🐾 Harley Barley tip: Hawkshead is a great base when you want the quieter side of Windermere — countryside, forest and traffic-free lakeshore are all nearby. Use our Coniston walks for another nearby day, or cross towards our Bowness & Windermere guide. For the practical kit, start with our dog-walking essentials.
Hawkshead and the western side of Windermere feel noticeably calmer than Bowness, which makes this area a great choice if your dog prefers quieter roads and more space. You also get an excellent mix of woodland, farmland and lakeshore paths.
1. Wray Castle to Blelham Tarn — best countryside loop
This National Trust route rolls through farmland and rough tracks around Wray. It is not especially hilly, but some low-lying sections can get boggy and there are stiles. Dogs are welcome on leads because the route crosses fields with cattle and sheep.
View the official Wray to Blelham Tarn walk →
2. Wray Castle to Claife — best traffic-free lakeshore walk
The lakeshore path between Wray Castle and Claife Viewing Station is one of the nicest dog-friendly options on Windermere. It is car-free and there are places where dogs can paddle, making it a good choice when you want a straightforward scenic walk rather than a summit.
Read the National Trust dog guidance for Wray →
3. Claife Viewing Station & west shore — best for easy lake views
Claife and the western shore are especially useful when you want to combine a walk with the ferry from Bowness. Dogs are welcome at Claife and along the west shore, with water bowls and dog treats available at the café.
Check the dog-friendly Claife information →
🐾 Harley Barley tip: West Windermere is a great option when Bowness is busy. The ferry itself can turn the walk into a proper day out.
Return to our Dog-Friendly Lake District guide for more areas.