So dig out your walking boots, wrap up warm and off you go.

Brant Fell, Grandsire and School Knott

These three fells are all easily accessible from our Windermere Holiday Cottages and pack in far bigger views than you might expect for the effort involved - panoramic views over Windermere, the Coniston Fells and, on a clear day, right across to the Langdales. It's an ideal option for a winter afternoon when daylight is shorter, offering a real sense of achievement without needing to spend a full day on the fells. If you do fancy something a little more challenging, why not tackle the Matson Ground 3 Peaks, about 5 miles in total?

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 breathtaking.

It's around two miles to the summit of Orrest Head from Matson Ground. The path to Orrest Head begins opposite the Windermere Tourist Information Centre and has been fully tarmacked, making it accessible for those with wheelchairs and prams.

The Dales Way

The Dales Way runs right through the heart of 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 onto 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 lake views, is a short distance to the right. To reach Ferry Nab, simply follow the lake shore (keeping it on your right).

Wansfell Pike

This one is 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, or 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)?

Walks from Our Ullswater Cottages

If you're staying in one of our beautiful Ullswater Cottages, you'll find yourself in an equally spectacular part of the Lake District with its own treasure trove of winter walks.

Aira Force

One of the Lake District's most spectacular waterfalls, Aira Force is particularly impressive after winter rainfall when the 65-foot cascade thunders into the gorge below. The well-maintained woodland paths take you through beautiful ancient trees, and the Victorian stone bridges offer perfect vantage points for photographs.

The circular walk from the National Trust car park takes around an hour and is manageable for most fitness levels, though the steps can be slippery in winter so take care. The walk can easily be extended onto Gowbarrow Fell, for stunning views over Ullswater, or for something a little less demanding, a visit to the charming Aira Force tea-room.

Hallin Fell

For those wanting a proper fell walk without spending a full day on the mountains, Hallin Fell is an absolute gem. This compact little fell rises steeply from the shores of Ullswater and, despite its modest height of just 1,273 feet, delivers some of the finest views in the Lake District.

The ascent from Martindale is short but steep - allow at least 45 minutes to an hour up and about 30 minutes down. The summit panorama is breathtaking, taking in the full sweep of Ullswater, the High Street range, and on clear days, the distant Pennines. In winter, when the higher fells are capped with snow, the views are particularly dramatic.

This is a walk best saved for a day with good visibility - the effort of the climb deserves to be rewarded with those views.

Winter Walking Tips

Remember that winter conditions in the Lake District can change rapidly. Always check the weather forecast, wear appropriate layers, carry a torch and let someone know your plans. The fells are beautiful in winter but demand respect - if conditions look challenging, there's no shame in choosing a lower-level walk and saving a summit for another day.