Lake District

Townend and Troutbeck Valley walk

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. — Troutbeck Valley in the Lake District | © National Trust/Paul Harris

Explore classic Lake District scenery, farmland and architecture on this circular walk from Brockhole, near Lake Windermere, up into the Troutbeck Valley to the 17th-century farmhouse, Townend. On the way you will be rewarded with views of the surrounding fells and Lake Windermere, as well as spotting wildlife and unique local architecture along the way.

Near to

Townend

Start point

Brockhole visitor centre, grid ref NY390010

Trail information

View route

Print trail

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

Duration2 hours 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Paths can be uneven and muddy after wet weather. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Mostly level walking surface suitable for all abilities. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
***Dogs are welcome on this route. Please keep them on a lead near livestock. For further details, please see Facilities section.

Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Brockhole visitor centre, grid ref NY390010
Stage 1
Leave Brockhole, turn right and walk along the footpath beside the A591 until you see a bridleway on the opposite side of the road. Here you can see old St Andrews Chapel (now used as offices).
Stage 2
Cross the road carefully and follow the track, Wain Lane, up towards Middlerigg Tarn.
Stage 3
Follow the track past the tarn and continue along it as it veers to the left. You can see the route of the aqueduct along Wain Lane. Look out for single iron gates supported by sandstone pillars, which were used for access.
Stage 4
When the track meets a road, turn right. This will take you into Troutbeck village. You'll see Townend House to the left of the next T-junction along the road.
Townend House
For over 400 years Townend was home to just one family, the Brownes. They were well-to-do farmers (also called yeomen) and passed their estate down through 12 generations until 1943 when the line died out. The money they made farming a large swathe of the Troutbeck Valley enabled them to extend and improve the house. There is a lot of fine oak furniture here, much of which was carved by the last George Browne. He retired in his 40s to make more of his talent as a wood carver.
Visitors walking towards the house at Townend | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Stage 5
Continue along the village road past the barns and houses and up towards the post office. Turn left here.
Stage 6
Follow Robin Lane, which will be joined by a bridleway on the left. Continue for 328yds (300m) and then turn left opposite a pillar on the right. This is an excellent spot for a view of Windermere, England's largest lake.
Stage 7
On entering the lane, turn first left over a stile and follow the track down to a road. Cross over to Mirk Lane which is directly opposite.
Stage 8
Walk along Mirk Lane back down towards the A591. Carefully cross the road again to return to Brockhole.
End point
Brockhole visitor centre, grid ref NY390010
Trail map
Townend and Troutbeck walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
You made it
Share your experience

An elevated view of Lake Windermere towards Wray Castle on the walk from Ambleside to Townend and Troutbeck, Cumbria.

Trail

Ambleside to Troutbeck walk

From Ambleside go on a circular discovery walk through country lanes, woods and fields. Along the way enjoy views of Lake Windermere, visit Troutbeck village and Townend farmhouse, and climb up to Wansfell Pike for great views of the fells.