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.