10 Amazing Pram Friendly and Wheelchair Accessible Walks in The Lake District
I am a huge believer that you don’t need to go up high to get a great view of The Lake District. Sometimes the weather doesn’t allow for it and other times the terrain can be too challenging for prams, wheelchairs and anyone with mobility issues. However, these 10 pram friendly and wheelchair accessible walks in the Lake District will be great for the whole family in any weather.
Bear in mind that all of these walks will be of different difficulties and I will try to be as clear as possible when explaining the terrain underfoot (or wheel.) I will also link route suggestions of these walks on Lake District National Park and National Trust websites. I would also recommend picking up maps for these areas.
Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path
This newly restored 5km path is full of history and being fully tarmac is great for buggies and wheelchairs alike. You can park at the Keswick or Threlkeld end and make it a round trip 10km walk.
Parking is probably more accessible at the Keswick end but there are lay-by’s around Threlkeld that is possible to park in as well. There’s plenty of places to eat a picnic and I wrote up a full blog post about the route here.
Grasmere and Rydal
Some of the prettiest views are also wheelchair accessible walks in The Lake District. Grasmere and Rydal lakes are the perfect day out. Most of the tracks are gravel underfoot around the lakes. They can get muddy in the winter months but are great for an accessible walk in the Lake District. Parking is easy at White Moss car park which sits right in the middle of the lakes. There are beaches, caves, swimming, wildlife and more here.
With there being so many paths, lots are pram friendly or accessible most of the year-round and you can make your walk as long or as short as you wish. Lots of routes can be found here.
Tarn Hows
Part of the legacy left to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter, Tarn Howes is the perfect buggy friendly and accessible walk to get you into the wild of the Lake District. Down in the South Lakes, this short (1 ¾ mile) circular walk is completely flat and can be great for all the family.
This low-level walk gives spectacular views all year round and you can even see belted galloway cows and Herdwick sheep on your visit too. All the information can be found on the National Trust website here.
I’m not stopping here. There are plenty more amazing pram and wheelchair accessible walks in The Lake District to come.
Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater
This walk through mesmerizing central Lake District is a beautiful way to spend a day. Parking is available at both ends of the walk however, there is a National Trust car park in Elterwater with more pram friendly and accessible parking. The walk is 4km one way with fairly level ground but keep in mind that it can get quite muddy in the winter months (or sometimes when we have a classic Lake District summer!)
Don’t forget to not just turn around at Skelwith Bridge, pop into Chesters By The River for some Lunch. They were recently featured in my Best Vegan and Vegetarian Places to eat in The Lake District. You could also pop into Britannia Inn, Elterwater for some great pub food and drink.
Coniston to Torver Jetty
This route takes you alongside the lake where Donald Campbell broke the world speed record on the water in the world-famous Bluebird. However, now it is a buggy friendly and accessible walk here in the Lake District that you can do one way at 3.5km and then catch the boat back along the lake for a great day out for the family.
There’s some tarmac road and gravel paths to navigate but with fantastic views of the Old Man of Coniston towering overhead and the beautiful lake to the side, it’d be fantastic in every weather for a wheelchair accessible walk in The Lake District.
Loughrigg Tarn and Little Wood
If you park near Tarn Foot Campsite there is a fantastic walk around Loughrigg Tarn, a very small and secluded tarn right in the heart of the lakes. The walk around the tarn is pram friendly and accessible, a great way to spend a sunny (or rainy) afternoon. Some of this walk is a little steep but is on a tarmac road so still ‘pushable’
If you wanted to extend your walk you could head into Little Wood where there is a tree trail. Underfoot this is a little more ‘off-road’ but still great for a family with an off-road pram.
Staveley
This lovely village in the South of The Lake District is well known for being a centre to Lake District businesses and some great pubs and bakeries but it’s surrounded by some wonderful rolling countryside and plenty of walks to take in all those South Cumbrian views. The riverside walk is short (1.25km) but takes in lots of these views. There is plenty of parking in the village and the walk leaves Mill Yard following the River Kent.
There’s plenty of industrial history in the village as over 30 mills used to rely on the water running in the River Kent. A great pram friendly and Accessible walk in the Lake District that can be done on your way in as Staveley conveniently sits just off the A591 and only a few miles from the M6.
With all that taken in to account, plus the promise of a beer at Hawkshead Brewery, who are also based in Stavely, there isn’t a better place for a pram friendly and wheelchair accessible walk in The Lake District.
Friars Crag, Derwentwater
This short walk from Keswick town centre is fantastic in any weather at any time of year. Just a 20-minute walk from the town centre you can take in views down to Borrowdale valley and down as far as Scafell Pike, England’s tallest mountain. The monument was erected in 1900 in recognition of John Ruskin’s first visit to Keswick in 1824. There are some information plaques put in place to tell you more about the area you are in.
You can carry on your walk to Strandshag Bay, over boardwalks and along gravel paths along the lake. Most of the lake is accessible for an off-road pram but not all parts would be accessible for a wheelchair. The walk to Friars Crag is 4km and if you wanted to venture around the lake it would be 10 miles.
Loweswater
Right on the North-Western tip of the National Park is Loweswater. One of the smallest lakes but not to be underestimated. There is parking at The Kirkstile Inn, the pub if you are venturing there for a refreshment or Maggie’s Bridge Car Park. Both of these are limited though. The 4km walk will take you alongside the lake on a gravel path. From the top end of the lake, you can look back on the views into the village and beyond with the likes of Darling Fell, Low Fell and Mellbreak towering above.
Head back to the village for something to eat at The Kirkstile Inn, or to sample some Loweswater Gold, one of my favourite local ales. This is a quieter part of The Lake District which can be enjoyed by everyone.
Buttermere
The village of Buttermere is small and quaint with a beautiful little church, a few pubs and cafes and a strong farming community. There is a National Trust car park in the village and one the other end of the lake (Gatesgarth Farm) that is £5 for the day (collected by a local farmer so this is subject to change.)
The Walk around the lake is 7.5km, including popping into the village. The Towering mountains above create some of the most dramatic scenery the Lake District has to offer, including Wainwrights favourite mountain, Haystacks. Not somewhere you’d expect to find a wheelchair accessible walk in The Lake District.
Not all of the walk will be fully accessible for a wheelchair, although the section from the village to the lakeshore and along the south side of the lake is. In higher waters, the north side of the lake can get flooded but most of the year may be accessible with an off-road pram. Take time along the lakeside to see all the Herdwick sheep and, if you’re lucky, a wee highland cow!
For more Information...
More walks like these can be found on the Miles Without Stiles section of the Lake District National Park Website or here. There’s plenty to fill your staycation or holiday with some amazing pram friendly and wheelchair accessible walks in The Lake District.
Happy walking & exploring!
Ali x
@girlabout.thelakedistrict
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