9 miles (14.5km) with 3200ft (975m) Total Ascent.
We start today's walk in Ambleside at the junction of the Kirkstone Road and the A591. 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 then on to our highest point of the day - Fairfield at (2864ft/873m) From the summit, we head south-west to Great Rigg and then descend to Grasmere village via Heron Pike and Alcock Tarn.
8 miles (13km) with 1800ft (550m) Ascent.
Starting from Grasmere village we take the Easedale road and follow Sourmilk Gill up to Easedale Tarn. We climb steeply up to Codale Tarn and continue climbing to the path from Langdale to Chapel Stile. The views are superb from here on a good day. We continue past Eagle Crag, Blea Rigg, Great Castle How descending to Swinescar Hause to Wray Gill and its waterfalls. This comes as an unexpectedly beautiful gorge which we follow down towards Grasmere.
8 miles (12.9km) with 1150ft (351m) Ascent.
Leaving the coach at Windermere station we climb 400ft/122m to the summit of Orrest Head. We now descend to Moorhowe Road and then take Dubb Road past Dubbs Reservoir. When we meet the Garburn Road we go south west to Troutbeck. Here we go via Robin Lane and Skelghyll Wood to Ambleside or, should the weather be near perfect, we could go over Wansfell Pike. This second route is a little shorter but has more climbing and will only be taken if everything is favourable.
5½ (8.9km) with 450ft (140m) Ascent.
Today's walk is a circumnavigation of the picturesque waters of Grasmere and Rydal. I shall be relating a bit of the local history of the area as we go and explaining the use of the famous patented Ambleside Underwater Lawn Mowers and the savage Herdwick breed of sheep!
Heading out of Grasmere in a south east direction we pass Dove Cottage (the home of Wordsworth during his most creative period) and follow a well defined path beneath Nab Scar as we head for the tiny hamlet of Rydal. Over the main road we cross the River Rothay by way of Pelter Bridge (great for poo sticks!) and head for the south shore of Rydal Water. Leaving Rydal behind and picking up a little height we cross Loughrigg Terrace where fine views of Grasmere Water can be had. If weather conditions are poor we will take a lower path.
We stay close to the waters edge for some distance before leaving the wet stuff behind as we pick up a minor road to take us back to Grasmere in time for a brew and a bit of sight seeing before the coach ride and a snooze on the way home.