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Claife Viewing Station
About
The western shore of Windermere is perfect for a car-free adventure for all the family. Why not travel over on the ferry from Bowness? In less than 15 minutes you’ll leave the busy eastern shore behind you and arrive at the naturally beautiful west shore.
From here you can discover the mystical heights of Claife Viewing Station and learn about its colourful history. The courtyard is perfect for picnics followed by a gentle wander up the slope where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Windermere.
Claife Viewing Station is also the best place to set out on the 4-mile lake shore track, that leads you north towards Wray Castle. This gentle, linear route is great for exploring on bikes or foot. You could make the journey into a loop by returning to Bowness and Ambleside on the boat from Wray Castle (Easter – October) or refuel at café and re-trace your steps back to the ferry.
Situated beneath the Viewing Station, Joey’s Café at Claife makes the perfect dog and muddy boot friendly pit stop. Pick up drinks and snacks to fuel you on your way.
Toilets located a short walk from the Viewing Station next to the Ferry landing.
Book Tickets
Opening Times
* Open all year round.
Facilities
Catering
- On-site catering
- Picnic site
Children
- Children welcome
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
Site Features
- National Trust Property
Tripadvisor
Awards
- Other Awards
Self-assessed Accessibility Information 2020 - Regional and Miscellaneous
WTTC Safe Travels 2021
Map & Directions
Road Directions
By car: Junction 36 off M6, then take A684 which becomes the A591 to Windermere and Ambleside. B5285 from Windermere via Windermere ferry 3 miles. B5286 and B5285 from Ambleside 9 miles. B5285 from Coniston 8 miles. Parking: Ash Landing, very near Claife Viewing Station and Harrowslack, on Windermere's west shore. On foot: Come over from Bowness as a foot passenger on the Windermere ferry. Many footpaths in the area; walk from Hill Top, Near Sawrey or down the west shore path from Wray Castle.
By bike: 4-mile lakeshore track suitable for mountain bikes from Wray Castle to Claife Viewing Station. You can take your bike on the ferry across Windermere or on the Bike Boat from Brockhole, in the summer. Accessible by Public Transport: Windermere (via ferry) station is 3 miles away.
Public Transport Directions
By ferry: Windermere car and passenger ferry; Ferry House to Ferry Nab, just four-minute walk to Claife Viewing Station.
By bus: Get the cross Lakes shuttle from Windermere train station, via Claife Viewing Station to Hawkshead. www.mountain-goat.co.uk
Accessible by Public Transport: Windermere (via ferry) station is 3 miles away.
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