Bowness to Cockshott Point

A circular walk of 1.13 miles (1.83 km) total, starting and finishing at the Bowness Information Centre where Glebe Road meets the A592. The emphasis is on easy going rather than distance, so allow about an hour if you stop at the benches, or half that if you keep moving.

Follow Glebe Road along the waterfront with the lake on your right, then leave the road through a gate onto a well surfaced path. Cockshott Point itself is a short step to the right across a grassy field. The main path carries on and opens onto a surfaced lakeshore meadow with benches and views across to Belle Isle, then continues to Ferry Nab. The return heads back on smooth path, crosses Glebe Road and finishes along Rectory Road past the churchyard.

Easy, and graded for all. Almost all of it is level or gently sloping on hard surfaces, with one short and fairly steep section on the way back. There are road crossings to watch, and the approach to the point is grass rather than path.

Wheelchair and mobility scooter users should stay on the surfaced path, since the short spur to Cockshott Point crosses a grassy field and is less accessible. Class 2 or 3 mobility scooters are required. Pushchairs cope well with the hard surfaced sections.

Windermere shoreline, the outlook across to Belle Isle from the meadow, and the boat activity around Ferry Nab. The open meadow with its benches is the natural place to sit for a while. Cockshott Point stays noticeably quieter than the central Bowness waterfront, which is only a few minutes behind you.

Central Bowness is a busy waterfront, so the point is where you go for calm. If you are after photographs, it is generally worth picking a quieter light, such as early morning or the last part of the day, when the view over the lake toward Belle Isle and the fells is at its softest. For a proper hill and a higher viewpoint instead, Orrest Head is the hillier option nearby.

Access is from Bowness, reached by the A592 or A5074, or by regular bus from Windermere railway station. Park beside Glebe Road where permitted, or use the signed car parks. Toilets, cafes and hotels are all in Bowness at the start and finish. Dogs are welcome under close supervision and must be kept on a lead in fields, since they can scare livestock.