Local Area Information
If you are coming for an event or workshop, the information here may be useful
Accommodation
There are some places to stay in Windermere, Staveley and very nearby including:
A variety of B and Bs can be found here
Local hotels can be found here
Windermere YHA- 30 minute walk/ 4 minute drive/ 12 minute bike
Caravan and camping in Staveley, a few miles away- there is a bus from there to Windermere or it’s about 10-minute drive or half an hour cycle.
Kentmere farm pods (about 20-minute drive or 40 mins bike ride from NT Footprint) it’s a very quiet and beautiful site.
Taxis and getting around
There is a trainline to Windermere, stopping at Staveley and Kendal, from Oxenholme, which is on the mainline from London, Manchester etc. There are also buses running between villages and towns.
We don’t have any Uber-style service here. You can usually find a taxi at a train station, but it’s best to book taxis in advance.
Try : https://www.lakesidetaxis.co.uk/
and https://www.bluestartaxis.net/
All terrain mobility scooter hire is available here: https://www.lakedistrictmobility.org/
Bike hire places:
Windermere: https://www.countrylaneslakedistrict.co.uk/
Wray Castle: https://www.brockhole.co.uk/activities/bike-hire/
Hiking & Biking nearby
If you’re staying a couple of days there are some lovely walks and bike rides nearby.
WalkLakes website has maps/routes for different abilities. The National Park Miles Without Stiles lists walks suitable for limited mobility walkers
The Kentmere Horseshoe: Starts in Kentmere village. The Kentmere Horseshoe, is a beaut 12 mile walk, taking in 8 Wainwrights. It’s sometimes called the Kentmere Round, and is one of the longest and most remote walks in the Lake District.
For shorter walks try Hugil Fell and Reston Scar. Only 3 miles with excellent views. www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_226.html
Windermere – Orrest Head. Only 15-20 minutes walk but a great view.
Ambleside to Loughrigg or park in Rydal and do a low level loop around Rydal Water to Grasmere and back.
For bigger walking adventures try the Fairfield Horseshoe. Approx. 6 hour walk starting in Ambleside with fantastic views www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_42.html
Langdale and Harrison Stickle is one of the highest of the Langdale Pikes www.wainwrightroutes.co.uk/harrisonstickle_r1.html
Coniston Old Man ww.walklakes.co.uk/walk_2.html is approx. a 4-5 hour walk.
For Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, head up from Wasdale. www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_158.html
ViewRanger is a free mobile app for following off-road walks. You can download OS map overlays for a small cost.
Biking
Three Rivers mountain bike route in Staveley
Biking in Grizedale Forest, about 30 minutes drive or bus ride away