A record that is genuinely held here

The Guinness World Record for the longest ice skating trail was set on Lake Windermere and measured at 29.98 km on 14 February 2014. The trail runs as four connected loops covering most of the length of the lake.

It is not only for skaters

Alongside the skating lane there are groomed skate-ski and classic cross-country tracks, and much of it is walkable. If half your group skates and the other half does not, this still works as a day out.

The ice is thicker than you think

In the season the record was verified, ice thickness ran from about 30 cm early on to nearly 76 cm at the coldest point of winter. That said, conditions are checked and posted by the club, and the trail opens and closes with the ice — never assume it is on.

Practical notes

The Whiteway is maintained by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, a volunteer organisation, and runs on donations and passes. Check current conditions before you head out; a warm spell can close sections at short notice.

Several of our homes are a short walk or a two-minute drive from lake access, which makes an hour on the ice something you can do before dinner rather than plan a day around.