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Writer's pictureMatt Poulton

Best walks from Ambleside


Looking down on Ambleside from Loughrigg
Looking down on Ambleside from Loughrigg

On the edge of lake Windermere, Ambleside is a popular destination for lovers of the outdoors. Surrounded by fells, and with access to woodland, lakes and waterfalls, there are certainly a lot of walks to choose from should you visit Ambleside.


From days out in the fells, long flat walks or gentle ambles to scenic viewpoints, here are the best walks to do near Ambleside.


Disclaimer: these guides are here to give you an idea or flavour of where you can go or what you can do. They are not meant as walking guides and are in no means substitutions for navigation skills and proper preparation. If you are unsure of your ability to undertake any route, consider joining a group or hiring a guide. 




Loughrigg


  • Fell

  • 6 miles

  • 1,150ft


Despite its small size, Loughrigg gives outstanding views of the surrounding fells, making it a relatively easy way to get some of the finest views in the Lakes.


Starting off in Ambleside, the walk takes you through the town, up onto the fell and along a winding network of paths to the summit. From here you can look out towards the Fairfield Horseshoe, over Loughrigg Tarn and towards the Langdales or out over lake Windermere.


You can either return the way you came, or drop down to Loughrigg Terrace before following the trail back to Ambleside.



Loughrigg summit cairn
Loughrigg summit cairn
sunrise on loughrigg tarn
Loughrigg Tarn from the flanks of the fell

Rydal Water


  • Rough trail

  • 6.5miles

  • 725ft


Rydal may be one of the smallest lakes in the area, however, what it may lack in size, it more than makes up for in scenery.


Take the rather disturbingly named 'Coffin Route' (and yes, it is because they used to take coffins along it) from Ambleside until you get to White Moss. Cross the road and follow the trail along, crossing a large metal bridge, and soon you will be at the shores of Rydal Water. From here it is a delightful walk along the lake shore, looking over at the Fairfield Horseshoe across the water. At the far side of the lake, you have the option of detouring to Rydal Caves, a huge water filled cavern which you can walk in via stepping stones, or continue along the path, through the woods and back to Ambleside.


Rydal Water from above
Rydal Water from above

Scandale Horseshoe


  • Fell

  • 14miles

  • 3,900ft


While many people will have heard of the Fairfield Horseshoe, fewer will have heard of the route that backs onto it: The Scandale Horseshoe. Made up of the fells: Red Screes, Middle Dodd, Low Pike, Little Hart Crag, High Pike, High Hartsop Dodd and Dove Crag this roue offers a real challenge for those looking to do it.


From the high summits of Red Pike to the grassy Tusscoks of Scandale Head, this walk is a real test of your hill fitness and navigational skills.

The view from Scandale Head
The view from Scandale Head © Amlyd | Dreamstime.com


Wansfell and Baystones


  • Fell

  • 5 miles

  • 1,200ft ascent


Nicely overlooking Ambleside, the walk up to Wansfell takes you through woodlands, alongside streams and out onto the fell where you can get beautiful views of Ambleside, Windermere and the surrounding fells.


A relatively straightforward walk, heading up from Ambleside through Stock Ghyll woods, before crossing the wall at a style and heading up the fell. A short climb and you are at the top of Wansfell.


While you could turn back here, and those adverse to having wet feet may be better taking this option, you can head North-East and traverse the fell to get to its subsidiary: Baystones. From here, turn round and head back the way you came, back over Wansfell and down into Ambleside.


The view over Windermere Lake from Wansfell summit
The view over Windermere Lake from Wansfell summit © Drewrawcliffe| Dreamstime.com


Skelghyll Woods and Stagshaw Gardens


  • Trail

  • 3-5 miles

  • 350ft


A short walk from Ambleside takes you to this beautiful hidden gem. With thickly wooded paths winding through the ornamental trees, a bubbling stream running through the site and the Champion Tree trail displaying the largest trees in Cumbria, this is a really special place to visit.


Both the woods and the gardens are a network of criss-crossing trails that make it really feel like you are exploring the site. If you want to get out of the trees, you can walk up to Jenkin Crag to look out over Windermere.


Skelghyll Woods
Skelghyll Woods © Paul Maguire | Dreamstime.com



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