Getting out in the fresh air for a great outdoor walk is fantastic exercise and good for the mind too! Even a short 10-minute walk can be highly beneficial.
There are numerous walking trails to choose from at Sizergh Castle, whether you fancy just ten minutes walking around their wonderful gardens or strolling down miles-long marked routes like the ‘Sizergh Wildlife Walk’. You can also walk from Sizergh Castle to Park End Moss Wetland, which is a nearby area that has been transformed into a haven for local wildlife. This walk takes you through a lovely area of historic parkland, ancient woodlands, and then on to the wetland itself which is home to a variety of wetland bird species. Sizergh Castle also features in our recommendations for ‘Historical Outings’ in the South Lakes and is well worth a visit itself.
“My clients and I love walking on the Sizergh Estate – it’s also an added bonus that they have a fantastic café too, which sells the best ice creams!”
– Julie, Home Instead South Lakes
Photo by Jonny Gios Photography
Grange-over-Sands is a lovely little town on the edge of Morecambe Bay which boasts a picturesque promenade which is great for casual walks. The promenade runs along Morecambe Bay and is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids. Why not have a leisurely stroll and admire the beautiful views from the town out across Morecambe Bay? There are also some excellent places nearby to stop for tea, coffee, or a light lunch, such as Hazelmere Café – one of our recommended spots to get a perfect cup of tea in the South Lakes. As an added bonus, the local railway line runs parallel to the promenade, so if you are a train enthusiast (which some of our clients are), you’ll love seeing the trains go by! We and our clients love Grange-over-Sands – it’s definitely worth a visit!
Photo by Will S (Care Professional)
This great outdoor walk from the beautiful village of Staveley, just outside Kendal, is one of the South Lakes’ ‘Miles without Stiles’ walks. The walk follows a level path alongside the River Kent, offering great views towards the Kentmere valley. The route is suitable for wheelchairs and other mobility aids and has plenty of available parking in the nearby Mill Yard. The River Kent is one of England’s fastest-flowing rivers and was essential to local industries in years past. If you fancy a rest after this walk, there are plenty of local cafés to stop at afterwards.
This wouldn’t be a proper list of recommended South Lakes walks if we didn’t include at least one walk around Lake Windermere! The largest natural lake in England – more than 11 miles in length and almost a mile at it widest point – Lake Windermere is perhaps the place that most people think of when they think of the Lake District.
The Windermere West Shore Walk is a wonderful low-level lakeshore walk, following a path through woodland and parkland, with great views of the islands of Windermere along the way. There are plenty of opportunities for good picnic spots, and if you are feeling very energetic you can even walk as far as Wray Castle! You can get there by train, road, or bus, or by the amazing Windermere ferry which operates most of the year.
There are so many great outdoor walks here in the Lake District, and since it’s so important to get out and stay active in senior years, the lake District is great for older people! Find out more about supported living in this area and see if Home Instead South Lakes could be right for you or your loved ones by clicking here.