Best Walks Near Ulverston — Routes for Every Fitness Level
From gentle coastal strolls to dramatic fell climbs, Ulverston puts some of the Lake District’s finest walking right on your doorstep. Here are 10 routes to suit every ability.
Ulverston as Your Walking Base
Most Lake District visitors base themselves in Ambleside or Keswick, but Ulverston is quietly one of the best walking bases in the national park. You’re central to the western Lake District with coastal, fell, and lakeside walks all within a short drive — and several right from your front door.
The advantage? Quieter trails, easier parking, and a charming market town to return to afterwards. The independent pubs and cafes make post-walk refuelling a genuine pleasure, and if you’re staying in a self-catering apartment at Lonsdale House, you can set your own schedule — early starts for sunrise walks, lazy mornings after late fell days.
Here are our favourite walks near Ulverston, organised by difficulty.
Beginner-Friendly Walks
These are flat, well-marked routes perfect for families with young children, older walkers, or anyone who prefers a gentle pace with good scenery.
Bardsea Coastal Walk
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) | Duration: 45 minutes | Terrain: Flat coastal path and beach
This is our most-recommended easy walk. Starting from the small village of Bardsea (a 10-minute drive from Ulverston), the path follows the coastline along Morecambe Bay with expansive views across the water to Arnside Knott and the distant Pennines.
At low tide, the sand stretches out endlessly — a landscape that feels more like a natural amphitheatre than a beach. In summer, there’s often an ice cream van at the starting point. The path is pushchair-friendly in sections, with benches spaced for rests.
This walk is perfect for families with young children, anyone recovering from injury, or visitors who simply want to breathe in sea air with a view.
Ulverston Town Trail
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) | Duration: 45 to 60 minutes | Terrain: Town streets with some steps
You don’t need to leave Ulverston to enjoy a good walk. The town trail loops past the most significant historical sites, including the Laurel and Hardy Museum, the ancient market cross, and several Grade II listed buildings. It’s an ideal introduction to Ulverston’s character.
Because you’re on town streets throughout, facilities are always nearby — cafes for a coffee break, public toilets, and shops if you need anything. Best for visitors with cultural interests or those who want a gentle outing without venturing far.
Canal Walk to Swarthmoor
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) | Duration: 60 minutes | Terrain: Flat canal towpath
Follow the old canal towpath from Ulverston to Swarthmoor Hall, the historic Quaker meeting house where George Fox lived in the 17th century. The route is flat throughout, well-maintained, and peaceful — water birds, wildflowers, and overhanging trees create a corridor of calm just minutes from the town centre.
This walk appeals to photography enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys a tranquil, traffic-free route.
Intermediate Walks
These routes involve some hills and off-road terrain but are manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness. Expect to spend one to two hours walking.
Hoad Monument via Town
Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) | Duration: 60 to 90 minutes | Terrain: Town path, steep ascent, open fell
This is the iconic Ulverston walk. You start from the town centre, follow residential streets to the base of the hill, then climb steeply for about 10 minutes to reach the Hoad Monument — a Victorian lighthouse replica built in honour of Sir John Barrow.
The effort is rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views: Morecambe Bay to the south, the Lakeland fells to the north, and on clear days, the Isle of Man and Blackpool Tower. The descent can be varied by taking an alternative path back through open grassland.
The last section is genuinely steep, so this walk suits walkers with reasonable fitness who don’t mind a short, sharp climb.
Coniston Water Shoreline
Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip | Duration: 90 minutes | Terrain: Mixed woodland and waterside
Coniston Water is just 10 minutes from Ulverston by car, and the eastern shoreline walk is one of the most beautiful lakeside routes in the district. You’ll pass through woodland, along the water’s edge, and past quiet bays where you can stop for a swim in summer.
The Arthur Ransome connection adds literary interest — this is the lake that inspired Swallows and Amazons. The Coniston Boating Centre at the start point hires kayaks and rowing boats if you want to extend the day on the water.
