There’s something rather special about a winter walk in the Lake District. The air is crisp, the woods are quiet, and the views across Windermere feel bigger and clearer once the leaves have fallen. And you don’t have to go far to find them. Some of the loveliest walks from Newby Bridge start right on The Swan’s doorstep, or just a few minutes down the road.
In this guide, we’ve picked our favourite short winter walks near The Swan, from a big-view climb up Gummer’s How to a woodland tarn loop at High Dam and an easy lakeside stroll at Fell Foot. For each one, you’ll find the distance, the terrain and why it’s worth walking in winter, plus what to wear and the best places to stop for something warm.
Newby Bridge Walks: Why Winter Is a Great Time to Explore
Winter is one of the best times to discover Newby Bridge walks. The paths are quieter, the bare trees open up views you’d miss in summer, and low winter sun makes the fells glow. On a frosty morning, the River Leven and the southern end of Windermere can look almost still.
Short routes really come into their own at this time of year. Around the shortest day there are fewer than eight hours of daylight, so a walk of an hour or two lets you enjoy the best of the light without rushing. That’s why we’ve kept this guide to short winter walks that are easy to fit into a relaxed day.
If you’d like a gentle walk straight from the door, the West Windermere Way follows the lakeshore from Newby Bridge to Lakeside. For bigger days further afield, take a look at our guide to the best walks in the Lake District.
Make The Swan Your Base for Winter Walks
Planning a winter walking break in the Lake District? Make The Swan your base. Set beside the River Leven in Newby Bridge, at the southern end of Windermere, our cosy rooms, riverside spa and warming food are waiting for you after every walk.
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Book A StayGummer’s How Walk: Big Views for a Short Climb
If you’re after one of the best views in the South Lakes without a long climb, the walk up Gummer’s How is hard to beat. This little 321m fell rises above the eastern shore of Windermere, and Wainwright fondly called it “an old man’s mountain”. From the summit, you can see right up the lake to the central fells, and south across Morecambe Bay.
Distance and terrain
The walk starts from Astley’s Plantation car park, a short drive from The Swan up the steep, narrow road off the A592 above Fell Foot. It’s about 1.4 miles (2.3km) there and back, with around 118m of climbing, so most people take 45 minutes to an hour. The path is easy to follow, but there are some steep, rocky sections near the top, so good boots with grip are a must.
Why the Gummer’s How walk is good in winter
Winter is when Gummer’s How really shines. On a clear, cold day the views stretch for miles, sometimes with a dusting of snow on the higher fells, and a late-afternoon climb can reward you with a beautiful sunset over the lake. Leave plenty of time to get down before dark and take care if the rocks are icy. Afterwards, Fell Foot’s dog-friendly Boathouse Café sits just below the hill for a hot chocolate by the water, though it’s worth checking its winter opening times first.
High Dam Walk: A Woodland Tarn Loop from Finsthwaite
Tucked away in the woods above Finsthwaite, High Dam is one of the most peaceful spots near Newby Bridge. It’s a man-made tarn, built in the early 1800s with its smaller neighbour, Low Dam, to power the nearby Stott Park Bobbin Mill. Today it’s a quiet pool ringed by trees, with views to the fells beyond.
Distance and terrain
The High Dam walk starts from the National Park car park in Finsthwaite. The circuit past Low Dam, around High Dam and back is about 1.9 miles (3.1km), with roughly 100m of climbing, and takes around an hour at a gentle pace.
Finsthwaite is just a few minutes’ drive from The Swan. The woodland paths can be rough, rooty and muddy in winter, so wear waterproof boots.
Why the High Dam walk is good in winter
In winter, you’ll often have High Dam almost to yourself. The bare trees let more light into the woods, and on a cold, still morning the water can mirror the sky perfectly. After a hard frost the edges of the tarn sometimes freeze, but never walk on the ice. Then it’s a short drive back to The Swan for a pint and a hearty lunch in The Swan Inn, our riverside pub.
Fell Foot Walk: An Easy Lakeside Stroll
For something gentle, the Fell Foot walk is perfect. Fell Foot is a National Trust park at the very southern tip of Windermere, about a mile from The Swan, with open lawns, lakeside paths and wide views up the lake.
Distance and terrain
The Fell Foot short loop is about half a mile (0.8km) and takes around 30 minutes. It’s step-free and stile-free, on mostly gravel paths, so it’s a good choice for pushchairs, wheelchairs and anyone wanting a flat, easy walk. If you’d like to go a little further, the park’s heritage trail is about 1.6 miles (National Trust). There’s parking on site, and dogs on leads are welcome.
Why the Fell Foot walk is good in winter
Fell Foot is a great choice when the weather is unsettled or you only have an hour or so. The paths are easy underfoot, there are benches all along the lakeshore, and on a clear day you can see right up Windermere to the snowy tops of the Fairfield Horseshoe. It also pairs nicely with the climb up Gummer’s How, and it’s only a mile back to The Swan for afternoon tea by the fire.
Winter Walks in the Lake District: What to Wear and Pack
Even short winter walks in the Lake District can bring wind, rain, mud and frost, sometimes all in one afternoon. A little preparation makes all the difference, and means you can enjoy the walk rather than counting the minutes until you’re warm again.
Here’s what we’d suggest:
- Layers: a base layer, a warm fleece or jumper, and a windproof, waterproof jacket on top.
