Section 6: Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere map
Example stay Dales Way Finish
Cross-check: Dales Way Association route description . Opened 31 October 2026. The route page lists no section distances; the distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
The walk
The walk ends above Windermere, England's grandest lake in the Association's words. From Burneside the River Kent leads to Staveley. Above it, the low hills are wilder and craggier than the Dales, with views of the Lakeland fells. A steep lane and paths over the rocky tops lead to your first sight of the lake. A gentle descent brings you to the Dales Way Bench above Bowness.
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Start of section
Burneside
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Lunch
Staveley
A village on the River Kent with a Spar, Wilf's Café, a butcher, a chocolatier and public toilets. The last good stop before the lake.
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The view
The first view of Windermere
Over the last of the low fells, the lake appears below you. One walker called it simply England's largest lake.
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The finish
The Dales Way Bench
A stone seat and viewpoint just above Bowness. The Association offers a completion certificate to download.
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Official finish
Bowness-on-Windermere
Section 6: Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere overview
The ground
- Riverside
- Low fells
- Lanes
A half day over low, rocky hills, with one steep lane. The shortest section, and one of the easiest, with the finish to look forward to.
Stops
Refreshments
- Burneside
- Staveley
- Bowness-on-Windermere
Toilets
- Staveley
- Bowness-on-Windermere
Before you go
Opposite direction
Bowness-on-Windermere to Burneside
Walked from Bowness, the climb from the bench over the rocky fells starts the walk. Windermere is behind you, so stop and look back from the first top. Staveley and the River Kent make an easy finish to Burneside.
End of section
Burneside
Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere FAQ
How long is Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere?
The Association does not list miles for each section. The distance at the top of this page is measured along the trail between these ends; a walk off the path to your bed is extra.
How do I get home from the finish?
Walk about 1.5 miles to Windermere station, or take the 599 bus. Trains run about hourly to Oxenholme and Lancaster, and some go on to Preston and Manchester.
Can I download a GPX for Burneside to Bowness-on-Windermere?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Used as Day 6 on the 6-day. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 6-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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