When driving or walking along the A592 between Bowness-on-Windermere and the roundabout at Cook’s House Corner, it would be easy to think that there’s little to see of the lake (Windermere) that runs alongside it. Stop at the Rayrigg Meadow car park, and there’s just a big green hill in front of you – Queen Adelaide’s Hill. Stand on top of that hill, however, and you will be blown away by what you see. (The car park is a council-owned pay and display, postcode LA23 1BP.)
According to Windermere and Bowness Civic Society, Queen Adelaide’s Hill was originally called Rayrigg Bank, but was renamed after Queen Adelaide (Queen Victoria’s aunt) visited in 1840, coming ashore by boat at Millerground just below. I liken it to the hill from the Teletubbies, but without all the rabbits…
If you’re not bothered by a short but steep climb on a narrow stoney footpath, you can take the path directly from the car park and this leads you straight to the top of the hill. If, however, you’d prefer a more gentle ascent, you need to leave the car park on foot and turn left along the pavement on the A592. Around the corner you’ll come across a large on-road parking bay, and there’s a gate on the left beyond which there’s a National Trust signpost and a wider – and my preferred – pathway. Members of the Civic Society have been doing a lot of work in the area recently, and have a useful map on their website, which shows the route, as well as more extended walks down to the lake edge at Millerground.
I really can’t think of a better way to spend a spare half hour in exchange for such incredible panoramic views, which extend to both ends of the lake.
As you can see, Queen Adelaide’s Hill provides the opportunity for some amazing photos, especially if you haven’t got the time (or inclination!) to go on a longer walk. I was particularly lucky that on the day I visited, there were lots of sailing boats out on Windermere too. It is just a beautiful, peaceful place which, despite being so close to the road, feels so far from anywhere.
And the sheep were quite welcoming too. 🙂
Have you enjoyed exploring Queen Adelaide’s Hill? Can you recommend similar great views in the Lakes that don’t require a long walk to reach them? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
Just a short distance away towards Cook’s House Corner roundbout is the viewpoint at Hammarbank. Here you don’t even have to leave the car to see a stunning view across Windermere – and there’s usually an ice cream van in the summer too! Taken in the winter, my previous photos don’t do it justice, but to give you an idea: http://lakedistrictgems.co.uk/2015/02/26/a-stunning-view-without-the-walk-hammarbank-windermere/
Marvellous views.Be wary of the nearby toilets on the car park. My wife paid her 20.p to gain access then on attempting to exit found the door wouldn’t unlock.Luckily I was able to use a further 20p to let her out,saving an embarrassING incident.
Thank you very much for commenting Jeff. Oh dear – we do like to encourage our visitors to stay in the Lake District once they’ve arrived, but usually by nicer means!
Hello again Jeff – Just to let you know that, because I couldn’t remember who manages the toilets on that car park now, I forwarded your comment on to one of our local councillors, and they have passed this on to the operator. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your day/stay, and thank you for visiting the blog!