Wansfell and the Pike to Troutbeck
1800 feet
Time 4 hours
Distance 6 miles
Grid ref: NY370039
From Riverside B&B step onto Under Loughrigg and take a left along the lane for about 400 metres.Cross over the footbridge which takes you into Rothay Park. Pass the church and follow the road along the lane where you will also see the school on your left .Carry on until you get to Compston Road. Cross the road and head along the small lane with Ghyll Cycles on your left. You will come to Lake Road with The Doi Intanon directly in front of you. There is a narrow lane alongside the Doi Intanon which you need to follow.
The lane then makes a sharp left hand turn into Stock Ghyll Lane and starts climbing uphill. After a few hundred feet it narrows and becomes a right of way only for walkers. Carry on until you cross a cattle grid and about 200 yards further on, on the right hand side there are some steps which lead onto a stile. There is a well-positioned bench on the other side of the path with great views of Ambleside and beyond.
Grid ref: NY394041
Go over the stile and follow the path which initially follows the stream before you cross over a wooden bridge for the start of the climb to the top of Wansfell. This is the hardest part of the walk (3/4 mile). Great spot to share some of Diney’s cake around!
The path continues over Wansfell and heads east towards the village of Troutbeck. It is an easy path to follow and you should not get lost. After descending nearly 500 feet it reaches an enclosed track-way called Nanny Lane.Turn right and follow the track down into the village of Troutbeck. When you reach the road turn left and head to the Mortal Man for a well earned drink or two. They have a good beer garden with some good views across the valley.
Put your boots back on and re-trace your steps down the road until you reach the old Post Office which is now a tea room which is about 1km from the pub. Stop here for some more refreshments and turn right into a path called Robin Lane signposted to Ambleside. Continue along this enclosed track for about ¾ mile; branch left through a kissing gate next to a six bar gate onto another bridleway which is clearly signposted to Ambleside. It leads to High Skelghyll Farm.
Go past the farm and through two further gates.A track takes you through woodland and past the viewpoint of Jenkins Crag..Take two right forks on the main track which then becomes surfaced when you have left the woods. Follow the track back into Ambleside.