Near to

Fell Foot

Start point

Boathouse Café at Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, Windermere, LA12 8NN

For young explorers

Why not bring some paper and wax crayons to make some bark rubbings or collect the creatures on the nature rubbing plaques? A magnifying glass is fun to take a closer look at the leaves, branches and bark or you could collect things you find along the trail to make a nature picture when you get home. As you explore the trees on the walk please try not to disturb any wildlife you come across, and 'leave no trace' of the fun you've had.

Address
Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, Windermere, LA12 8NN
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Grange 6 miles; Windermere 8 miles. If you are travelling from the North West of England, take the Northern Rail Lakes Line service to Windermere Train Station. Fell Foot Park is just a short bus ride from Windermere Train Station (8 miles).
Travel by train
By bus
The number 6 bus from Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere to Barrow in Furness runs all year, and the bus stop is right outside the park's entrance.
Travel by bus
By road
One mile north of Newby Bridge on the A592. Parking is free for National Trust members.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Boathouse Café at Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, Windermere, LA12 8NN
Stage 1
Start at the boathouse adjoining the café. Pop in to see a large winch used to bring Colonel Ridehalgh's (the wealthy Victorian owner of the park) steam yacht off the lake, and its tracks at the far end below the railings. As you come back out turn left towards the Active Base.
Stage 2
Follow the path along to the Active Base. As you step onto the decking, to your left you'll see the boat yard. Ahead of you between the two sets of changing rooms there is a set of steps leading up to the small car park. Turn right again, up a steep slope, passing a slate cottage on your left. Walk a further 10 metres, then turn right passing through an open gate.
Summer highlights
As you climb the steps you'll see a beautiful meadow mix to your left and a sedum-covered turf roof on your right – both are low-maintenance and great for wildlife. The slate cottage was built as a folly and also housed the coal gas production machinery for the original mansion (since demolished) and grand boathouse. It was one of the first in the country and the gas was stored in an ornamental tank in the garden.
Stage 3
Continue along the path. After 20 metres take a right turn, and then a left fork after a further 20 metres which leads to a large lawn area. This is the House Lawn, even though there are no signs today of the house which used to stand there.
Stage 4
Head right across the lawn towards the steps leading down to a lower path and then turn left. Keep ahead on this path and you'll soon see the children’s play area.
Fashionable trees
As you descend the steps the huge trees either side of you are ancient beech. In the late Victorian era, foliage was more fashionable than flowers, and many of the plants under the beeches have interesting patterns and texture on their leaves. Turn left and you'll see more trees; on your right are tree rhododendrons from China. If you look a little further uphill you'll see a monkey puzzle from Chile.
Stage 5
Head down the path with the play area on your left. When you get to the lake turn left towards the south meadow.
Stage 6
Walk along the path, passing a willow hide and head for the five-bar gate in the wall adjacent to the main road. Pass through the gate and turn right. Follow the clear path, heading slightly uphill parallel to the lake/river.
Stage 7
Follow this circular path around the hay meadow, taking in views towards the Swan Hotel and make sure to look out for the Gothic boathouses across the lake, which were also owned by Colonel Ridehalgh. This will take you back to the gate.
Stage 8
From the gate, retrace your steps along the path adjacent to the lake, but keep to the path with the lake to your left and you'll end up back at the café.
End point
Boathouse Café at Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, Windermere, LA12 8NN
Trail map
Fell Foot circular heritage trail | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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fellfoot@nationaltrust.org.uk

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