to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Written by: Janie
Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast offers many brilliant outdoor adventures for a group with varied experiences and abilities. Explore stunning coastlines, visit nature reserves or discover Roman history, all via some brilliant accessible trails.
There are also some more unusual experiences to enjoy like a wellness walk with a friendly alpaca or you may also find yourself conquering one of the region’s smaller fell tops. Read on to discover more and get inspired:
Jump to:
- Watchtree Nature Reserve
- Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail
- Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve
- Ravenglass
- Solway Coaster Cycle Route
- Binsey Fell Walk
- Alpacaly Ever After at The Lingholm Estate
- England Coast Path between Allonby and Silecroft
Watchtree Nature Reserve
Overlooking the northern hills of the Lake District and the Solway Firth estuary, Watchtree Nature Reserve offers a network of accessible trails and hides allowing all to experience UK wildlife in its natural habitat.
You can also go for a bike ride in a safe, traffic-free environment thanks to Watchtree Wheelers. Their extensive fleet includes options for all – from balance bikes to Hand Cycles and VeloPlus wheelchair transport trikes, designed for transporting people, who can remain seated in their own wheelchair, by cycle.
After your adventure, refuel with some tasty homemade food at the Watchtree café in the visitor centre.
Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail
With gradients and surfaces designed for all levels of mobility in mind, this accessible Miles without Stiles route links the two pretty Lake District towns of Keswick and Threlkeld, offering superb scenery along the way.
Following the route of the old Keswick to Penrith Railway, this smooth and level trail weaves its way over the River Greta on some of the original Victorian railway bridges and some rebuilt following Storm Desmond. 5km each way, spot herons and dippers in the fast-flowing river below or look up for brilliant forest and mountain views above.
Both Threlkeld and Keswick provide great options for refreshments. Try the Threlkeld Coffee Shop or the Horse & Farrier pub in Threlkeld and then The Royal Oak or Lake Road Brunch in Keswick.
Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve
Nature lovers and bird watchers must stop by the Dubwath Silver Meadows Nature Reserve. As the Lake District's first wetlands nature reserve, this 7.15-hectare site, found at the northern end of Bassenthwaite Lake, is a haven for wildlife.
A Miles without Stiles route provides access for all thanks to the environmentally friendly and durable boardwalks – made from recycled plastic bottles and suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users, plus anyone with limited mobility.
Visitors can stop and take in their surroundings at some innovative hides. Built using traditional methods, such as willow weaving, these ‘growing’ viewing points are a great place to observe the site as well as providing a habitat themselves.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Bassenthwaite Lake Station just across the road – an award-winning accessible venue home to a lovely sensory garden.
Ravenglass
An Important naval base for the Romans in the 2nd century, the charming village of Ravenglass is full of history. Stop by to explore two Miles without Stiles accessible routes and enjoy lovely views of the estuary along the way. A short stroll from the village centre, you’ll find the remains of the Roman bath house known as Walls Castle. This is one of the largest surviving Roman structures in England. In the other direction, head across the River Mite and on to the beachfront at Saltcoats.
From March to October, make sure you also take a ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway and stop by Muncaster Castle to look around the beautiful historic house and gardens.
Cycle The Solway Coaster
From Silloth, head south to Allonby along The Solway Coaster: a flat, tarmacked 14.1km route which forms part of the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway 72 and travels through the Mawbray Banks Nature Reserve. Along the way, admire the view, with the ocean to one side and Cumbrian fells to the other. Why not stop at The Moody Cow for farm fresh milkshakes, served from a vending machine; kids will love adding their own flavours, and it’s a great mid-ride pit stop. There’s also Twentymans for ice cream in Allonby.
Bikes are available to hire with Border City Cycle Hire. Based in Carlisle, they deliver to locations across north Cumbria including Silloth and Allonby.
Binsey fell walk
If you are looking for an accessible fell walk suitable for a group with varied abilities, then Binsey, located just to the north of Bassenthwaite Lake, is a great option. A good, grassy trail climbs steadily 190m to the summit cairn. From the top, enjoy fantastic 360° views over the northern fells of the Lake District. This includes the Skiddaw group, Ullock Pike and Longside Edge, the hills above Whinlatter, and then west over to Buttermere. Northwards to Scotland, spot the hills of Dumfries and Galloway across the Solway Firth. Return the same way to complete the route that totals just 3km. While out on the fells, don’t forget to follow the Adventure Smart guidance.
There is a small place to park on the 'yellow' minor road beside Binsey lodge. For local food and drink options, check out the charming Mae's Tea Room in Uldale or the elegant Overwater Hall Hotel.
Alpacaly Ever After at The Lingholm Estate
Alpacaly Ever After offer alpaca walks around the beautiful grounds of Lingholm and along the shores of Derwentwater. Stroll at super relaxed alpaca pace through the private grounds teeming with wildlife – along the way spotting deer, red squirrels and hares.
This non-profit company aims to look after unwanted alpacas and llamas from all over the UK and offer accessible experiences that will allow all visitors to connect with the landscape and natural world in an enjoyable, engaging and therapeutic way. They have also provided wellness walks to a wide range of vulnerable people via their work with the NHS, charities and other social organisations.
Walks last around an hour and a half and are available at flexible times to suit you. Bring your wellies or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet!
England Coast Path between Allonby and Silecroft
Aiming to stay as close to the coast as possible and well signed with distinctive acorn way markers, you’ll find 54 miles of this National Trail along the beautiful Cumbrian coastline between Allonby and Silecroft. Expect the trail to be along promenades or pavements when close to towns or villages and then with more natural, unmade surfaces in more remote areas.
We suggest exploring from either Allonby or Silecroft where you’ll also find some great refreshment stops for before or after your coastal stroll. In Allonby, visit Twentymans for spectacular ice-cream creations, or the Ship Hotel for traditional food offerings. Designed by award-winning Scottish Architects, Silecroft Beach Café offers an idyllic setting to relax, recharge and enjoy some great food from a delicious menu full of local produce.
The Cumberland Adventure for Everyone Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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