Ambleside, Wansfell and the Pike to Troutbeck

Jim Grindle

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This is a popular walk from Ambleside despite the steep climb, more than most casual walkers are used to. The rewards are the stupendous views from the summit and charming glimpses of Windermere on the return leg by Jenkins Crag. If you allow enough time, you will be able to stop off at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck. Most walkers are content with Wansfell Pike, but I have extended the walk to include the slightly higher Wansfell - it seemed a shame to waste that climb by dropping down as soon as the high point was reached. I also prefer not to use the right of way which doubles back from Waymark 6 to the ladder-stile at Waymark 7, as it is rather marshy.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Mountains, Museum, National Trust, Nature Trail, Play Area, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland

6/4/2014 - Robert Hughes

This is an excellent walk with outstanding views in all directions. The sudden appearance of Windermere from the Wansfell Pike is wonderful. The section between WM4 and WM5 is consistently steep with no shallower sections for respite. It does therefore achieve the height quickly. Please note that the 1st sentence of notes to WM5 is probably better placed at the end of WM4 and the step stile is no more. The picture for WM5 I think is actually the step-stile half way between WM5 and WM6. Finally just after WM6 there are paths on both sides of the wall and the sign encourages you to stay on the south side of the wall, which indeed was the better path - bringing you to a ladder stile at WM7. The final section from Troutbeck brings another set of fine views.

3/27/2011 - SUE MALLOWS

We used these guidelines to walk from The Mortal Man to Ambleside and then returned by the same route. It was an excellent walk, the instructions were clear and the views rewarding (even at the lower level that we were walking at). There were no problems for dogs on the route we followed; additionally many places in this area are dog friendly both for eating/drinking and shopping. Well worth a short detour to Town End (NT) if it it's open and can highly recommend the Mortal Man (referred to in the instructions).