Some sections can be muddy after rain, so waterproof boots are recommended.
Grizedale Forest Sculpture Trail
Distance: 2 to 4 miles (variable loops) | Duration: 60 to 120 minutes | Terrain: Forest trails with some elevation
Grizedale Forest sits between Coniston Water and Windermere, a 15-minute drive from Ulverston. The sculpture trail scatters contemporary artworks through the woodland — some monumental, some hidden among the trees — turning a walk into an open-air gallery.
Multiple loop options let you choose your distance. The forest is mostly shaded, making this an excellent choice on hot summer days. There’s a cafe at the Forest Centre, and mountain bike hire if you want to explore further.
This walk appeals to art lovers, families with curious children, and anyone who appreciates woodland walking with a twist.
Challenging Walks
These are serious fell walks for experienced walkers with good fitness. Expect steep terrain, variable weather, and the need for proper walking boots and waterproofs.
Coniston Old Man
Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km) | Duration: 3 to 4 hours | Terrain: Rocky fell paths, steep ascent, exposed summit
Coniston Old Man (803 metres) is one of the Lake District’s great fell walks and one of the most accessible from Ulverston — a 30-minute drive to the start point in Coniston village.
The ascent is steady and steep, passing old copper mine workings and the reflective tarn of Low Water before the final push to the summit. From the top, the views are extraordinary: Windermere stretching to the east, Morecambe Bay to the south, and the central fells rolling north to Scafell Pike.
This walk requires proper preparation — walking boots, waterproofs, food, water, and a map. The weather on the summit can change rapidly, even on days that start sunny in the valley.
Walna Scar Road to Dow Crag
Distance: 7 miles (11 km) | Duration: 4 to 5 hours | Terrain: Mountain paths, exposed ridgeline
For experienced walkers wanting something more demanding, the circuit from Coniston via Walna Scar Road to Dow Crag and back over the Old Man offers a dramatic day out. The Dow Crag cliffs are among the most impressive in the Lake District, and the ridge walking between the two summits is exhilarating.
This route is quieter than the direct Old Man ascent and feels more remote. Navigation skills are important, particularly in poor visibility.
Catbells from Keswick
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) | Duration: 2 to 3 hours | Terrain: Rocky ridge, steep in places
Catbells is about 45 minutes north of Ulverston — worth the drive for one of the Lake District’s most popular ridge walks. The route climbs steeply from the shore of Derwentwater to a narrow ridge with views in every direction. It’s shorter than the Coniston walks but feels more dramatic, with exposure on both sides of the ridge.
The descent back to the Derwentwater shore completes a satisfying circuit, and you can catch the Keswick Launch boat back to your starting point if you prefer.
Walking Tips from Ulverston
Check the weather. Lake District conditions change rapidly. The Met Office mountain weather forecast is essential for fell walks.
Start early. Particularly in summer, car parks at popular walks fill quickly. An early start from Ulverston means you’ll beat the crowds.
Layer up. Even warm valley days can be cold and windy on fell summits. Carry a waterproof jacket and an extra layer.
Tell someone your route. For fell walks, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
Wear proper footwear. Walking boots with ankle support are essential for anything beyond the beginner walks. Trails can be rocky, muddy, and slippery.
Your Walking Base at Lonsdale House
After a day on the fells, there’s nothing better than returning to a comfortable apartment in the heart of a market town. Lonsdale House Boutique Apartments gives you everything you need: a spacious walk-in shower to wash off the mud, a kitchenette to cook a proper meal, a Smart TV for a relaxed evening, and free private parking so your boots can dry in the car overnight.
Our 13 apartments are set within a Grade II listed building in Ulverston’s town centre — minutes from the pubs, restaurants, and cafes that make post-walk refuelling such a pleasure.
Book direct at lonsdale-house.co.uk for our best rates and a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability).