H T Fell Walking Club: September 2014

353 October Walks from Ambleside

Our next walking will be on

Saturday 11th October

and will be from

Ambleside, Cumbria

the Jewel in Lakelands Crown

There will be three walks;

A Walk led by; Peter Hitchcock

B Walk led by; John Adamson

C Walk led by; Terry Simmons

Walk details will be added as they become available, but by Saturday 4th October

Ambleside, at the head of Windermere and the foot of the
Kirkstone Pass, lies in the very heart of the Lake District,
with easy access to Grasmere, Keswick, Windermere
and the Langdales. A vibrant, busy town, surrounded
by magnificent Lakeland fells, it is the ideal location for
a rural break. Although Ambleside has its roots in the
medieval woollen trade, it is predominantly a Victorian
town, built of dark grey slate.

Ambleside’s history reaches back at least as far as Roman
times. At nearby Waterhead the Romans built a stone fort on
a trade route through South Lakeland (now in Borrans Field).
Medieval Ambleside had a thriving woollen industry centred on
the fast flowing Stock Ghyll which powered the fulling mills
that pounded the newly woven cloth. When the town was
granted a market charter in 1650, the Market Place became the
commercial centre for agriculture and the wool trade. The 17th
and 18th centuries were a major period of rebuilding, initiated by
yeoman farmers and landowners made wealthy by the profits of
the woollen trade. Many houses date from this period, notably
at the pretty village of Troutbeck nearby. One particularly fine
example, Townend 1 , is owned by the National Trust (open
March–October).

The iconic Bridge House 2 is a tiny house over Stock Beck
in the centre of the town and one of the most photographed
buildings in the Lake District. Originally built as an apple store
by the Braithwaites of Ambleside Hall in 1723, the building is
now owned by the National Trust and is open daily from Easter
to October.

As a gateway to the spectacular Langdale Valley, Ambleside is
deservedly popular, both with leisure visitors wanting a relaxing
break and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenge. The town
offers easy access to a range of water sports, walks, climbs
and cycle routes, and has plenty of great pubs and cafés. It
also has a wonderful literary and artistic heritage, which can be
explored in the town’s galleries and museum.

Ambleside’s specialist retailers offer everything from outdoor
clothing to interior design. Other shops specialise in unique pieces
inspired by the landscape, including slate ornaments, watercolour
paintings and pottery – look out for the Made in Cumbria logo,

which shows you are supporting local craftspeople.

More information about Ambleside here;

We last visited Ambleside in September 2010

A Party Walk from Ambleside 2014

Walk Leader: Peter Hitchcock
Total Distance: 10 miles app
Total ascent/descent: 3180ft

A Route clockwise

Today, you can enjoy a 10-mile hike up and down beautiful Pikes and Fells, absorb fantastic and rewarding views but this walk is not for the faint-hearted! The route departs Ambleside from the North, passing en-route parts of the University of Cumbria in its glorious setting. Lots of good photo opportunities available on this stretch which is on good paths but with also some crag scrambling here and there.

A stern but steady climb above High Sweden Bridge then alongside Scandale Fell leads to both Low and High Pikes.

A little to the north of High Pike we turn eastwards to lunch by a prominent cairn offering spectacular views.

Descending next to Scandale Pass, we then face a second serious climb up to Red Screes but on firm pathway. The views from the top over the dramatic Kirkstone Pass make the effort very worthwhile

A steep scramble down to the Kirkstone Pass pub (sorry, no drinks) leaves just an hours pastoral walk at a good pace back to town. In all, 2 serious climbs up to about 2200ft and 1 sharp descent but, overall, a fantastic ’A’ group standard hike. Sticks are recommended.

Walking time at my pace is 5hrs which, with affording up to 1hr total rest stops, makes it a 6-hr trip. With this in mind, I should emphasise that volunteers must be able to maintain a positive pace throughout to ensure a timely return to the coach.

B Party Walk from Ambleside 2014

Walk Leader: John Adamson

Total Distance: 7.5 miles

Total Ascent/Descent: 1400ft

click on pictures to enlarge

“B” Level Moderate to Hard 7.5 mile walk

The walk starts from Ambleside and climbs up and over Loughrigg Fell. The return route is via Loughrigg Terrace, Rydal Cave and Under Loughrigg Road. There are some magnificent views of Windermere, Wetherlam, Langdale Pikes, Grasmere and Rydal Water Lakes, and the Fairfield Horseshoe - on a clear day. There are also some steep bits on the walk but we will take our time and they should not cause B Walkers a problem.

C Party Walk from Ambleside 2014

Walk Leader: Terry Simmons
Total Distance: ?
Total Ascent/descent: ?

This C Walk gives us wonderful views of Windermere, Loughrigg Tarn, Grasmere and Rydal Water.

After passing through the Rothay Park, we have an ascent to master, which if taken gradually, should not prove an obstacle. Walking along Loughrigg terrace is a delight to the eye and then an easy walk back to the town.