Miles Without Stiles
Grid reference: 399963
Distance of route: 3.2 km (2 miles)
Surface: Smoothish - with minimum of dirt on hands for self-propelled
Gradient: Level, gradients up to 1 in 12
Parking: Glebe Car Park (2 disabled parking bays) or Braithwaite Fold Car Park
Toilets: Glebe Car Park or opposite National Park Information Centre.
Special features: Magnificent views.
A pleasant 2 mile circular route. The surface is generally good though there are two 5 yard stretches of rougher ground where a little more care is needed and a field which can become muddy after heavy rain. The route is waymarked with a wheelchair symbol and the kissingates along the route have been adapted to permit wheelchair access.
From the car parks follow the Glebe Road away from the town centre until you reach a specially adapted kissingate and the wheelchair waymarking sign indicating the start of the route proper at Grid Reference 399963. Once through this kissingate a firm path leads across open fields and continues through a second kissingate to the public launching site at Ferry Nab. This is a busy site throughout the summer and provides an opportunity to view a number of different boats. There is a disabled persons toilet.
Return through the gate on the pathway towards Cockshot Point where you can get wonderful views especially south down the lake. Opposite is Belle Isle with its’ unique round house sadly damaged by fire in 1994. After Cockshott Point the path returns to Glebe Road where you can continue along the pavement towards Bowness Bay and steamer piers. From the steamer piers you can get good views northwards including in the distance the famous Fairfield Horseshoe which at 870 metres stands at the head of the lake.
The National Park operates the Bowness Bay Information Centre selling souvenirs and providing information and advice on accommodation and places to visit. The Information Centre also contains the Countryside Theatre with a regular programme of talks and film shows; ask staff for details. From the Tourist Information Centre it is possible to return to the car parks on the Glebe road by taking the tarmac pathway which runs along-side the pitch and putt courses in the municipal park and the cemetery beyond.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
