Best trails in Ambleside, Cumbria

Note: As of September 10, 2020, users have reported that the path up to the top is being repaired at the moment. A superb walk around Loughrigg Fell with magnificent views across the southern half of the Lake District including Lake Grassmere, Rydal Water and the Langdale Pikes.Show more

Although some class this as mountaineering, it depends on the weather. On a fine summers day it could be classed as a long hike. It is one of the classic walks in the Lake District National Park, taking in the summits of Nab Scar, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike and Low Pike. On good clear days the views are extensive. For anyone visiting the lakes for the first time and they are fit this is a must as from the summit of Fairfield you get a grandstand panorama.Show more

Ambleside is the start of many a fine walk and consequently it has one of the highest concentrations of outdoor gear shops anywhere in the country! This walk over Wansfell Pike to Troutbeck and return via Skelghyll is justifiably one of the most popular. Done clockwise it is steep on the ascent and gentle on the descent. Leaving town by the lane behind the Salutation Hotel the Stockghyll Waterfalls can be visited. A lower footbridge can be crossed to the northern side, returning via a higher bridge to resume the walk up the lane. Even after rain this is virtually a dry route on account of the maintenance of the paths to cope with the wear and tear by the many feet. Wansfell Pike is a fine viewpoint over Windermere and to the more distant fells of Coniston. The Mortal Man pub lies in the linear village of Troutbeck along which are three "wells/drinking troughs" dedicated to St. Margaret, St. James and St. John. Lunch was taken at the 'Pillar' in a field alongside Robin Lane. Views of Windermere continue along the tracks to Skelghyll and Jenkins Crag. In Skelghyll Woods is 'The Grand Fir', which stands 58m (190ft) high. It was planted in 1860 and has been crowned 'The Tallest Tree in Cumbria', 'The Tallest Grand Fir in England' and is in the top six tallest trees in England. To compare - Nelson's Column is 169ft. The return is via the delights of Waterhead, Borrans Park and Galava Roman Fort. The Rothay is crossed at a footbridge dedicated to the memory of Bronwen Nixon who was the owner of the Rothey Manor Hotel and who was murdered by a chief at the hotel on January 9th 1986.Show more

This is a beautiful short walk up to a wonderful waterfall. Show more

A circular walk from the village of Rydal in the Lake District, Cumbria. The walking route performs a loop around Rydal Water, a small lake covering an area of a third of a square kilometre. Rydal Water may be one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, however what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in sheer beauty as it sits glistening at the foot of Loughrigg Fell. This area inspired much of Wordsworth's poetry and you will pass his former home. The lake is supplied and drained by the River Rothay, which flows from Grasmere upstream and towards Windermere downstream. You will enjoy beautiful woodlands, lakeside views and follow a stretch of the old coffin road plus Loughrigg Terrace, one of the most beautiful half-miles in lakeland. The walk includes a few climbs and descents throughout, with a couple of steep sections but nothing too long. The total ascent is only around 150 metres. If follows stretches of well-made stone paths and tracks for the most part. You will need to negotiate several gates and footbridges but there are no stiles. You will come across grazing sheep and there are two road crossings that need care.Show more

A great route taking in 3 of the Langdale Pikes - Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle and Pike Of Stickle. Not very far in terms of distance, but a lot of up and down over rocky terrain.Show more

Grasmere was once the home of William Wordsworth. You can visit two of his former homes, Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. As you enter Grasmere from the south (Ambleside) direction you are on Stock Lane, a car park is on your right. Parking is also at the adjacent school at weekends and holidays. The first part is a 2 mile exploratory loop of the village returning to the car park before leaving again to visit Dove Cottage, then Rydal via the coffin road and returning via lakeside paths.Show more

The name Elterwater is shared by the lake and the village. Lingmoor is so named because of the 'Ling' or 'Heather' that adorns this fell. There are many easy routes to choose from. From the summit the Langdale Pikes can be seen in all their majesty, also Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Coniston Fells. The Brittania Inn has low ceilings and loads of creaky character. The Langdale Timeshare Estate was once a gunpowder factory opened in 1824 by local quarry owners, the Robinsons of Elterwater Hall. The works closed in 1920 and after a period of use as a caravan site was in 1981 converted to its present use.Show more

When William Wordsworth was residing at Allen Bank his sister Dorothy wrote of Easedale -  'wherever we turn there is nothing more beautiful than we see from our windows, while the treasures of Easedale lie as it were at our door'. The Easedale Tarn walk must be 'The Most Popular' walk from Grasmere on account of its accessibility from the village and its appeal to old and young alike. Leaving Grasmere by the Easedale road the footbridge is crossed at the bend beyond 'Goody Bridge'. The going used to be wet here but recent 'pitching' of the path has seen much improvement. All is on the level with Sourmilk Gill ahead but there is much rough ground for the unwary. Climbing starts in earnest alongside the gill, but the waterfalls add an extra distraction. Beyond the falls is another rough track before the tarn is reached. The return path can be seen on the opposite side of the gill. If wanting to shorten the walk (missing out the tarn) you cut across the gill above the falls to gain this return path. After appreciation of the scene, cross the outfall and follow the return path which slants away towards 'Far Easedale' and the footbridge at Stythwaite Steps. The way back to Grasmere is part of the 'Coast to Coast' route, and is initially stony in places.Show more