Bowness - Ambleside - Wray Castle - Claife Viewing Station - Bowness

Dean Walsh

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Bowness - Ambleside - Wray Castle - Claife Viewing Station - Ferry House - Bowness

Starting the walk at the delightful Bowness Pier on Lake Windermere, you climb aboard the famous Lake Windermere Cruise to Ambleside. On board, you get to explore the beauty of England's largest lake from the water in the heart of the Lake District. This is a relaxing thirty-minute ferry ride where you can buy a selection of refreshments on board and sit back and enjoy the stunning views and the surrounding Lakeland fells, either inside or outside on the seated deck. This spectacular voyage gives the traveller magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the many wooded islands and the opportunity to break your journey with some fantastic local attractions.

On disembarking at Ambleside, you have the option to take a leisurely twenty-minute stroll into the centre of the picturesque Lakeland village of Ambleside. Here you can enjoy visiting many of its popular attractions, browse the local shops or enjoy a spot of lunch and some local home-made food in one of the excellent restaurants or cafés. You may even take a short walk up to Stock Ghyll Force, some 45-minute round trip from the centre up into the local woodland. This is a beautiful waterfall very easily accessible from the centre.

Returning to Ambleside Pier to suit your chosen departure time, you embark the smaller lake cruise to Wray Castle, again giving the opportunity to take in the wonderful scenic views across the lake. This was open-air seating, so be sure to wear adequate clothing for the weather conditions. It can also be windy on days across the Lake, so layering up would be advisable.

On disembarking at Wray Castle pier, you can take a few photos, or explore the area and the castle (time permitting). From here, you will pick up the Lakeland Shoreline Footpath and simply take in the magnificient views back across the lake and surrounding fells by foot. Winding and skirting the shoreline, this really is a stunning four-mile gentle walk back to Ferry House.

On reaching Ferry house, you have the opportunity to visit the National Trust's mystical heights of Claife Viewing Station, which was a 19th Century haven and the 'place to go' in the Lake District back in the 1800s. The view from the top of the station allows for panoramic views across the Lake. There is a delightful café on site too.

You return over to Bowness via ferry, using one of the two options presented to you in the walk details. Once in Bowness you can enjoy one of the many restaurants or pubs for a well-earned bite to eat and a drink.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mostly Flat, Museum, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

7/27/2023 - MARIAN THOMAS

Great day out - the Walker's ticket now costs £16.50. We started the cruise from Ambleside. Visited Wray Castle which was impressive. The walk from Wray Castle to Ferry house was really panoramic and we enjoyed the views from Claife Viewing Station and its delightful cafe.

8/24/2021 - Phillip Harrison

The Windermere car ferry now costs £1 per person and £2 per cycle and is contactless only. 23 August 2021

8/23/2021 - Phillip Harrison

Did this walk 23 August 2021 and the walkers ticket is now £12

5/10/2017 - Adam Taylor

Did this walk and ride yesterday for a birthday out, walkers ticket is now £10.80, absolutely fabulous views from the first boat you get on, just make sure you wrap up warm especially if you sit at the front of the boat. Early in the morning I personally thing is best to start as as soon as lunch time comes it soon fills up with loads of tourists.