Information
Walks From The Door or Very Nearby
The weather in the Lake District can be extremely changeable so The Lake District National Park issues a daily weather forecast, specific to the Lake District. Call 0844 846 2444 or log on to their weather website Weatherline.
Fairfield Horseshoe – This is a classic 11 mile circular mountain walk, taking in 7 Wainwright summits.
Langdale Pikes – A short drive up the Langdale Valley, these steep and dramatic fells are not the highest, but they are rich in sudden vertical vistas and dramatic views. Easy parking at the National Trust Stickle Barn car park for a circular walk, including up to seven Wainwright summits. Finish off at the Stickle Barn pub with outdoor seating, pizza oven and fire pit.
Pike O’Blisco, Crinkle Crags & Bowfell – A classic high ridge walk around the mountains at the head of Langdale. Start & finish from The Old Dungeon Ghyll pub / National Trust car park. Finish with hot soup outside the ODG Hikers Bar.
Wansfell Pike – A medium but fairly strenuous walk, straight up and down, or circular 6 mile walk via Troutbeck. The summit of Wansfell Pike is clearly visible from the B&B bedroom in the barn and the front door to the self catering accommodation.
Loughrigg Fell – The summit can be seen across the valley from the breakfast room in the B&B and forms part of a variable, circular 6 mile walk, returning via Rydal Hall tea shop or by bus from Grasmere.
Low Sweden Bridge – High Sweden Bridge – This is a relatively short circular walk of 3 miles, which will take you to the start of The Fairfield Horseshoe walk and the beginning of the wild, desolate Scandale valley.
Todd Crag – A lovely walk past the church, over the River Rothay and up to the summit of the hill you can see across the valley, directly opposite the barn on the other side of Ambleside. Truly stunning 360 degree views of the Langdale Pikes, Fairfield Horseshoe, the Coniston fells, Ambleside and down the lake to Windermere and Bowness.
We are experienced fell walkers and have been walking the higher summits in all four seasons for many years. There are lots of other possibilities and we have a large collection of maps, laminated walking routes and walking guide books for you to consult. We love to suggest destinations and help you decide where to walk, so please do let us know what you have in mind at any time. Equally, we love introducing newcomers to The Lake District National Park with suggested driving tours and less strenuous circular walks. In our opinion, The Lake District National Park is one of the very best places to be in the whole of the UK!
Mountain Biking From The Door
Ambleside – Loughrigg Terrace – Elterwater – Little Langdale – Black Fell – Skelwith Bridge – Loughrigg Fell
This is a circular 17 mile ride, with an optional extension to 21 miles, and is considered to be the best trip in the area!
The Loughrigg Circuit
A shorter 8 mile version of the above.
Claife Heights
There are two circular routes, of which the longer 16 mile one starts in Ambleside and heads south to the area above the western shores of Lake Windermere.
Ambleside to Troutbeck
A circular, hilly, 10.5 mile route, which can be shortened on reaching the public road in the village of Troutbeck.
Kentmere
Not exactly from the door, but from Windermere railway station, this is a tough but rewarding circular 16 mile route over little frequented Garburn Pass to the village of Kentmere.
Adventure Sports
Ghyll Scrambling, Abseiling & Rock Climbing – Taster sessions can be arranged by Crags Adventures who are a small, local adventure sport company. These sessions are tailor made for each participant and all specialist equipment is supplied. All you need is an adventurous spirit!
Wild Swims & Open Water Swimming – Guided half day and taster sessions can be arranged by Head to the Hills on Compston Road in Ambleside. Wet suits are provided. This is an increasingly popular activity here in The Lakes.
Guided Fell Walking & Driving Tours
Accompanied fell walks can be arranged, subject to weather and abilities, as well as a wide variety of tailored half day and whole day driving tours to all parts of the National Park. Please ask for details once you are here.
Nearby Buildings of Interest, Film & Live Music
National Trust Properties – there are many National Trust and other historic properties within easy striking distance, amongst them Townend in Troutbeck, Wray Castle on the opposite shore of Windermere & Stagshaw Gardens just south of Ambleside. Rydal Mount, Allan Bank and Dove Cottage, all associated with William Wordsworth, are nearby whilst John Ruskin’s home at Brentwood and Beatrix Potter’s homes in Near Sawrey are all within easy driving distance. The National Trust’s own steam yacht ‘Gondola’ plys Coniston Water on almost a daily basis whilst the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is an exciting drive over Wryness Pass and Hardknott Pass.
Cinema – We are fortunate to have Zeffirellis/Fellinis 5 cinema screens here in Ambleside, showing the latest releases and selected arthouse films. As well as cinema screens, two contain extremely popular vegetarian restaurants, with live contemporary jazz and world music events most Friday and Saturday evenings in the upstairs bar in Zeffirellis.
Quiz Nights – The Royal Oak, Church Street, Ambleside. Every Thursday night from 21.00hrs.
Music – The Hikers Bar is at The Old Dungeon Ghyll, a 300 year old pub at the head of the Langdale valley. Informal folk music sessions every Wednesday with a folk festival in May and September.
The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal – Each November the Kendal Mountain Festival hosts a long weekend of the latest adventure films, talks from the big names in adventure sports, climaxing in live music.
The Mortal Man, Troutbeck – Occasional live folk music and weekly spoken word night on Thursdays.
The Unicorn, North Road, Ambleside – Live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
The Royal Oak, Church Street, Ambleside – Live music every Sunday evening, plus quiz nights.
The Lily, Lake Road, Ambleside – Live music every Friday and Saturday evening, including open mike nights and comedy nights.
Wildlife
Buzzards frequently fly over How Head Barn during the day, although early evening is the best time to go in search of wildlife. We can show you the best places to see ospreys (spring & summer), peregrine falcons, kingfishers, roe deer, red deer, red squirrels, badgers and otters.