This month we’ve enlisted the help of our good friend ‘Captain Nature’ to help you discover the joys of cycling on the new Windermere West Shore Cycle Trail. Enjoy…
About the Windermere West Shore Cycle Trail
This 4-mile trail has been restored from an originally bumpy track, to create a wonderful car-free route for the whole family to enjoy. You can find out all you need to know here.http://www.golakes.co.uk/travel/WindermereWestShore.aspx
The path runs between Ferry House and Wray Castle on the west shores of Windermere. You can start the ride at either end and make a fun round trip.
We took the Windermere Car Ferry from Ferry Nab to Ferry House, to begin our day at Ferry House. An alternative route is to take the brilliant Bike Boat from Bowness Bay across to Wray Castle (April – November only) and start your cycle from the castle estate itself.
Enjoying the Ferry across Windermere
The Windermere West Shore Cycle Path is about 4 miles long – winding along the shores of the lake, passing moored boats and rocky beaches, in and out of woodland.
We found this to be such an enjoyable day out – just enough exercise to work up an appetite for a picnic with a view (the views from Wray Castle are mind-blowing, by the way).
Relaxing with a view at Wray Castle after a fun bike ride
Even though we pushed our bikes on the odd short stretch, all the family can enjoy this route – and our friend Captain Nature has already requested a return visit. (And before you ask – no, he’s not Batman, actually. He’s Captain Nature).
Need we say more – a great day out
Our Go Lakes travel tips for April
1. The lakeshore is magical, up-close and personal
You’ll soak up so much more of the lake’s magic when you’re roaming free on its shores. We picked out our favourite boats, named some ducks and skimmed some stones – you can’t do that when you’re driving by.
The Windermere West Shore Cycle Trail is specifically designed to make the lakeshore accessible in the best possible way – without a car, without a stress.
The lakeshore is magical, up-close and personal
2. The Car Ferry isn’t just for cars
I often think we should change the car ferry’s name. Sure, crossing the lake rather than driving around it is a great way to cut down on driving – but if you hop on as a pedestrian for a day of walking, or bring your bike for a day of cycling, you’ll discover a much more rewarding experience. (Note: The Car Ferry is closed during May 2014 for maintenance)
3. The Bike Boat is a brilliant idea
Running from April until the end of October, the Bike Boat crosses Windermere from Brockhole – The Lake District Visitor Centre to Wray Castle. That means you can start your day at Brockhole and take a scenic crossing on foot or with bikes in tow, to explore the West Shore Cycle Path. Bliss!
4. The landscapes west of Windermere are ripe for car-free adventures
West of the lake itself, there is a huge amount to see – from Beatrix Potter’s home at Hill Top, to pretty Hawkshead village and adventurous Grizedale Forest – and it’s all accessible without a car. Getting familiar with the following routes is a good place to start.
• 505 Coniston Rambler (Kendal – Windermere – Ambleside – Hawkshead – Coniston)
• X30 (Hawksead – Grizedale – Hawkshead)
• Mountain Goat from Ferry House (April to November only) – Ferry House – Hill Top – Hawkshead – Grizedale Forest – Satterthwaite
• Bike Boat between Brockhole and Wray Castle (April to November only)
See you next month!
