Ambleside Common Wood walk
This short walk takes you through Common Wood, a tranquil place overlooking Windermere where a variety of wildlife can be spotted. A view over the lake will be your reward as you descend to the town for a well-earned tea and cake.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Windermere railway station, grid ref: SD414986
Step 1
Walk out of the car park at Windermere railway station. On your left you will see the Tourist Information Centre. To your right (and on the opposite side of the road) is the Windermere Hotel. You need to cross over to that side of the road.
Step 2
Immediately to the right of the Windermere Hotel is a walled field. Walk along to the end of this field, where you will see a large gate and a permitted footpath sign labelled Common Wood and Orrest Head. Pass through this gate and walk up the dirt and stone path.
Step 3
Keep the dry stone wall to your left, and pass through another gate. After a short but steep climb you will be able to see Common Wood ahead of you.
Step 4
The entrance to the wood is marked by a gate with a green circular permitted path sign on it. Pass through this and through an 'archway' made from holly trees.
Step 5
Continue straight along this path, until you get to a stone wall and another permitted footpath sign. At this point turn right, towards Common Lane.
Step 6
Shortly after this you will have to descend through a gap in another stone wall. Further down the hill you will start to see piles of branches to the sides of the path. These piles of branches are for creating wildlife habitats.
Step 7
Cross over two wooden bridges as you follow the path around. The path will lead you to a kissing gate. Don't go through the gate; instead, follow this trail route back 21 yards (20m) and up the hill to the right of the farm gate. Look closely, as the path is not very obvious at first glance.
Step 8
Continue up the hill keeping to the left when the path forks. Eventually you will come out on the path where you entered the wood. Turn left to exit.
Step 9
As you walk back towards Windermere, you will be rewarded with a view that overlooks most of the lake and the village itself. To your right you will see the hills of the Ambleside Horseshoe and Wansfell. Save those for another day and head down to Windermere for a well earned cup of tea and some homemade cake at one of the many cafés.
End point
Windermere railway station, grid ref: SD414986
Trail map
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