Fell Foot circular heritage trail
Enjoy this circular Lake District walk exploring some of Fell Foot's heritage, including a complex of historic boathouses, a modern Active Base, and an 18th-century pleasure ground including a Pinetum.
For young explorers
Why not bring some paper and wax crayons to make some bark rubbings or collect the creatures on the nature rubbing plaques? A magnifying glass is fun to take a closer look at the leaves, branches and bark or you could collect things you find along the trail to make a nature picture when you get home. As you explore the trees on the walk please try not to disturb any wildlife you come across, and 'leave no trace' of the fun you've had.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Boathouse Café at Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, Windermere, LA12 8NN
Step 1
Start at the boathouse adjoining the café. Pop in to see a large winch used to bring Colonel Ridehalgh's (the wealthy Victorian owner of the park) steam yacht off the lake, and its tracks at the far end below the railings. As you come back out turn left towards the Active Base.
Step 2
Follow the path along to the Active Base. As you step onto the decking, to your left you'll see the boat yard. Ahead of you between the two sets of changing rooms there is a set of steps leading up to the small car park. Turn right again, up a steep slope, passing a slate cottage on your left. Walk a further 10 metres, then turn right passing through an open gate.
Step 3
Continue along the path. After 20 metres take a right turn, and then a left fork after a further 20 metres which leads to a large lawn area. This is the House Lawn, even though there are no signs today of the house which used to stand there.
Step 4
Head right across the lawn towards the steps leading down to a lower path and then turn left. Keep ahead on this path and you'll soon see the children’s play area.
Step 5
Head down the path with the play area on your left. When you get to the lake turn left towards the south meadow.
Step 6
Walk along the path, passing a willow hide and head for the five-bar gate in the wall adjacent to the main road. Pass through the gate and turn right. Follow the clear path, heading slightly uphill parallel to the lake/river.
Step 7
Follow this circular path around the hay meadow, taking in views towards the Swan Hotel and make sure to look out for the Gothic boathouses across the lake, which were also owned by Colonel Ridehalgh. This will take you back to the gate.
Step 8
From the gate, retrace your steps along the path adjacent to the lake, but keep to the path with the lake to your left and you'll end up back at the café.
End point
Boathouse Café at Fell Foot Park, Newby Bridge, Windermere, LA12 8NN
Trail map
More near here
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Enjoy a relaxing lakeshore walk through woodland and parkland on this linear trail, taking in views of the islands of Windermere and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle
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