Accessible walks in the lake district
Exploring the Lake District with mobility issues is becoming increasingly accessible, thanks to initiatives and resources designed to cater to a wide range of needs.
While the Lake District’s rugged terrain presents some challenges, significant efforts are being made to improve accessibility. With careful planning and the use of available resources, people with mobility issues can still enjoy the beauty of this stunning region.
“Miles Without Stiles” routes
Miles without Stiles offers 51 accessible routes in the Lake District, perfect for everyone, including wheelchair users and families.
These paths avoid stiles and steep climbs, letting you enjoy stunning scenery along rivers, woodlands, and even to some fell summits.
Routes are graded for accessibility, and you can find detailed maps and info on the Lake District National Park’s website.
To help you pick your first route, hereāsā¦
Lakeland Retreats top 9 Miles without Stiles routes.
Cockshott Point
This is a pleasant circular route with gentle slopes around the waterfront of Bowness and quieter shoreline around Cockshott Point.
Brockhole
A short route around the beautiful grounds of Brockhole on Windermere, taking in Windermere lakeshore.
Details
Accessible toilets and cafƩ on site, plus disabled car parking bays near adventure playground and the visitor centre.
Suitable for many / Circular walk / 1.3km Length / 48m Elevation gain
White Moss Common
This woodland and meadow walk (1.25km round trip with extension for some of 1km distance) gives access to River Rothay.
Details
White Moss Common car park south of the A591. Dedicated disabled spaces are available.
Toilets with baby changing facilities 40 metres from car park.
Ice cream van across the road (seasonal)
Suitable for some / 1.9km Length / 70m Elevation gain
Elterwater
A stunning linear walk taking in lakeside meadows, an iconic new bridge, roaring waterfall and great food.
Details
National Trust car park, Elterwater. Alternative parking at Silverthwaite Car Park, Skelwith Bridge.
Public toilets at Elterwater (opposite Brittania Inn) and there are also accessible toilets at Slates Cafe (Elterwater) and Chesters (Skelwith Bridge).
Refreshments at Britannia Inn, Elterwater, and Chesters CafƩ, Skelwith Bridge.
Suitable for many / 5km Length / 187m Elevation gain
Grasmere Riverside
A circular walk along the River Rothay away from the popular village . A longer 2.25km walk is available from A591 lay-by.
Details
Toilets at Stock Lane carpark have male & female toilets (50p) with baby changing facilities plus a separate entrance for disabled toilets (radar key required).
There are also toilets on College Street (which also require a radar key which can be collected from a local shop)
Disabled parking spaces, toilets, and refreshments in Grasmere.
Suitable for all / Circular walk / 1.4km Length / 47m Elevation gain
Tarn Hows
This is a beautiful circular walk around this picturesque location.
Details
Toilets at the main car park.
During summer an ice cream van is usually in the main car park.
An all-terrain mobility scooter is available to use free of charge – to book call the National Trust on 07919 111620.
Suitable for some / Circular walk / 3km length / 172m Elevation gain
Derwentwater Lakeshore
This is a beautiful woodland walk along the western shore of Derwentwater.
Details
There are no facilities near this route. Youāll need to head back to Keswick.
Suitable for some / 8.4km or if walking one-way 4.2km / 199m Elevation gain (there and back)
Staveley Riverside
A circular walk on a level path alongside the River Kent and minor tarmac road, returning to Staveley Mill Yard.
Details
CafƩ, pub, and toilets (in cafe, pub and bakery) all in the Mill Yard.
Toilets (free, accessible, with baby-changing facilities) are also available beside the main bus stop (Abbey Square).
Suitable for all / Circular walk / 1.25km length / 22m Elevation gain
Loughrigg Tarn
A level path walk above Loughrigg Tarn with a minor tarmac road return.
Details
No facilities available at the start point.
CafƩ and pub (with toilets for customers) at Skelwith Bridge 0.5 km away.
Suitable for many / Circular walk / 2.75km distance / 105m Elevation gain
Outdoor Mobility – Making Amazing Places Accessible
You can get out in the Lake District too! Hire all-terrain mobility scooters at amazing outdoor venues. Outdoor Mobility exists to break down the barriers that prevent people with limited mobility from enjoying the great outdoors either independently or with their friends and family.
Wray Castle
The Tramper gives access to the wonderful and varied grounds of the Castle. There are beautiful views over Lake Windermere as well as views over to the Langdale Pikes.
