Lakeside walk at Stowe Gardens
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lakes at Stowe Gardens, discovering ornate temples and spotting wildlife. Admire the intricate mosaic designs in the Pebble Alcove and play with the echoes inside the Hermitage.
Total steps: 11
Total steps: 11
Start point
Stowe's wooden bridge, grid ref: SP677372
Step 1
Start your walk at Stowe's wooden bridge.
Step 2
Walk over the wooden bridge along the edge of the lake towards the Palladian Bridge.
Step 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.
Step 4
Follow the path along past the Temple of Friendship, and then take the right fork back to the lakeside. This will bring you to the Pebble Alcove.
Step 5
Continue along the lake's edge until you come out into the open once more, where you'll see one of the best views at Stowe.
Step 6
For a quick diversion, walk down between the two lakes to the Cascade.
Step 7
Come back to your path and continue on to the next lake until you reach a small temple, called the Hermitage.
Step 8
After this, take the path towards the Temple of Venus.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 11
Now follow the lakeside path back to the wooden bridge.
End point
Stowe's wooden bridge, grid ref: SP677372
Trail map
More near here
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire
From gentle strolls for little legs to longer hikes through the rolling Chiltern hills, these are some of the best walks in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Visiting Stowe Gardens with your dog
Stowe Gardens is a three pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome on leads across the garden and parkland. Find out more about what to be aware of when walking your dog and the facilities available.
Things to do in Stowe's landscape garden
Discover the stories behind the paths of vice, virtue and liberty that run throughout Stowe Gardens and the individual beauty and significance of each area.
Family-friendly things to do at Stowe Gardens
Take the kids on an outdoor adventure this season as you explore a world of lakes, magical woods, enormous temples, colourful reflections and twisted trees.