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.
Near to
TownendStart point
Market Cross, central Ambleside, grid ref: NY376044Trail information
*Some of the trail is on rocky and uneven ground, and can be muddy. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**The walk is not suitable for people with limited mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Suitable for dogs but keep on lead around livestock. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
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 stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Market Cross, central Ambleside, grid ref: NY376044
Stage 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)'.
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 4
Follow the gravelled track of Robin Lane, past the pillar, to Troutbeck Post Office.
Stage 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 | © National Trust Images/Matthew Antrobus Stage 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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
Ambleside to Troutbeck trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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