Bowness to Ambleside (also taking in a ferry crossing)
Walk time: Approx 6 hours
Distance: Approx 8.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting point: Bowness
Highlights
- - Enjoy a ferry crossing from one side of the lake to the other, with stunning views
- - Views of Wansfell
- - Historic castle
After crossing the lake enjoy the stunning views of Wansfell on the opposite side of the lake.
The Walk
Once in Bowness follow signs for Hawkshead and Coniston ferry. There may be a small charge for foot passengers.
Upon disembarking the ferry, proceed along the lane for approx 175 yrds then turn right through a gate onto a public footpath signposted Hilltop via Sawrey. Immediately pass by a building on your left and after 200 yrds this tree-lined footpath will terminate at a narrow lane. Turn right and with Lake Windermere on your right follow this tarmacced lane for ¼ of a mile, to pass by the entrance to a caravan park on your right (Strawberry Gardens).
Continue along the tree–lined stony track (parallel to the line of the lake) for another mile, to reach a Y-junction. Bear right signposted High Wray and Hawskhead via minor roads and follow the track for 1/3 of a mile, to observe a gate supported by 2 tall stone pillars. Bear right signposted public bridleway, Wray Castle. After passing through a small car park continue along the side of the lake for approximately 1 mile, to reach a squeeze-stile and gate across the route. Go through the gate (public bridleway Wray Church) to pass through another gate 100yrds away. Bear left away from the lake ascending a stony track bordered by a stone wall on your right and a wire fence on your left, after 1/3 mile this track will terminate at a lane next to the entrance to Wray Church.
Turn right passing the entrance to Wray Castle on your right, then continue down the lane for a further 300 yrds to pass by the entrance to a camp site on your right turning left through a swing-gate to enter a field. Turn right (permitted footpath: Ambleside) and walk alongside the hedge for 200yrds to pass by a gate on your right. Continue parallel to the hedge on your right and after 1/3 mile rejoin the lane via a swing-gate in the right hand wall.
Turn left and after ¼ mile you will reach a junction with the Hawkshead/Clappersgate road. Turn right and facing the oncoming traffic follow this road 1/3 of a mile. You will pass a lane on your left, approx 30yrds after which turn right through a gap in the roadside wall.
With the road on your left continue along path and down the stone steps to rejoin the road and turn right. After approx 200yrds at the top of a long tarmacced driveway bear right and join a stony footpath, walk alongside the right hand wire fence and you will rejoin the road. Go straight across the road to pass through a squeeze-stile (underneath an Ambleside signpost). Cross over a wooden footbridge, then follow the tree lined path parallel to the road on your right before climbing over a wooden stile and continue along the narrow path, you will arrive at a road junction.
Rejoin the main road the follow the line of the River Brathay on your left before crossing over the road bridge. Ascend the right hand side of the road and at the T-junction with the Coniston/Ambleside road and turn right and follow footpath to reach a single arched footbridge over the River Rothay, turn right and on the opposite side of the bridge pass through a swing-gate, to join the road. Turn right and at the T-junction with the Ambleside/Waterhead road. Cross over the road then turn right before reaching the jetties at Waterhead bay.
You can either hop on a ferry back to Bowness or continue to walk along the main road heading to Windermere. Walk along the main road for approx ½ mile until you reach our driveway.
Safety
The main roads are busy with locals travelling fast and often a lot of walkers on footpaths and on the main roads.
Most of the paths are rough, stony or muddy, therefore please wear sensible footwear with good grips.
