Windermere’s Western Shore: The contrast between the hussle and bustle of the villages on Windermere’s eastern shore and the peaceful woods and low fells on the western shore could not be be more stark. A cycle track sand-wiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a gentle out and back in-troduction to the area. The ride csn be broken halfway with tea and buns in the friendly within the im-pressive walls of Wray Castle. Grade: Strenuousness 2, Navigation 2, Technicality 2 Start/Finish: Windermere Railway Station Distance: Approx. 14.2 miles (23km) Time: 2-3 hours Terrain: Quiet country lanes and well graded off road cycle tracks Maps: OS Landranger 90, OS Explorer OL 7, Harveys' Superwalker (1:25 000) Lakeland South, 1. Carefully turn left out of the railway station and follow the one-way (A5074) system south through Windermere. Once

out of Winderemere continue south on the A5074 (Lake Road) and follow to Bowness, downhill to the mini rounda-

bout. Go straight across the roundabout and follow the A592, signed as cycle route to Ambleside past the steamer piers

to take the second turning right (signed cycle route to Ambleside and 2 coach park"). The cycle path skirts the left hand

side of the rectory grounds and leads straight on to the car park at Ferry Nab.

2. Turn carefully right out of the car park and head down to the Windermere car ferry. Take the ferry over the lake. On

the other side follow the road past Ferry House to the first turning on the right, signed cycle route to Ambleside. Make

the turn and join the lane that follows the western shore of Windermere. This lane and the subsequent cycle track

should then be followed North all the way to the road at the entrance to Wray Castle, again following the cycle route to

Ambleside. Turn right and head up the drive to Wray Castle.

3. Once you have enjoyed Wray Castle and its tearooms, retrace your route back along the lake shore cycle track, catch

the ferry back and up to the mini roundabout in Bowness. Instead of heading back up past the shops take the A592

Rayrigg Road left off the roundabout and follow it for 1.5km to a turning on the right for Birthwaite Road. Carefully

turn onto it and follow it uphill to join the A5074 at a T-junction. Turn L and follow the one-way system until it is pos-

sible to turn right (sign for Kendal). At a junction with the A591 carefully join the filter lane on the right for the railway

station. Turn right and enter the station access road to finish.