Ambleside to Troutbeck and back via Wansfell
A discovery walk from Ambleside to Troutbeck along tracks and lanes through woods and fields.
In Troutbeck why not visit Townend?
Visit the atmospheric Townend farmhouse and return to Ambleside via a more challenging route over Wansfell Pike. From Wansfell you will get great views over the surrounding fells.
Map
Start:
Market cross, central Ambleside, grid ref: NY376044
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)'.
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.
Jenkins Crag viewpoint
We have been clearing trees to open up the fantastic viewpoint at Jenkins Crag.
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.
4
Follow the gravelled track that is Robin Lane, past the pillar, to Troutbeck Post Office.
Troutbeck Post Office
The Post Office is a Victorian building and was built as the Village Institute. It once was home to a Reading, Assembly and Billiards Room. The post office and village shop are still very much the centre of Troutbeck, and provide invaluable services to the local community.
5
From the post office you can visit Townend. Turn right and follow the road. Townend is on the right, at the road junction.
Townend
The Browne family lived at Townend for more than 400 years. The were a well-to-do farming family, and their house tells the stories of their social climbing, love of traditions and education.
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.
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.
Wansfell Pike
From the top of Wansfell you have great views over Windermere, Ambleside and the Kirkstone Pass.
8
Turn left on the road. Take the road marked 'Styrigg' on the left, and follow the footpath back to the centre of Ambleside.
Detour: Stock Ghyll Force
Just before you reach Styrigg road, there is an entrance on the right to Stock Ghyll Force. This magnificent waterfall is worth a visit. A great place if you've brought a flask and a snack.
End:
Market cross, central Ambleside, grid ref: NY376044
