The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Windermere

There are over 20 dog-friendly hiking trails around Windermere, offering a variety of experiences for you and your canine companion. These include 7 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging options.

For an easy stroll with your dog, consider the Lake Windermere – Path to Far Sawrey loop from Claife, which offers lovely lakeside views. Another gentle option is the Windermere Ferry – Mitchell Wyke Ferry Bay loop from Bowness-on-Windermere, which includes a scenic ferry crossing. The Joey's Café – Mitchell Wyke Ferry Bay loop from Claife is also an easy choice, perfect for a shorter outing.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails around Windermere are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the High Wray Bay Boathouses – Wray Castle loop from The Lakes School, which takes you through woodlands and along the lake shore, and the Moss Eccles Tarn – Hollin Band Plantation loop from Bowness-on-Windermere, offering varied scenery.

Windermere's dog-friendly trails traverse a diverse range of landscapes. You'll find picturesque lakeside paths, tranquil woodlands like those around Claife Heights and Grizedale Forest, and routes that ascend gentle fells such as Orrest Head, offering panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding peaks. Many trails also feature charming tarns and river sections.

While hiking with your dog, you can encounter several interesting points. The Windermere Ferry Crossing is a unique experience, and you can enjoy views of Bowness Bay. The Windermere West Shore Gravel Trail offers excellent viewpoints. You might also spot the Low Wood Bay Marina from certain routes.

The best times for dog-friendly hiking in Windermere are typically spring and autumn. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and milder temperatures, while autumn offers stunning colorful foliage. Summer can be pleasant, but trails may be busier. Winter walks are also possible, but be prepared for colder, potentially wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours.

If you're looking for a moderate challenge, the High Wray Bay Boathouses – Wray Castle loop from The Lakes School is a great option, covering over 8 km with some elevation gain. Another good choice is the Moss Eccles Tarn – Hollin Band Plantation loop from Bowness-on-Windermere, which is longer and offers varied terrain.

The dog-friendly trails around Windermere are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake views, the variety of terrain from gentle paths to more challenging fells, and the overall natural beauty of the Lake District, making it a fantastic destination for walks with dogs.

Absolutely. Many trails in the Windermere area provide breathtaking panoramic views. Orrest Head, though not specifically listed as a route here, is a well-known accessible hill offering stunning vistas of the lake and fells. Several of the routes included in this guide will also lead to elevated sections with expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

When planning your hike, always ensure your dog is on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas. Be mindful of weather conditions, as they can change quickly in the Lake District. Carry enough water for both you and your dog, and check for any specific access restrictions for dogs on certain paths or attractions. Many trails include sections through woodlands or along the lake, offering varied terrain.

Yes, the Windermere Ferry – Mitchell Wyke Ferry Bay loop from Bowness-on-Windermere incorporates the scenic Windermere Ferry Crossing, allowing you and your dog to enjoy a unique perspective of the lake as part of your walk.