December
8:00 Start with 16:30 (4:30pm) Return
10 miles (16km) with 3280ft (1000m) Total Ascent.
From Ambleside we make for Low Sweden Bridge and commence the ascent of the ridge to High Pike (2152ft/656m). Upon reaching 2428ft/740 metres altitude we will contour to High Bakestones before descending to the head of the Scandale Pass.
From here, it's a long climb to the summit of Red Screes (2546ft/776m), our final summit of the day. A straight forward descent takes us to Snarker Pike before we join the Kirkstone Road for the short walk back into Ambleside and a well earned brew.
9 miles (14.5km) with 2400ft (731m) Ascent.
From Ambleside we start our walk up a quiet lane towards Seathwaite and on up Stockghyll Force waterfalls. We rejoin the road further up until we turn off to go past Roundhill Farm to join the Kirkstone Road. We have a short uphill walk here to reach field paths marking our ascent of Red Screes.
We follow field paths, via Snarker Pike and Raven Crag, all the way to the summit of Red Screes (2546ft/776m). From here our descent starts off easy and is fairly straightforward all the way to the Scandale Pass. Care needs to be taken on rocky areas if the ground is slippery. From the Scandale Pass our route starts to level out and, crossing numerous small streams, winds its way back to Ambleside. Along this path there is a photo opportunity at High Sweden Bridge.
8 miles (12.9km) with 800ft (244m) Ascent.
We start from Windermere with a fairly stiff climb up to Orrest Head where there are fine views of the lake and surrounding fells. We then go across country and through Limefitt Caravan Park to Troutbeck. We then climb gently up Robin Lane. a track with delightful views, passing Jenkin Crag on the way into Ambleside.
6¾ miles (10.9km) with 295ft (90m) Ascent.
Today’s walk is a circular, starting from the car park in Ambleside (toilets available).
We begin with a short road walk North, before we turn South East and make our way to the footbridge over the River Rothay. Keeping the river on our right we follow the road to Pelter Bridge. If the weather allows, we hope to take the lower path along the edge of Rydal Water, to the Weir below Loughrigg Terrace. We then cross the footbridge and continue to the Banner Rigg car park, (on the recce the toilets at the car park were closed). We next cross the A591, and begin to slowly climb (229’) North West until we reach the path to Rydal. Turning East and if the weather is good, we will have a lovely the view of Rydal Water and Loughrigg Fell to our right, before reaching Rydal Hall and continuing down through Rydal Park. Finally we follow the road back into Ambleside where there should be time for a refreshments and/or Christmas shopping. This is a moderately easy walk with good paths. Alison and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.