Skip to content
An elevated view of Lake Windermere towards Wray Castle on the walk from Ambleside to Townend and Troutbeck, Cumbria.
Lake Windermere view on the Ambleside to Townend walk | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Lake District

Ambleside to Troutbeck walk

From Ambleside go on a circular discovery walk through country lanes, woods and fields. Take in the views of Lake Windermere, visit Troutbeck village and the atmospheric Townend farmhouse, before returning to Ambleside via a more challenging route over Wansfell Pike with great views over the surrounding fells.

Detour to a waterfall

On the return journey to Ambleside take a detour to the waterfall of Stock Ghyll Force. Perfect for a picnic stop.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

Market Cross, central Ambleside, grid ref: NY376044

Step 1

From the Market Cross in Ambleside, follow the A591 towards Windermere, out of the town along Lake Road and take the Old Lake Road on the left. After a big car park there is a small road to the left, signposted to 'Jenkins Crag, Skelghyll and Troutbeck (bridleway)'.

Step 2

Follow the signposts on this path through Skelghyll woods, past Jenkins Crag, where you can make a short detour to admire the view. Follow the path through the woods to High Skelghyll farm.

Step 3

Go across the farmyard at High Skelghyll, following the signposted footpath. At the crossing of paths at High Skelghyll, follow the public bridleway to Troutbeck. This path turns left just across the bridge, through a gate, and goes uphill. At the end of this path, cross the stile onto Robin Lane.

Step 4

Follow the gravelled track of Robin Lane, past the pillar, to Troutbeck Post Office.

Step 5

From the post office you can visit Townend. Turn right and follow the road. Townend is on the right, at the road junction.

The South front of Townend, a rare intact survival of the house of a family of yeoman farmers in Troutbeck, Cumbria
The South front of Townend, a rare intact survival of the house of a family of yeoman farmers in Troutbeck, Cumbria | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus

Step 6

For the return leg of the walk, return to the post office, and continue on the road into Troutbeck village. Between two houses, near the Mortal Man Inn, is a footpath on the left, up Nanny Lane to Wansfell. The names of the roads and the pubs have a story to tell in themselves.

Step 7

The gravelled track steadily climbs. Take the footpath to the left, and proceed uphill to reach the summit of Wansfell Pike, with superb views over Ambleside and the surrounding fells. From the summit take the steep path down to Ambleside, until you meet the road.

Step 8

Turn left on the road. Take the road marked 'Styrigg' on the left, and follow the footpath back to the centre of Ambleside.

End point

Market Cross, central Ambleside, grid ref: NY376044

Trail map

Map showing route from Ambleside to Townend and Troutbeck and back via Wansfell in the Lake District
Ambleside to Troutbeck trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Early morning view across a lake surrounded by trees, with pink-tinged mountain peaks in the distance
Trail
Trail

Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows walk 

Walk from the head of Coniston Water to Tarn Hows via this picturesque route passing through woodland, farmland and the Walled Garden at Monk Coniston Hall. Look out for wildlife along the way including red squirrels, otters and hares.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6) to miles: 5 (km: 8)
Tarn Hows & Coniston, Cumbria
Trail
Trail

Tarn Hows circular walk 

Take in stunning views of the Lake District fells as you follow this easy, accessible route around a tree-lined tarn, with a Tramper mobility scooter available to borrow.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
View from the ground up to the towering canopy of several tall fir trees, some with square labels on their trunks
Trail
Trail

Ambleside Champion Tree Trail 

Wander among some of England's tallest trees on this easy waymarked trail through Skelghyll Woods. With benches along the way, it's the perfect route for a picnic.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.8 (km: 1.28)

Get in touch

Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

A woman looking closely at woodcarvings at Townend
Article
Article

Things to do at Townend 

Townend is full of fascinating stories. Step back in time to the 17th century and learn more about the Browne family and their lives.

Bright blue skies over rolling green hills with a few darker green trees dotted across the landscape and scattered farm buildings nestling in the clefts of the hills.
Article
Article

Things to do in Troutbeck 

Troutbeck is an unusual collection of hamlets that make up a unique village in the Lake District. What will you discover?

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.