Black Girls Hike: Bowness on Windermere Circular

Black Girls Hike: Bowness on Windermere Circular (Hard)

Saturday 27th September 2025

Meeting time: 10.30am

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 14.5km

Meeting details: Meeting point will be sent in confirmation email please ensure you check correspondance

Join us for a beautiful circular hike starting in the charming lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere. We’ll make our way uphill to Windermere along parts of the scenic Dales Way, passing through peaceful woodland and open countryside.

After a relaxed lunch stop in Windermere, we’ll continue to the iconic Orrest Head — a short but rewarding climb to a spectacular viewpoint that inspired Alfred Wainwright himself. On a clear day, the sweeping views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells are truly unforgettable.

We’ll then follow a gentle descent back to Bowness.

Duration: The walk would take 5 - 6 hours depending on stoppages. There will be plenty of opportunity on the walk to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Terrain: Hard - There are a couple of short, steep inclines and a steady gentle climb up to Orrest Head. The pathways are mainly good but will be rocky in places.

It is strongly advised to wear the following: Sturdy footwear is recommended, as some paths may be uneven or muddy. Waterproofs, layers, and sun protection may all be needed — conditions can change quickly, so please come prepared.

Lunch stop: We will break for lunch in Windermere, please bring a packed lunch and plenty of snacks with you.

Toilets: Toilets will be available at the meeting and end point. When we break for lunch, toilets will be available in cafes for those who chose to purchase a lunch.

Parking: There is paid for parking available at the meeting point. Please leave sufficient time to park and pay ahead of the start time. This is a circular route so we will be ending at the start point.

Transport: Windermere train station is a 12min bus ride from the start and end point. Trains from Liverpool and Manchester arrive into Windermere at 9:50am.

Important notes:

- Hike is suitable for ages 18+

- No pets allowed on this walk

FAQs

Age: 18+

How much is it? Suggested donation is £5. As a registered non-profit, your support helps our community grow. Enabling us to provide opportunities for Black women across the UK to explore and reconnect with nature. Please read before signing up

Can I come to Black Girls Hike?

As the name suggests, this is a safe space for Black/Mixed Race cis and trans women and non-binary people of Black African and/or Caribbean descent who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of Black women. We are not a BAME, POC, BIPOC,WOC, Politically Black or Ally organisation.

●Join our Facebook group to arrange car shares and connect with other hikers –

https://www.facebook.com/groups/452855682259161/ (When requesting to join the FB group, please answer the membership questions)

●You can also use https://www.traveline.info/ or https://tfl.gov.uk/ to plan your route, for car parking check out https://www.parkopedia.com/

*This meet is also not led by qualified Mountain Leader and is therefore not insured; you will be attending at your own risk*

Photo Disclaimer

Please be aware that photos will be taken during the hike. These may be used for promotional purposes, including on our website and social media platforms. If you prefer not to appear in any photos, please inform a member of the team before the hike begins.