“it offers a reward of excellent views”
A Wainwright
Although the obvious high level walk from Ambleside is the Fairfield Horseshoe an ascent of Red Screes makes a worthwhile alternative, with great views south over Windermere and across to The Coniston Fells beyond as well as the dramatic views north from the summit over Brothers Water to Ullswater and of the high fells on either side.
The long gentle southern shoulder of Red Screes, over Snarker Pike, makes an enjoyable climb with good views throughout.
From the summit of Red Screes the lower fells either side of Scandale Pass can also be covered before the long descent from Scandale Pass along the Scandale Valley by High Sweeden Bridge and back to Ambleside.
“Red Screes has more claims to distinction than any other high fell east of the Keswick - Windermere road”
A Wainwright
From Ambleside a short walk up the Kirkstone road will bring us to our path, climbing the long but gentle southern ridge of Red Screes, first by the summit of Snarker Pike to the dramatic summit of Red Screes.
With steep drops to the north and west of the summit the views from the summit of Red Screes are magnificent.
From Red Screes there is an option to descend north over Smallthwaite Band to the satellite top of Middle Dodd before descending west to Scandale Pass.
The summits of Little Hart Crag and High Hartsop Dodd are just a short detour from the pass for those collecting the summits, but the descent from Scandale Pass south to Scandale Bottom and following the track south by Scandale Beck to High Sweeden Bridge and back along the track to Ambleside.
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, AmblesidePostcode: LA22 9ANGrid 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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