MAR 2022 – 7 MILES – WANSFELL PIKE (AMBLESIDE, LAKE DISTRICT)

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I was in the area as it was Mother’s Day weekend for a get together with my family 🥲.

I could not resist doing a little hike whilst I was around before I headed back home, so here it is.

Total Distance: 7 Miles
Highest Point: 1585 Feet
Total Realistic Time: ~2.5 Hours

Ambleside is a town in Cumbria, in North West England. Historically in Westmorland, it marks the head (and sits on the east side of the northern headwater) of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambleside

Ambleside have many unique shops and food places. Lovely little village, it does get busy here particularly the weekends as it is a well known spot for a short break.

Decided to do a walk from Ambleside.  Met up with a good friend of mine and then we headed to Ambleside, we parked in the centre.

Rydal Road Car Park – there are also toilets available here
It is a pay and display car park, Information on car parking charges please click here

The route we ended up taking to Wansfell Pike. I was tracking our route as my friend had done this route before, but the other way around, so decided to see how this way would work out.

1. Started at Ambleside and headed towards Wansfell Pike first
2. From Wansfell Pike to Troutbeck
3. Troutbeck towards Skelghyll Wood via Robin Lane
4. Then back towards Ambleside from Skelghyll Wood

The hike started with a gradual incline on a little road towards a path to Wansfell Pike.

Some cobble path up to the top of Wansfell Pike

Then suddenly an up hill struggle to the highest point Wansfell Pike.  It was one of the first hikes this year for me and  I felt it at the beginning.  Although it was tough going at first, it is a good workout and you just take your time.  There is a stone / cobble path all the way up to Wansfell Pike. 

It felt like the hill was never going to stop 😮‍💨
We got there in the end but we did not have much of a view as it was very misty

We did not get much of a view at the top, we  also got constant drizzle throughout the walk.  It was refreshing though, as there was not much of a breeze.

Stopped for some lunch / snack at Wansfell Pike peak, also to take a big breather before carrying on.

From Wansfell Pike it was pretty much down hill from there, there are a few sections of small inclines but no way as tough as the start of the route.

Spot Barney – he sneaked into a few shots
There are different routes you can take back into Ambleside – we took this one via Robin Lane
Very green towards the end of the route

There is a good view point for Windermere lake just off the track – we managed to get a view as the mist was slowly lifting.  The area is also very green, the colours look amazing for the time of year.

Left from the track back to Ambleside this view point of Lake Windermere just as the mist was clearing

This path takes you all the way back to Ambleside, nice and smooth.

When we got back to Ambleside, we stopped off at Apple Pie Cafe for a well deserved coffee and cake.  Barney was also allowed in the restaurant area.

I enjoyed the walk, challenging at first but got through it.  I like a good challenge. It was good to meet and catch up whilst enjoying the outdoors.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

  • Apple iPhone 12 Pro (for taking photos/videos)
  • Comfy walking shoes (most important)
  • Waterproofs (to keep warm and dry)
  • Flask with Hot/Cold drink (a good cuppa is always welcome)
  • ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
  • Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)

 

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