Windermere Best Views

13 Windermere and Bowness from Claife Heights

The ruined folly of Claife Viewing Station stands on the hillside just above Ferry Point on the western shore of Windermere, and is well worth a visit.

Get the view

Start Ash Landing car park near Ferry House, Windermere
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Walk up the path at north-east end of the car park, and turn left up to Claife Viewing Station.  Go through the archway behind the building, and follow the path slanting up-hill for about ½ mile, which then enters a walled track.  At junction of walled tracks turn left, then after about ¼ mile, turn right.  Follow track into woodland for about ¾ mile, then after ascending Low Pate Crag, go through a gap in the wall on the right at SD 38410 97100; follow a small path for about 80 yards to viewpoint.

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14 Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Originally opened in 1869 as a link between Barrow and Windermere, the line closed in the 1960s. Three miles of track re-opened in 1973 as a heritage steam railway.

Get the view

Start Haverthwaite Station
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Park at Haverthwaite station, and explore the engine shed and tearoom. Then catch the train to Lakeside where you can join a lake cruise on Windermere to make a real day of it.

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15 Windermere from Orrest Head

Orrest Head is of modest height (238m) but has endeared itself to generations of travellers who arrived and departed by train, as the short walk up to the top was often possible between connections.

Get the view

Start A591 Windermere Town near Bus and Train Station
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A lane leads up-hill and into woodland for about ½ mile.  A wheel-chair friendly path then leads up to summit for about ½ mile.

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16 Lakeside, Windermere from Gummer’s How

Although less than a third of the height of Lakeland’s highest mountains, Gummer’s How is the highest point for several miles around, giving it wide-ranging views over Windermere and the hills of the southern Lakes.

Get the view

Start Fell Foot Brow
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A clear path leads direct to summit from gate on road.  Total distance about ½ mile; the last ¼ mile is steep and rough in places.

Best View Grid Reference SD 38991 88447
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