Wondering what’s on over the summer holidays for families? Check out our What’s On guide.
This easy pram-friendly walk in Bowness-on-Windermere is perfect for families looking for a gentle lakeside stroll. The route follows flat paths along the shore of Lake Windermere to Cockshott Point and Ferry Nab, with plenty of opportunities for little ones to play along the way.
Expect beautiful lake views, mini beaches for paddling, logs and rocks to climb on, and the chance to watch boats arriving at Ferry Nab, where the passenger ferry crosses to Far Sawrey. It’s a short, relaxed walk that’s ideal for toddlers and pushchairs / buggies.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission.
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 Bowness-on-Windermere 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: 2.1km / 1.3 miles
TERRAIN: Flat, even footpaths.
PARKING: Glebe Road Car Park. Click here for Google Map point on your phone. Postcode is: LA23 3HE. Parking for up to 3 hours: £5.80, all day: £10.60. Pay by cash, card, or pay by phone (9576).
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Easy stroll with lake views.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Allow 50 minutes for this walk, although longer if little ones want to play.
TOTAL ASCENT: 22 metres
FACILITIES: Public toilets can be found further along Glebe Road at Braithwaite Fold Car Park & Toilets.
The route
START: Glebe Road Car Park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SD 3978 9651
Post code: LA23 3HE
what3words: ///effort.agreement.drifting
Route follows an anticlockwise direction.
1. Head left out of the car park and walk to the green space past Aquatic. Take the footpath straight ahead, which leads off the bend in the road. You will then see a big gate, with a sign just in front of it (photo below) and bins to the left of it. Go through this gate.
2. Follow the path as it heads through the field, with trees on your left.
DETOUR: If you cross the field to the right (watch out for goose poo!) you will find a beach area, and beyond that lots of rocks to climb on. A pushchair with the right tyres could navigate this field and it’s a good play stop.
3. Continuing along the path, Lake Windermere will soon come into view.
4. The play opportunities continue, with stumps and logs to climb on and jump off. You’ll also find Cockshott Point’s very own money tree.
5. Follow the path as it veers to the left, alongside Lake Windermere. Further along you will find a few mini-beaches. These are ideal for a little stop and play or paddle.
6. At the junction, turn right and walk to see the boats at Ferry Nab. Along here there are toilets (open seasonally) and Dan’s Shack, where you can purchase food, drink and ice-creams. There are seats at Dan’s Shack and also picnic tables near the lake by the jetties.
7. After admiring the boats, retrace your steps back to the junction, passing Dan’s Shack on your left. Then continue the footpath straight ahead for 330 metres, through the fields. This leads you out onto Glebe Road. Cross the road to the pavement and then turn left, following the road for 400 metres back to the car park.
Lake District Kids is a free online resource. If you have found this website useful for planning your family adventures, you can show your support by buying us a coffee. Thanks so much!
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.