6 Pram-friendly Walks In The Lake District 

A Guide to Pram-Friendly Walks in The Lake District

Not all the best views in the Lake District are from the top of a mountain.

There are plenty of sights to see from ground level too. Fabulous forests and fells, luscious lakes and meadows, wildlife aplenty.

Good news if you’re pushing a pram or a buggy around. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few of our favourite pram-friendly walks that the whole family will love – especially the one sitting pretty in the pushchair.

1. Tarn Hows 

Short, scenic, and suitable for all, it’s no wonder National Trust-owned Tarn Hows is a popular destination with walkers, pram-pushers and wheelchair users alike.

An easy circular walk (about 3.5km) with views (on a clear day) of Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes, if you’re lucky, you might even see some Belted Galloway cows or Herdwick sheep as you stroll on the well-maintained path around the tree-lined tarn.

Take a picnic and sit on the hill to take in the views after you’ve made your way around.

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2. Keswick to Threlkeld

Over the fast-flowing River Greta on new and original Victorian railway bridges, through a bobbin mill tunnel, this easy 10km (5km each way) trail follows the route of the old Keswick to Penrith railway. 

Firm under the wheel all the way around, this picturesque walk is accessible to all, and there are plenty of information boards telling the story of local nature, wildlife and the railway as you make your way around.

Watch out for herons and dippers on the river, and treat yourself to something to eat and drink in Threlkeld before turning back. There are two pubs (The Horse and Harrier, and The Sally Inn)and a coffee shop to choose from in the charming village.

Looking to stay local? Relax and enjoy your holiday in one of our nearby holiday cottages in Keswick.

3. Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge

This is definitely our kind of pram-friendly walk – it starts at a pub in scenic Elterwater and ends at café by the river. What’s not to love?

Taking in lakeside meadows, ancient woodland, a dramatic bridge across the River Brathay, an impressive waterfall, and views of the Langdale Pikes if the weather’s being kind, this easy 4km walk (2km each way) has plenty of places for the kids to explore along the way – and you might even catch sight of mallards and moorhens. 

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4. Grizedale Forest

A visit to Grizedale Forest is always an adventure, with meandering pathways leading to wooden bridges, ancient trees, waterfalls, modern sculptures and wildlife to spot everywhere.

There are a couple of pram-friendly walking routes too, including the Superworm Trail, which is based on the Julia Donaldson book. It takes about an hour and the brightly coloured activity panels encourage your little ones to learn about the mini beasts that roam the forest. 

There’s also the Millwood Trail, which is a short, low-level loop that starts and finishes at the visitor centre. 

And of course, with so much to do and see at Grizedale, it’s a place you’ll want to come back to again and again as your children grow.

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5. Staveley Riverside

Beginning and ending in Staveley Mill Yard (there’s plenty of parking), a place full of thriving businesses, including a choice of places to eat and drink at the end of your walk, this delightful circular route takes you along the shores of the River Kent – keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers and dippers.

Relatively short, at 1,5km, it starts at a footbridge just past the Hawkshead Brewery in Mill Yard (you can get a fine pint there afterwards) and continues past the weir before following the river until you get the footbridge that takes you back into Mill Yard.

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6. Orrest Head

If you don’t mind a bit of effort to be rewarded with an incredible 360-degree view that takes in the length of the largest lake in England, as well as the central Lakeland fells and parts of the Kentmere Horseshoe, then a steepish push-up Orrest Head (a 3.5km round trip) is in order.

With various ways up, including a pushchair-friendly one – follow the blue signs for the accessible route – you’ll find the entrance lane next to the Windermere Hotel. Wind your way up through the woodland – don’t forget to say hello to the Gruffalo on the way (he won’t bite) – until you reach the top and that incredible view. It does get busy, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself – but it really is worth it.

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Feeling inspired?

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