4 Beautiful, Easy Hawkshead Walks

Family Friendly Faves!

Remember! These are just ideas…

There are plenty of alternative routes up and down the fells around Hawkshead, so make sure you take a map and check the weather forecast before you set off.

From a pretty village to a pretty tarn – the not-too-taxing walk from Hawkshead to Tarn Hows takes in country lanes and woodland, before ending up at the popular tree-lined tarn.

1. Pick up something for lunch at the Honeypot in the village and head out up Vicarage Lane.
2. Turn right after about a hundred yards and follow the footpath across the field and up the hill. You’ll soon get to a gate stile.
3. Go through and follow the path across the farm track to the road. Take a left onto Hawkshead Hill.
4. From there, you’ll pass through woodland until you get to Tarn Hows.
5. You can go either way round the tarn, then reward yourself by sitting on the bank and enjoying your lunch before heading back to Hawkshead.

Route on AllTrails >

It doesn’t take long to walk from the centre of Hawkshead to the tranquil shores of Esthwaite Water.

You can get to Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake in about half an hour or so, one of the smaller and lesser-known lakes, the privately owned body of water is renowned for its trout and pike fishing, but is also home to the Boathouse Café – a great spot to enjoy the views over the water and grab a coffee and something to eat.

1. You can start your stroll from St Michael and All Angels Church in the village.
2. Follow the footpath heading south towards Roger Ground, then…
3. Take the country lane down to the lake.

If you’re lucky, you might spot an osprey or two enjoying a spot of fishing while you munch your lunch.

Route on GPS-Routes >

From the centre of Hawkshead to the turreted mock-gothic curiosity that is Wray Castle on the shore of Windermere makes for a lovely little walk you can do in a morning. Taking in fields, country lanes and the beauty of Blelham Tarn along the way.

1. Set off from the car park at the edge of the village
2. Walk onto North Lonsdale Road, then take a left before crossing over where the road bears left joining the country track on the right.
3. Turn right down the next track and walk to the footbridge. Cross over it and turn left before walking across the field to kissing gate.
4. Carry on over the field, following the waymarks and going through a couple of stiles until you reach Loanthwaite Farm.
5. Walk past the farm buildings and take a right onto the bridleway. There should be a stile on your right.
6. Go through and cross the field into the woodland – you’ll soon get to the currently closed Outgate Inn.
7. Go through the gate at the back and turn right past the inn. Keep walking along the road until you get to another bridleway through the woodland. Watch out for the lovely Blelham Tarn on your right.
8. Keep going until you get to the gate that leads onto the man road. Almost there now.
9. Turn right down the road and walk up the gentle hill to the castle entrance.
10. When you get there, while there’s not much to see inside the castle, there are enchanting woodland walks and lakeshore paths with stunning views across Windermere to enjoy. And, if you’re in need of refreshment, Joey’s Café is on hand to assist.

AllTrails Routes >

You can see the beacon that sits on the summit of the not-quite-a-mountain Latterbarrow from the car park in Hawkshead, but that’s no fun – you need to get up there and have your picture taken next to it – and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding fells from the top.

It’s a popular little fell so you’ll almost certainly have company on the well-signposted way up.

1. Head out of Hawkshead across the fields until you get to the hamlet of Loanthwaite, then turn right and walk along the lane for a few hundred yards before turning left at the end.
2. About fifty yards down the lane, you’ll come to a gate. From there it’s a steepish but short climb to where the track divides.
3. Go left and there’s another short but steep climb to the top.
4. Go right and it’s longer but easier. You decide how energetic you’re feeling.

AllTrails Routes >