Ambleside
It has been calculated of the millions of visitors who pour into the Lake District every year 90% of them do not venture more than 200 metres from their car. That is the nation we have become and the shame of it is that the beauties of the countryside are so accessible that they can be seen close up and personal and not just from a car window. The New Year is a time of resolutions and if you are one with a feeling that you need to exercise more then let us reassure you that there is no more enjoyable way than going for a walk. There are so many benefits that can be gained from walking that there is no space to describe them here. But to my mind there is no better reason than Anne Frank's who was murdered in Bergen-Belsen 67 years ago. She wrote; “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and God wishes to see people happy amidst the simple beauty of nature.”
On this website www.lancashirewalks.com we describe in detail and with the aid of photographs over 60 walks in the countryside. Check it out, put on those boots and start walking today. Since this is the New Year we have posted this walk from the popular honeypot of Ambleside. It has the lot – woods, a fell of modest height and a spectacular waterfall.
Start: Ambleside close to the Tourist information Centre.
Start: Ambleside close to the Tourist information Centre.
Fact file: Distance: 10 k 6miles
Time: 2 ½ - 3 ½ hours
Summary: Though never too far from civilisation the ascent of Wansfell makes this a serious walk. At this time of year be prepared for poor weather.
Map: OS OL 7 The English Lakes South-Eastern Area
Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette
Directions: From the centre follow Lake Road (A591) towards Windermere. After 300 metres fork left onto Old Lake Road which soon follows a parallel course with the busy main street. In 500 metres as the lane swings right to rejoin Lake Road bear left uphill onto Skelghyll Lane.
Soon you pass signs for Jenkins Crag and Skelghyll Woods.
Soon lovely views open out over Windermere. After passing impressive properties to the left the lane becomes a rough track and quickly enters Skelghyll Woods.
Follow signs for Jenkins Crag . The bridleway climbs steeply to this lovely viewpoint.
Take time out to recover your breath and enjoy the scene.
Continuing along the track the way enters open pastureland through a gate
and then drops to High Skelghyll Farm.
Pass through the farm on a metalled track that drops to Hol beck.
Over this turn immediately left through a pair of wooden gates onto a rough path.
Traversing attractive open pasture the path reaches a wooden gate not long after passing a ruined building.
This is the start of Robin Lane which will lead you to Troutbeck.
Keep on the main track until you arrive on the edge of the village.
Troutbeck has been voted the most attractive village in the galaxy on several occasions so do not resist the temptation to have a look around. The route takes you pass the post office and then three wells - St John's, St James' and St Margaret's.
A little beyond this last turn left onto a footpath indicating Wansfell Pike.
The way now is pronouncedly up on a rough track called Nanny Lane.
The track climbs steeply and then as it levels out a kilometre from Troutbeck take a footpath on the left helpfully signed leading to Ambleside.
Now on the open fellside
the path leads up to Wansfell Pike a fine summit on the end of a rolling ridge.
There is nothing better than to start the New Year on a high and even though this hill isn't very high by Lakeland standards it will give you a magnificent panorama.
The way down is obvious.
The path drops steeply down towards Ambleside.
Immediately below the top care needs to be taken and a little scrambling may have to be done to add to the excitement. When you reach the lane turn left.
A short way down turn right into the woods of Stockghyll Force which in winter will be in full spate and seen at its best.
All paths downhill lead to Ambleside.