“Hereabouts the surround of mountainous country is complete, the western arc being occupied by a tumultuous skyline and the eastern horizon formed of lofty smooth ranges”
A Wainwright
The Cross Lakeland Challenge is a wonderful 2 days walking over challenging terrain at times, starting on the eastern edge of the Lake District National Park in the secluded valley of Wasdale and traversing the National Park to the more famous Wasdale Valley in the west of the Lake District.
Along the way we will travel from the moorland in the east to the more rugged rocky terrain of the west taking in summits such as Harter Fell and Thornthwaite Crag on the first day and Sergeant Man and High Raise on Day two.
A great two day challenge based from Ambleside.
“The ridge is a fell-walkers' delight. A constantly changing scene, beautiful and dramatic views, fine situation and an interesting course throughout make this a walk to remember”
A Wainwright
This two day challenge event crosses the Lake District from east to west from Wasdale in the east to Wasdale in the west.
From Ambleside we will head out in the minibus to the Wasdale Valley, just off the A6 where we will head up onto the quieter Far Eastern Fells, taking in the summits of Great Yarlside and Harrop Pike before crossing to more familiar ground to many as we make a circuit above the Longsleddale Valley across Tarn Crag and Harter Fell onto the High Street Massif, crossing Mardale Ill Bell and Thornthwaite Crag, descending over Caudale Moor to the Kirkstone Pass and taking a track down to Ambleside.
Day two begins from Ambleside, following the well walked path above Rydal Water onto the Loughrigg Terrace path to climb to Silver How and follow the ridge up over Blea Rigg to Sergeant Man and High Raise.
From High Raise we will descend to Stake Pass and cross to Angle Tarn, taking the well worn path below Great End to descend to Sty Head Pass and Wasdale Head.
A wonderful two days walking, crossing almost the entire breadth of the Lake District, from one Wasdale Valley to the other!
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: The Bridge House, Ambleside
Postcode: LA22 9AN
Grid Reference: NY 376 046
Directions
The Bridge House is easily found in Ambleside Village, on the A591 Rydal Road, just north of the centre of the village towards the Rydal Road Car Park and the mini roundabout. The Bridge House will be found on the left of the road, opposite the SR Cunninghams / Jack Wolfskin shop.
The Bridge House, a small house built on a bridge over the beck is now a National Trust gift shop, we will meet outside the shop.
Bus Services
Ambleside is well served by buses, the main bus stop in Ambleside is 5 minutes walk away from the meet point.
- The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing through Windermere and Grasmere
- The 599 runs regularly through the summer months from Bowness, Windermere and Grasmere
- The 516 runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley
- The 505 runs between Coniston and Ambleside, via Hawkshead
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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A Top Weekend Review by Bruce
The Wasdale to Wasdale weekend was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. An excellent walk from East to West ably led by Paul. The walk is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of the Lake District combined with Paul's knowledge of the varying 'tops'. Many thanks for a great weekend. (Posted on 17/06/2024)
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Fabulous weekend Review by Mel
A truly great and memorable weekend walking. Stunning scenery, very lucky with such glorious weather, a very nice guide and group of people made the challenge such a special weekend.
Looking forward to the next time. Thank you. Mel. (Posted on 03/07/2018)
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Cross Lakeland challenge Review by Kirsty
Thank you for a fantastic 2 days walking-would also like to pass on thanks again to Tom-I had a wobble on a steep bit of scree and he was fantastic with me,getting me down safely.It was such a nice group of people and the weather of course was amazing-see you soon! (Posted on 02/07/2018)
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