Brant Fell
Brant Fell lies right at the heart of Matson Ground, so it's a relatively easy walk. The views from the top are stunning and well worth any effort. What's more, you can be there and back in under an hour from most of our Windermere holiday cottages - the perfect start to the day.

Orrest Head
Orrest Head is said to be the place where author and fell-walker, Alfred Wainwright, first fell in love with the Lake District. And once you reach the top, it's easy to see why. The views of the Lake District fells and Lake Windermere are simply stunning.

It's a little under two miles to the summit of Orrest Head from Bowness. Head up to Windermere where you'll find the start of the path to Orrest Head opposite the Windermere Tourist Information Centre. What's more, it's been fully tarmacked, making it accessible for those with wheelchairs and prams.

The Dales Way
The Dales Way runs right across Matson Ground. Of course, how much of the 80-mile trail you walk is entirely up to you - it stretches all the way to Ilkley in West Yorkshire. This is an easy-to-follow route through beautiful countryside, and when you've gone far enough, you can simply turn around and head back to Bowness and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch. Or follow one of the other footpaths that lead off the Dales Way if you fancy a more circular option.

Cockshott Point and Ferry Nab
For an easy lakeside ramble, Cockshott Point and on to Ferry Nab is absolutely perfect. Stroll down into Bowness and head to the lake. Walk past the jetties (to your right) and on to Glebe Road. Follow the road until it bears to the left at which point you carry straight on through a gate and into fields. Cockshott Point, with its lovely views of Lake Windermere, is a short distance to the right. To reach Ferry Nab, simply follow the lake shore (keeping it on your right).

Wansfell Pike
We'll finish with a slightly tougher walk, but for those of you who are up for an adventure, what a day out. Head up to Windermere and take the track to the summit of Orrest Head, before heading down the other side into Troutbeck, where you can begin your ascent of Wansfell Pike. The views all the way to the top are simply amazing. From the top you can just turn around and come back, but why not make a day of it and head down into Ambleside for a well-earned bite to eat before catching a bus back to Bowness (or even one of the Windermere Lake Cruises)?

There are so many winter walks you can enjoy around Bowness and Windermere so if you'd like any more information about these or any others you may have head of, please do get in touch - we're only too happy to help.