National Trust reveals ten of the best winter walks in South Cumbria

These are the best walks in South Cumbria in alphabetical order, as revealed by the National Trust.

1) Alcock Tarn walk – Ambleside (3.7 miles)

This circular loop starts in Grasmere and winds through trees over rough and steep terrain to Alcock Tarn.

At Butter Crags there are extensive views of the Vale of Grasmere and the valley of Easedale.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy the views of the valley, lakes and surrounding fells as well as taking in the history from miners and coffin-bearers to Wordsworth.

2) Ash Landing and Claife Heights – Windermere (7.5 miles)

Starting on the west side of Lake Windermere, this elevated walk features a great viewing point of the lake, islands and the Troutbeck fells at Low Blind How.

There are some very steep slopes and rough paths when heading North through the woodlands to High Wray Bay then south back on the lakeside and down Tanner Brow, so care is needed and appropriate footwear should be worn.

3) Blea Tarn trail – Ambleside (1.8 miles)

This is a gentle family and dog friendly out-and-back trail which begins from the Blea National Trust car park and winds past Blea Tarn with splendid mountain views of the Langdale Pikes and other surrounding peaks.

4) Fell Foot Circular Heritage Trial – Windermere (1.6 miles)

If you fancy exploring some of Fell Foot’s heritage, including a complex of historic boathouses, a modern Active Base, and an 18th-century pleasure ground including a Pinetum – then this is the trail for you.

The walk also offers beautiful views over Lake Windermere and Riven Leven and features several places to enjoy a picnic.

5) High Close tree trail – The Langdales, near Ambleside (1.2 miles)

This scenic trail has exotic planted trees such as the wellington sequoia, western hemlock and Japanese red cedars (just to name a few) which were planted in this landscape garden to enhance the views of the surrounding fells.

You can scan QR codes on the trees to learn more about them.  

6) Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows trail – near Coniston (3.5 miles)

Starting in Monk Coniston, this circular trail heads across farmland and woodland to get to Tarn Hows.

The route was created by 19th-century industrialist J. G. Marshall to wow guests at his country estate.  

7) Park End Moss wetland walk and Sizergh – near Kendal (2.8 miles)

This circular walk is a haven for spotting wildlife, in particular a wetland area extremely popular with a variety of bird species.

The walk begins over the farmlands, through the woods of Brigsteer Park and then past wetland to the ancient woodlands of the Sizergh estate.

8) Post Knott, Windermere views walk – Stagshaw Garden and Ambleside (1.5 miles)

This short but steep climb offers fantastic views of Windermere and the stunning central fells of the Lake District.

The trail starts in Bowness-on-Windermere and winds through the town up to Biskey Howe. After enjoying the viewpoint over the lake, you can continue up to Brantfell for more sweeping views.

9) Townend and Troutbeck Valley walk – Windermere (4 miles)

You can enjoy classic Lake District scenery including stunning views of Lake Windermere on this walk up into the Troutbeck Valley to a 17th-century farmhouse.

The walk begins from Brockhole Visitors Centre, past Middlerigg Tarn, across the farmlands to Townend and Troutbeck.

10) Windermere west shore walk – Hawkshead (4 miles)

This is a wonderful lakeshore walk through woodland and parkland. The route features impressive views of the islands of Windermere and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle.