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This short section of the West Windermere Way is an easy, pram-friendly linear walk from Lakeside to Newby Bridge (1.6km each way). Running mainly alongside the River Leven and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, it follows well-surfaced paths and boardwalks that make it suitable for pushchairs and buggies. Quiet, scenic, and well signposted, it’s a relaxed way to explore the less busy western shore of Windermere, with a pub stop enroute.
While we have provided parking details in the Need To Know section below, you can also arrive by boat (click here for more information) or by steam train between Easter and the end of October (click here for information).
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When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.
PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.
Pram-friendly West Windermere Way walk map
On all Lake District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 (English Lakes South-eastern Area). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 3.3km / 2 miles (each way 1.6km / 1 mile)
TERRAIN: flat, even, pram-friendly path.
PARKING: Lakes Aquarium car park. Click here for Google Map point on your phone. Postcode is: LA12 8AS. £3 for 2 hours or £5 for all day, cash only.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: river views, steam trains, and a pub.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: 30 mins each way, 1 hour total. But do allow more time if you have little ones walking with you.
TOTAL ASCENT: 14 metres
FACILITIES: Public toilets at the start of the walk. The Swan Hotel & Spa at the turn around point.
The route
START: Lakes Aquarium car park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SD 3784 8735
Post code: LA12 8AS
what3words: ///important.wasp.cakewalk
Route follows a linear route.
1. Walk behind Lakes Aquarium and Lakeside Train Station, in the same direction as the train track. On the other side of the car park you will see a gate.
2. Follow the path alongside the train track. The railings here on the left are actually newer that they look; they are made to look old and rusty to fit in with the environment. The path will take you under a bridge, and past some lovely houses on your right. If you’re really lucky, the steam train might pass by.
3. Keep following this flat path. You will eventually come to a turning where the path turns into a decked walkway over a boggy section of land. Follow this path, but make sure you stop at the information boards to learn all about the local area. You can also see across the River Leven to the fells beyond from here.
4. Once you are across the walkway, the path restarts and you will go through a gate. here you will see a sign showing the way to continue to Newby Bridge.
5. Continue along the path as it leads through the fields beside the River Leven. There are plenty of benches for stopping along the way.
6. At the end of this section of path, you will reach another gate. Walk through the gate and over the bridge. Follow the path as it leads round to the right, and over another wooden walkway.
7. You will eventually come to the Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge, walking through the small marina.
8. Pop into the pub for a refuel and then retrace your footsteps back to Lakeside.
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Also, feel free to share your walk photos in our Lake District Kids Facebook Group or on Instagram using by tagging @lakedistrictkidsuk in your caption so we can share with our wider community.