Accessible Walks in the Lake District

If you’re a parent with a small child, a wheelchair user, or you struggle to find accessible walks in the Lake District that are suitable for you, this handy list of pram friendly walks and wheelchair accessible walks let you explore some of the most beautiful places in the national park. This includes walks suitable for mobility scooters, wheelchair friendly walks, and pushchair accessible walks.

Kentmere Walk

Parking: Kentmere Institute

Distance: 4.5km

Facilities: There are no facilities on this route. Toilets and refreshments can be found at Staveley (6km to the south)  

Discover the dramatic scenery of Kentmere on this accessible walk that begins from the Kentmere Institute. Parking is very limited, so you’ll need to get here early and at quieter times. Head past the church off Hodgson Brow and continue along Hollins Lane. You’ll soon see the expanse of the Upper Kentmere Valley which often attracts bird lovers hoping to spot peregrine falcons, ravens and buzzards. As the path bends around towards Scales Farmhouse, exceptional views of the epic Kentmere Horseshoe unfurl. Finish your walk at Hartrigg farm before heading back the way you came.

Grasmere Riverside Walk

Parking: Broadgate car park

Distance:  1.7km

Facilities: Toilets with baby changing facilities at Stock Lane – fee of 50p. Accessible toilets requiring a radar key. Additional accessible toilets at College Street.

This Grasmere riverside walk gives you the opportunity to spot various species of birds along the beautiful River Rothay, including kingfishers, wagtails, and of course, ducks. From the car park, go over the footbridge. Cross another bridge and then follow the river until you reach the iconic Millennium Bridge. Here you can choose to continue the route straight on or stop for a toilet break by turning right onto Stock Lane. Return onto the route, passing the bridge and follow the path that leads to the road. From here turn left, continuing past Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and through the lych-gate of St. Oswald’s Churchyard, the final resting place of William Wordsworth. Return the way you came to finish your walk.

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge Walk

Parking: National Trust car park Elterwater

Distance: 4km

Facilities: Public toilets at Elterwater. Accessible toilets at Slates Café, Elterwater. Refreshments are available at cafes and pubs in Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge.

This route is ideal for anyone looking for scenic Lake District wheelchair walks and pram friendly walks. On this route you’re likely to see mallards and moorhens among the reeded shorelines. The walk starts at the back gate of the car park and leads you out onto a stone path following the Great Langdale Beck. Continuing along this path you’ll be greeted by Elterwater, a small picturesque lake framed by trees and the Langdale Pikes.  Follow the route through woodland and into a meadow. At the end of the meadow, continue through the gate and onto the path overlooking Skelwith Force. Finish your walk at Skelwith Bridge and pop into Chester’s Café for drinks and a bite to eat.

Tarn Hows Walk

Parking: The main carpark at LA22 0PW

Distance:  3km

Facilities: Toilets at the main car park – note there are no longer disabled toilets here. A tramper mobility scooter can be booked free for use on the walk by calling the National Trust on 015394 41456.

This is a wonderful circular route and just one of the popular wheelchair and pram friendly walks in the Lake District. During this Tarn Hows walk you can admire the surrounding fell scenery and the tranquil waters of this man-made tarn. At the car park turn right, following the path that will lead you to the tarn.  Which way you approach the route is entirely up to you and you can follow the paths around the tarn clockwise or anti-clockwise. Enjoy views over to the Langdale Pikes and Coniston fells during this route, which is also great for families with younger children as they can spot local wildlife along the way.

Buttermere Lakeshore Walk

Parking: Lake District National Park Car Park

Distance: 1.5km

Facilities: Accessible toilets requiring radar key access at the LDNP Car Park. Refreshments are available at various pubs and cafes in Buttermere.

There are various routes available for this walk around Buttermere which depend on your level of ability and if you are a wheelchair or pushchair user. This 1.5km route is deemed accessible for all and perhaps the best choice for those looking for pram walks in the Lake District. Follow the path that runs along the left side of the Buttermere Court Hotel and continue along the route that’s signposted to the lake, avoiding the track signposted for Scale Force. This lakeside walk is one of the most beautiful in the Lake District, wrapped inside a fell backdrop with the likes of Haystacks, Fleetwith Pike, Red Pike and High stile peering over you. You’ll also encounter Sour Milk Ghyll, the sentinels and an old manmade tunnel.

Derwentwater Lakeshore Walk

Parking: Restricted parking at Cat Bells and so it is advisable to use public transport to access this walk.

Distance: 4.2km if following the route one-way

Facilities: None

Begin the accessible route by following the entry road to Hawse End, taking care to avoid the signposted route to Hawse End Jetty. You’ll soon see a signpost for the lakeshore with the road leading you through a gate. Following the well-maintained path and passing through further gates, you’ll soon reach Victoria Bay. This route leads you along the lakeside and through pretty woodland, providing you with exceptional views of many of Keswick’s epic fells, such as Catbells, Bleaberry Fell and Walla Crag. Continue through Manesty Park woods and to Great Bay before crossing the famous boardwalk to the Chinese Bridge and onto Borrowdale Road.

Friar’s Crag Walk

Parking: Theatre by the Park Car Park

Distance: 1.25km

Facilities: Disabled car parking and accessible toilets. (fee of 40p or radar key) Refreshments can be found at the Theatre by the Lake Café, and at the Lakeside Tearooms.

Leave the car park at Theatre by the Lake and follow the road that leads to the shore of Derwentwater. Where this road finishes, carry on the track to the right. This is a great little walk that incorporates stunning fell scenery that frames the lake. Keep your eyes peeled for the signpost that points you in the direction of Friar’s Crag to the right. This is one of the most iconic and photographed viewpoints in the Lake District and on a clear day you can see over to the Jaws of Borrowdale. You can either return the way you came or head back through Cockshott Woods. Please not that the latter isn’t accessible for all owing to some tree roots and several steps near the car park.

Latrigg Walk

Parking: Gale Road

Distance: 2km

Facilities: None on route. The nearest refreshments and toilets can be found in Keswick.

This walk is not suitable for all as there is a steep ascent which isn’t recommended for anyone pushing their own wheelchair. If you’re using mobility equipment, you must feel confident in managing the steep descent.

Follow the sign for the Latrigg limited mobility path as you come out of the car park. Once you’ve conquered the steepest part of the walk, you’re rewarded with stunning views over Keswick, Derwentwater and imposing fells such as Skiddaw, Blencathra, and on a clear day, Scafell Pike and Great Gable. You’re best ending the walk at the bench that overlooks Derwentwater as the remaining path up to the summit is quite steep and rocky in parts. Return the way you came back to the car park following the limited mobility path.