“Wansfell Pike excels in it's view of Windermere, the graceful curve of the lake showing to great advantage. Westwards, the scene is especially beautiful. Red Screes is a fine object in the north”
A Wainwright
The stunning views from the summit of Wansfell Pike make an ascent of both Wansfell and Wansfell Pike a worthwhile short days walking from Ambleside. A circuit of the fell above Ambleside will take in Stock Ghyll Force, both summits of Wansfell, Wansfell Pike probably being the best viewpoint over Windermere, and a descent through the woods to Jenkin Crag with spectacular views over Windermere to the Langdale Valley and high fells beyond
“Wansfell is to Ambleside what St. Pauls is to London”
Bill Birkett
From Ambleside we follow the lane to Stock Ghyll Force, a stunning series of waterfalls just above the town, from here we climb the well made path, steeply at times taking us directly to the summit of Wansfell Pike, The views from the summit cairn are breathtaking over Windermere.
From the summit of Wansfell Pike we follow the ridge north climbing to the summit of Wansfell (or Baystones), the highest point of the fell, with good views to the north west over the valley of Troutbeck.
We will descend east from Wansfell onto Nanny Lane, an ancient walled lane that will take us down to the village of Troutbeck and onto the Robin Lane track which leads us across the lower slopes back to Ambleside via High Skelghyll and Jenkin Crag, a wonderful viewpoint over the northern shores of Windermere and beyond to the Langdale Pikes, Coniston Old Man, Bowfell and the Crinkles.
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
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
For winter walks (November to March) events please also bring the following:
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
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Wansfell from Ambleside Review by Gary Swinney
A big thank you to Harry for guiding us on our maiden fell walk (Wansfell from Ambleside) on Sunday.
We absolutely both loved it. Harry was the perfect guide. Not only very, very knowledgeable but also his love for Lakeland shone through.
We were so inspired we even ventured to the top of Garbarrow Fell from Aira Force on Monday !
We will be back without a doubt.
Thanks again Harry.
Gary & Joanna Swinney (Posted on 02/05/2017)
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