As the festive season gets into full flow, why not take a day out from the madness and take the whole family for a winter walk on one of Cumbria’s fantastic accessible routes?

West Windermere Way is one of the newest walking routes and takes an easy stroll through fields and along the waterside from Newby Bridge to as far as the YMCA near Graythwaite. For families and little legs the very easy initial stretch from the Swan Hotel and Spa to Lakeside is a pretty one mile amble, offering lovely views and a safe environment away from traffic.

Starting off at Newby Bridge, there is ample parking, or easy accessibility from the X6 bus route.  To kickstart the walk the Swan Hotel is open to non-residents, offering food and drinks, plus the bar area is dog friendly.

Along the footpath keep eyes peeled for glimpses of winter wildlife such as robins, Canadian geese, tufted ducks and coots or the Lakeland sheep that graze the fields. The first stage of the walk concludes at Lakeside, where there plenty of indoor options to keep everyone entertained.

Take a ride along Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises, discover hundreds of underwater and overwater creatures from across Cumbria and the world at Lakes Aquarium, or sit back in style and comfort at the Lakeside Hotel, which is open to non-residents for drinks and dining.

If the north Lakes is closer to your doorstep, the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path is a 10km out and back route along a former railway line. Along the way there are plenty of seats and information boards telling of the history of the local area and pointing out key viewpoints, plus the flora and fauna walkers are likely to encounter.

There are picnic benches should anyone be brave enough to take a winter picnic, or alternatively once in Threlkeld why not enjoy a delicious snack or pub lunch at the Horse and Farrier?

Returning to Keswick, the town offers a host of attractions and activities including The Pencil Museum, Theatre by the Lake or cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Company. The town is also home to many cafes, bars and restaurants, plus a plethora of independent shops.

Both routes are easy to access and suitable for walkers, buggies and wheelchairs – just keep an eye out for cyclists as both routes are bike friendly in most sections too. As with all walks in Cumbria and the Lake District, have the right skills and knowledge of the planned route, dress appropriately, carry the correct gear and be aware of the weather.

For more information visit: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/