Lakes and Dales Horseback Rambler

In February 2023 the local Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) ranger contacted Cumbria Bridleways Society as they wanted to test out the new bridge and boardwalk on the first section of the West Windermere Way. Myself and Bridget Pickthall of course happily volunteered and spent a morning checking the route for horses before it opened in March 2023. We found both structures very easy to use and can very much recommend the route! All of the sections (to date) of the West Windermere Way are now open and you can either complete a short route of between 5 miles and 7 miles (depending on where you park) or you can ride on all of the trail which makes a 9.5 miles ride from Backbarrow. Starting at the Motor Museum at Backbarrow take the road down to the Whitewater Hotel and cross the river and then take the lanes towards Newby Bridge. After about 2.5 miles take the bridleway up through the woods. This is a lovely route through native woodland and it really does have a ancient bri...