Six Walks to do from Ambleside
Ambleside is a popular place amongst hill walkers due to it’s close proximity to many popular hills. The area is ideal for a variety of hikes including lakeside strolls, waterfall hikes and big mountain days…
Ambleside to Stock Ghyll Force
Distance: 1.6km Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
A short but rewarding walk from Ambleside centre to Stock Ghyll Force is an ideal, family activity. The route leaves from Ambleside centre and follows signs named ‘Waterfalls’ , heading left behind the Salutation Hotel, taking you on a gentle stroll with a few steep sections through Stockghyll Woodland, up towards the waterfalls. Once at the top of the woodland path, there are two viewing platforms at either side of the waterfall. To make the work circular, head up to the footbridge straddling the falls and descend on the opposite side of the beck back to the town.
Loughrigg Fell via Rydal Cave
Distance: 5km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium
This walk is a rewarding day out exploring Rydal Cave and climbing to the summit of Loughrigg Fell for one of the best views over Grasmere. The route starts near Ambleside at White Moss car park, following a woodland trail up to a straightforward footpath leading to Rydal Caves Once you reach the caves, have a skip inside using the stepping-stone trail and enjoy views of Rydal Water. From the cave entrance, a path veers up above leading to a steep section of scree. Here, there is an accumulation of stones but don’t be fooled, this isn’t the top. It is a great spot to catch your breath and have a snack though. Onwards, the path reverts back to a noticeable trail meandering through the bracken, eventually ending at the summit trig. Some of the best views over Grasmere and the surrounding fells are gained heading down the stone stepped footpath ending at the shores of Grasmere and looping back to the car park.
Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge
Distance: 5.7km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium
This hike is a pleasant stroll from Ambleside, passing Loughrigg Tarn before reaching Skelwith Bridge. Starting from Ambleside, head west through Rothay Park before climbing to Miller Brow and Deer Hows. These little hills offer lovely views back down to Ambleside and over Windermere lake, before descending to Ivy Crag and heading to Loughrigg Tarn. This a peaceful, tranquil tarn surrounded by countryside and ideal for a lunch break, After the tarn, you head down to Neaum Crag before reaching Skelwith Bridge, where you can see the impressive Skelwith Force waterfall. The falls are located on the River Brathay and include a viewing point where you can see a close up of the roaring water.
Ambleside to Windermere
Distance: 10km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium
Hike from Ambleside to the largest lake in England, combining woodland trails, little hills and lakeside paths. Starting at Ambleside village, the route passes through Stockghyll Woods and waterfalls heading through farmland, eventually reaching Wansfell Pike. Follow the path over the hill down towards Troutbeck, picking up the path at Longmire Road heading towards Allen Knott. The path here continues south towards Orrest Head; another stunning viewpoint offering fantastic views over Windermere. Drop off Orrest Head to Windermere Station and head into town! Explore the shores of Windermere whilst you are here before heading back via a return hike or bus ride.
Rydal Hall
Distance: 5.7km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Another one of Ambleside’s easy yet rewarding hikes involves hiking to the hidden grotto in the grounds of Rydal Hall. A short walk from Ambleside following woodland footpaths beside the River Rothay brings you to the historic Rydal Hall. The grade II listed building stands on the outskirts of Rydal Village and is home to ‘The Grot’; a 17th century viewing station framing the little stream of water falling from Rydal Falls into the crystal clear plunge pool below.
Fairfield Horseshoe
Distance: 17.5km Time: 6 hours Difficulty: Challenging
For a challenging mountain day starting at Ambleside, why not tackle the Fairfield Horseshoe? The challenging route starts at Rydal Road car park and visits the summits of eight Wainwrights including Nab Scar, Low Pike, High Pike, Heron Pike, Hart Crag, Great Rigg, Fairfield and Dove Crag. You’re effort is rewarded throughout the day with breath-taking mountain views and glimpses of Windermere Lake. The route explores the high up mountains alongside the lower shores of Rydal Water and the stunning grounds of Rydal Hall.