Walking Routes
Willen Lake has two lakes and over 100 acres to explore. Check out the routes below to discover something new.
Length: 4 miles
Time: Allow 2 hours
Starting Point: Car Park B, What3Words location purses.texts.cringe.
On this walk you’ll be able to discover both of our lakes. You’ll start at the South lake where all watersport activities take place. The route will then snake under the bridge to the North lake before passing the Peace Pagoda, Labyrinth and Medicine Wheel.
You’ll make you way around the banks before passing back under the bridge again into the South lake. After you make you way around the bank, you’ll then enter the Poplar Plantation before returning to your starting point.
This route is all on surfaced paths and is suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users, please be aware that this walk does include some slopes.
Length: 0.5 miles
Time: Allow 15 mins for the walk and additional time to take in the scenery.
Starting Point: Tree Cathedral Car Park, What3Words location waters.river.epidemics.
The outline of this stunning and unique Tree Cathedral is based on Norwich Cathedral and was designed in 1986 by landscape architect Neil Higson who chose different species of trees to represent the character of the Cathedral's sections.
This route is very short with no elevation changes and all on paths. There are some steps at the Tree Cathedral, but these can be avoided, wheelchair users should be aware that the stone floor may become slippery in winter months.
Length: 1.5 miles
Time: Allow 50 minutes
Starting Point: Peace Pagoda Car Park, What3Words location plenty.crinkled.single.
This walk will take you on a 1.5 mile route through part of the north side of Willen Lake, taking time to pause at the Peace Pagoda which is nestled in the western part of the park. You will also pass the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist temple placed between the trees, the Medicine Wheel and the Labyrinth.
The route is entirely on paved paths however, it does feature some inclines with almost 50% of the route being uphill which may not be suitable for all park visitors.
Length: 1.1 miles
Time: Allow 45 minutes
Starting Point: Promenade, What3Words location limbs.dash.bookings.
Discover the Poplar Plantation on this short walk starting from Willen Lake. From the corner of the south lake, you will head through the underpass into the field of poplar trees. There are benches throughout this area to pause and take in the atmosphere around these impressive trees. You will return along the River Ouzel and can easily extend your walk by continuing around the south lake should you wish.
This route is approximately 1.1 miles long. It is mostly flat, and uses surfaced paths.
We love welcoming dogs and their owners for walks at Willen Lake. To ensure all our visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience, we do ask for dogs to be kept on leads in certain areas of the park.
Find visitor information including what facilities are available at the lake and how to get here.
