Lake District

Post Knott, Windermere views walk

The view of Wray Castle across lake Windermere — A view over Windermere | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

A short but steep climb taking you up to a variety of impressive views over Windermere and the stunning central fells of the Lake District, with plenty of resting places and potential picnic sites along the way.

Near to

Ambleside

Start point

St Martin's Place, Bowness, grid ref: SD403969

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)

Duration1 hour

Dog friendly**

*Steep in places but mostly on roads and surfaced paths. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Dogs are welcome. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Address
St Martin's Place, Bowness, LA23 3AS
Directions via Google Maps
By train
West Coast Mainline services to Windermere (changing at Oxenholme). Walk 1.25 miles (2km) downhill to Bowness or catch bus 599, 618 or 568.
By bus
599 from Grasmere/Ambleside/Windermere to Bowness or 618 from Barrow/Ulverston/Fell Foot Park to Bowness, alighting at St Martin's Church.
By ferry
From Lakeside (Newby Bridge) and Waterhead (Ambleside) take the boat to Bowness pier. Turn left to head towards St Martin's Church, 0.2 miles (400m).
On foot
From Windermere follow Lake Road 1.25 miles (2km) downhill through the village to Bowness.
By road
From the A591 to Windermere take the A592 to Bowness.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
St Martin's Place, Bowness, grid ref: SD403969
Stage 1
Follow Lake Road approximately 200 metres through Bowness uphill towards Windermere village.
Stage 2
Turn right up Helm Road keeping The Angel Inn to your right.
Stage 3
Just beyond the Hydro Hotel, a steep path (steps) leads off to the left, ascending to the viewpoint on Biskey Howe. Benches and an interpretation of the view are available.
Stage 4
Leave by the disabled track at the back of the viewpoint and cross the road through gates marked 'Deloraine'. Cross another road and follow the sign 'Permitted Path Post Knott', bearing right through a gate with a National Trust omega sign.
Stage 5
Follow the carriageway to the end and take in the view. Then drop back to the gate on to Post Knott and climb to summit for more views.
Stage 6
At this point you can either retrace your steps and then go on to step 7 or you can proceed along the path behind Post Knott through a kissing gate and on to Brantfell to enjoy panoramic views before returning to Post Knott.
Stage 7
Where the path crosses with another signed Dales Way, turn left and descend through the field to Brantfell Road and down to Bowness village.
End point
St Martin's Place, Bowness, grid ref: SD403969
Trail map
Post Knott, Windermere Views Walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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An elevated view of Lake Windermere towards Wray Castle on the walk from Ambleside to Townend and Troutbeck, Cumbria.

Trail

Ambleside to Troutbeck walk

From Ambleside go on a circular discovery walk through country lanes, woods and fields. Along the way enjoy views of Lake Windermere, visit Troutbeck village and Townend farmhouse, and climb up to Wansfell Pike for great views of the fells.

View from the ground up to the towering canopy of several tall fir trees, some with square labels on their trunks

Trail

Ambleside Champion Tree Trail

Wander among some of England's tallest trees on this easy waymarked trail through Skelghyll Woods. With benches along the way, it's the perfect route for a picnic.