Details
- Tampers: 1
- Session: 2 hours
- Times: 10:00 & 13:30
- Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.5 km
- Gradient: Some steep ramps and cambers mostly on gravel path but some rougher grass sections.
Langdale and Elterwater
One Tramper is available to hire from the Langdale Leisure Centre for a riverside trip, passing the shores of Elterwater and turning back at Chesters CafƩ near Skelwith Bride for a return journey back to the Leisure Centre.
Details
- Trampers: 1
- Times: 10 am and 1.30 pm
- Sessions: 3 hours
- Distance: 6.5km / 4miles
- Gradient: Flat, off-road
Grizedale Forest
Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer!
Details
- Trampers: 1
- Hire from: Grizedale Forest visitor centre
- Session: 3 hours
- Times: 11.00 am
- Distance: 9km / 5.5miles
- Gradient: Steep, off-road
Fell Foot
Fell Foot is situated at the southern tip of Lake Windermere. There are lovely views over the lake, boathouses, large lawns, wooded areas as well a meadow which follows the banks of the river Leven as it flows out of Windermere.
Details
- Tampers: 1
- Session: 2 hours
- Times: 10:00 & 13:30
- Distance: 1.6 miles / 2.5 km
- Gradient: Some steep ramps and cambers mostly on gravel path but some rougher grass sections.
Whinlatter
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery in Englandās highest mountain forest.
Details
- Trampers: 2
- Session: 4 hours
- Times: 10:30am
- Distance: 2.5km (4km) / 1.5miles (2.5miles)
- Gradient: Gravel road with occasional steep and bumpy terrain
Derwentwater
There are beautiful views over the Lake and down the Borrowdale Valley.
Details
There is no access to Friar’s Crag directly on the Tramper as the path is not big enough at the view point itself.
You can leave the Tramper 50m from the view point and if your mobility allows, walk the final distance. There is a bench at the view point.
- Hire from: Theatre by the Lake
- Tampers: 1
- Session: 2.5 hours
- Times: 10:00am (Staff are only available at 10am to give out the Tramper, please be on time as they will not be available otherwise)
- Distance: Up to 5km (shorter options)
- Gradient: mainly level on gravel, occasional steep ramps, duckboards, bridges and a cattlegrid
To book an Outdoor Mobility Tramper
You need to sign up to an Outdoor Mobility Membership and complete the medical questions. You can do so while paying for a one-off use, or an annual membership for use throughout the year.
Staying safe and comfortable
Accessibility Resources
The Lake District National Park website is a valuable resource, offering detailed information on accessible routes, facilities, and services.
Organizations like “Outdoor Mobility” provide all-terrain mobility scooter hire, allowing individuals to explore more of the landscape. National Trust sites, such as Fell Foot and Tarn Hows, offer accessible paths and sometimes even mobility equipment hire.
Varied Terrain
While many accessible routes exist, it’s important to remember that the Lake District is naturally hilly. Some paths may have sections with slightly rougher terrain or gentle slopes.
Itās important to check the grading (the Miles without Stiles site has grades for all itās walking routes) of each walk before attempting it.
Planning Ahead
It’s always recommended to plan your walks in advance, considering your specific mobility needs. Checking route descriptions, maps, and facility availability will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
And, donāt forget to plan what to wear to stay warm and dry, should the weather turn wet.
Accessible cottages in the Lake District
Lake District properties can be very characterful, often with slate steps, uneven floors, and hillside locations. While very charming, it isnāt always the friendliest for accessibility. We do, however, have a handful of properties that have been adapted to take mobility needs into accountā¦
If you need any further information, there are access statements available for all our properties, and weāre always happy to take your call (015394 34011).
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
More things to do in the Lake District
Ambleside dog walks
From woodland wanders to lakeside ambles and hilly hikes, there are plenty of walks to do with your furry friend from Ambleside.
Coniston boat trips and boat hire
Glide across the shimmering waters, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, captivated by the beauty and tranquilly of this idyllic lake
Keswick boat trips and boat hire
You canāt beat the peace and tranquillity of being out on the water, and there are few places better to do it than on Derwentwater
OurĀ top 4 Staveley walks – from meanders to mountains
Staveley is a charming village surrounded by some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in England, a perfect spot for walking!
Visiting the Lake District in August
The Lake District will be busy in August, so, if you love a bit of a buzz to your country escape, join the millions of visitors in the know…
Visiting the Lake District in July
Come when the weather is warmer, the daylight hours are long, and the rain is not so frequent ā just donāt expect to have it all to yourself.