- Waterproof trousers: handy for wet grass and muddy woodland paths.
- Walking boots with good grip: the rocky sections on Gummer’s How and the woodland paths to High Dam can be slippery.
- Hat, gloves and a scarf: it’s always colder at the top than in the valley.
- A head torch: daylight fades quickly in winter, even on a short walk.
- A flask and a snack: a warm drink at the top of Gummer’s How feels like a real treat.
- A map and a charged phone: the OS Explorer OL7 map covers all of these routes.
Check the forecast before you set off, tell someone where you’re going, and plan to be back with an hour of daylight to spare.
Walking in a Group: Routes for Families and Friends
Walking in a group is one of the nicest ways to spend a winter day in the Lakes, whether it’s a family break, a weekend with friends or a celebration. The trick is choosing a route that suits everyone.
Best routes for mixed groups
- Families with young children or pushchairs: the Fell Foot short loop is flat, step-free and has a café halfway round.
- Friends who want a view: the Gummer’s How walk gives you a proper summit in under an hour.
- Keen walkers: pair the High Dam loop with the climb up Gummer’s How for a fuller winter day out.
- A mix of everyone: the West Windermere Way to Lakeside is gentle and easy to follow, and you can ride the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway back when it’s running.
Tips for walking in a group
A little planning goes a long way when you’re walking with family or friends, especially on short winter days. Here’s how to keep everyone happy, warm and safe:
- Go at the pace of the slowest walker: put them near the front so the group naturally moves at a comfortable speed and nobody gets left behind.
- Agree a turnaround time: decide before you set off when you’ll head back, whether or not you’ve reached the top, so you’re down with daylight to spare.
- Stay together on tricky ground: keep the group close on narrow, rocky or icy paths, and wait at junctions and gates so everyone takes the same route.
- Share the kit: make sure at least one person carries a map, a head torch, a small first aid kit and a fully charged phone, and that everyone has a spare layer.
- Keep dogs on a lead: especially around sheep and other livestock, which you’ll often meet on the fells.
- Plan your stops: build in time for a snack, a hot drink from the flask and a few photos, because that’s half the fun.
And when you’re back, there’s nothing quite like gathering round the fire with a drink to swap stories from the day.
Make Your Winter Walking Break Feel Effortless
Turn a few good walks into a proper Lake District escape. From cosy boutique rooms to dog-friendly stays and luxury cottages, The Swan is the perfect base for frosty mornings, lakeside strolls and slow winter evenings.
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Unwind at Holte Spa
After a cold, blustery walk, Holte Spa is the perfect place to thaw out. With thermal journeys, an outdoor Finnish sauna, a warm Vitality Pool and cosy relaxation spaces, it’s an easy way to turn your walk into a little winter treat.
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Looking for More Things to Do?
From the West Windermere Way and the steam railway to lake cruises and days out across the South Lakes, The Swan makes it easy to add a little more to your winter break.
Explore Things To DoWarming Up After Your Walk at The Swan
There’s no better feeling after a winter walk than coming in from the cold to somewhere warm and welcoming. That’s where The Swan comes in.
Set beside the River Leven in Newby Bridge, The Swan puts some of the best walks near Newby Bridge right on your doorstep. Kick off your boots and settle into The Swan Inn, our relaxed, dog-friendly pub, for Cumbrian ales and hearty British classics. Or treat yourself to afternoon tea by the fire.
For tired legs, Holte Spa is hard to beat. Relax in the outdoor Finnish sauna, ease into the Vitality Pool, then curl up in The Bothy, our outdoor retreat with a crackling log burner. Whether you’re here to walk, relax or enjoy a little of both, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the perfect winter base.
Book your winter stay with usFAQs About Walks from Newby Bridge
What are the best walks from Newby Bridge?
The best walks from Newby Bridge include Gummer’s How for big views over Windermere, the High Dam loop through the Finsthwaite woods and the easy Fell Foot lakeside stroll. The West Windermere Way also runs from Newby Bridge along the lakeshore to Lakeside.
How long is the Gummer’s How walk?
The Gummer’s How walk is about 1.4 miles (2.3km) there and back from Astley’s Plantation car park, with around 118m of climbing. Most people take 45 minutes to an hour to reach the 321m summit and return.
Is the High Dam walk suitable for beginners?
Yes. The loop from the Finsthwaite car park is about 1.9 miles (3.1km) with roughly 100m of climbing, on clear woodland paths. Paths can be rough and muddy in winter, so wear waterproof boots. It isn’t suitable for pushchairs.
Are there easy walks near Newby Bridge in winter?
Yes. The Fell Foot short loop is about half a mile (0.8km), step-free and stile-free, and takes around 30 minutes. The West Windermere Way is another gentle option, starting in Newby Bridge and following the lakeshore to Lakeside.
What should I wear for winter walks in the Lake District?
Wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket and trousers, and walking boots with good grip. Pack a hat, gloves, a head torch and a flask. Daylight drops below eight hours in midwinter, so plan to finish with an hour to spare.
Can I start a walk from The Swan without driving?
Yes. The West Windermere Way starts in Newby Bridge, a short walk from The Swan, and follows the lakeshore to Lakeside. Fell Foot is about a mile away, while High Dam and Gummer’s How are best reached by car.
