9 miles (14.5km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.
We start today’s walk in Ambleside at the junction of the A591 and Kirkstone Road.
After making our way to Low Sweden Bridge we begin the gradual climb to Low Pike. The ridge continues to rise as we proceed to High Pike and then Dove Crag (2598ft / 792m). From here we have a short descent before climbing again to Hart Crag (2697ft / 822m) and on to our highest point of the day – Fairfield (2864ft / 873m). From the summit we head south west to Great Rigg and then descend to Grasmere village via Stone Arthur.
9 miles (14.5km) with 2000ft (610m) Total Ascent.
After recceing the High Pike walk I originally proposed, I concluded that there might not be enough time to complete it in daylight at this time of year, especially if conditions are not favourable: e.g. a stream to be crossed in Scandale may be swollen and the diversion could be long. To be on the safe side, therefore, I have changed the walk. Apologies to those who read it on the web site; I will lead it sometime when we visit the area at a different time of year.
For this walk we are still head north out of Ambleside, cross Low Sweden Bridge and climb Sweden Crag (1148ft/ 350m). From there we continue upwards to Low Pike (1667ft/508m). We follow a different path down from there and proceed to High Sweden Bridge and back through Ambleside. We then climb onto Loughrigg Fell and drop down to Loughrigg Tarn before rising again to Loughrigg Terrace. We pass through White Moss Wood and turn west to end the walk in Grasmere.
This route combines features of two well known, but very different, walks of the Grasmere/Ambleside area. I hope those B+ walkers who were looking forward to the original High Pike walk will not be too disappointed.
8 miles (12.9km) with 1150ft (351m) Total Ascent.
Leaving the coach near Windermere Station we climb 400 ft / 122m to the summit of Orrest Head. We now descend to Moorhowe Road and then take Dubbs Road past Dubbs Reservoir. When we meet the Garburn Road we go south west to Troutbeck. From Troutbeck we take Robin Lane to Skelghyll Wood and on into Ambleside.
5½ miles (9km) with 120ft (36.5m) Total Ascent.
We start today’s walk from the main car park in Ambleside. We leave here and head for Rothay Lane to follow the river to Pelter Bridge. Taking the path up to Steps End Woods we pass through to reach the shore of Rydal Water. From here we have a short climb before descending to Grasmere Lake. We continue along until we reach The Lea where we walk up to join the road. This leads us round the end of the lake and into Grasmere where the coaches will be waiting.