This short hike in the Borrans Park and Waterhead Pier, near Ambleside is a lovely dog walk in the Lake District and a fantastic way to kick off a walking holiday in the area. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and local charm. The views of Windermere lake are truly scenic.
After (too) many months of travel and work commitments, the gang is back to hiking. The Lake District is one of our favourite spots in the UK – there is so much to see and there are so many amazing opportunities for fantastic dog hikes. The area is a goldmine of natural beauty, historical significance, and charming attractions, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely hike with your canine companions.
| Distance | Total Time | Difficulty |
| 2.37 km | 00:57 | Easy |
Borrans Park is a serene area to the northern shores of Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. The park is an ideal spot for picnics, with ample space for dogs to play and explore. It is also a site of historical importance, as it houses the remains of the Roman fort, Galava, also known as Ambleside Roman Fort. The ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient past, adding a layer of attraction to your visit.
Waterhead Pier, just next to the park, is the starting point for various lake cruises, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding waters. The pier area is bustling with activity, featuring cosy cafes, quaint shops, and picturesque views that encapsulate the charm of Ambleside. Nearby is also a lovely pet shop and a café selling dog ice-cream.
We parked at the Waterhead Car Park and used the address: Waterhead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ES. There are plenty of spaces, but it isn’t huge, so I imagine it might get crowded on busier days.
Don’t forget to check the post notes at the bottom of the page, with maps, a detailed table about the hike and links to everything mentioned in the post.
The Hike
We began our hike at the Waterhead Car Park and turned right after crossing the road. A short walk brought us to the entrance of Borrans Park. Once inside the park, we turned right again and continued until we reached a fence separating the park from the Roman fort area.
We crossed through the gate and took a stroll around the fort, stopping to read some of the informational panels while the dogs sniffed around. The fort area has fairly tall grass and is kept in a more natural state. There was cattle grazing, so it’s important to keep your dogs on a lead in this part of the walk.
After exploring the fort, we returned to the park and headed to the lake’s shore. This spot is particularly lovely, and the dogs enjoyed a little dip in the lake.
The water was shallow and calm enough for them to freely play around here.
We then walked back to the gate and turned right. Following Borrans Road, we reached the pier, where we saw many families and numerous other dog walkers.
From the pier we spotted a pet shop (Paws by the Lake) and went to check it out.
All in all it is a very pretty, short dog walk in Lake District and the girls approved.
Cheers,
Ademar
Full Details Table
| Location | Borrans Park, Ambleside |
| Parking Postcode | LA22 0ES |
| Parking Cost | £5.00 Up to 2 hours £6.00 Up to 3 hours £6.50 Up to 4 hours £8.50 Up to 24 hours |
| Starting Point | Waterhead Car Park |
| End Point | Waterhead Pier |
| Total Time | 00:57 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Distance | 2.37 km |
| Elevation | 35 m – 50 m |
| Facilities | – Cafe – Pet Shop – Plenty of dog waste bins |
| Dog friendly rating | 4 star |
| Points of Interest | – Windermere Lake – Roman Fort – Waterhead Pier – Paws by the Lake |
Maps
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