5 of The Best Walks in Ambleside, Windermere & Grasmere

Looking for somewhere to enjoy a two-foot adventure in Ambleside, Windermere & Grasmere?

We’ve compiled a handy list of five of the best walks in the area and have chosen walks to suit all abilities. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll to a challenging ascent, you’re sure to find it here.

Keep reading to find out more about five of the best walks in Ambleside, Windermere & Grasmere…

Loughrigg

This is a 7-mile curcuit walk and includes a low-lying section through the woods and farmland by the waterside. It also includes a steep (and rewarding) hill climb, leading you to some splendid views over Lake Windermere.

This walk starts from Ambleside (we recommend using Rydal Road car park), and from here take a left on to the a591 and then left again on to Stoney Lane. When you reach the River Rothay, turn right and follow a narrow public road for around 1.5 miles.

From here you will then join a footpath along the side of Rydal Water. Half way along this path it will pull away from Rydal and start the climb. You’ll follow the path through the woodland before it opens up, where there is a steep path to the summit of Loughrigg .

From the summit there are many paths down once you’ve taken some time to enjoy the views. The easiest is down the valley which passes a loose cairn along the way.

You will carry on down this path before reaching the narrow public road. From here cross the hump bridge and head back to the car park.

Tarn Hows

A 2 mile route and a favourite with our lovely locals. This short loop takes you around a small, low-level tarn surrounded by a mixed woodland.

Your walk begins approximately 5 miles from the village of Ambleside. This circuit style walk surrounding the tarn is one of the most popular short walks in the Lake District, and probably the most photographed too!

If you wish to do so, you can extend this short walk by heading to the far end of the tarn. Travel away from the tarn along the track signposted for ‘Arnside’. Follow this path until you reach the road, you’ll have to cross over and then take the footpath parallel to the road.

You’ll cross back over on your return, and once back over, follow the path signposted ‘Tarn Hows’ until you arrive back at the tarn.

Fairfield

This 9 mile walk reaches heights of 2650ft is a long hill climb over steep, rolling peaks, leading to a spectacular view. This walk starts from the village of Grasmere. After a short walk out of the village you will find a footpath signposted Greenhead Gill.

You will climb above the houses and then see a signpost for Stone Arthur, you will then reach the rocky peak of Stone Arthur, this will be your first opportunity to take in some spectacular views of the Lake District. (This is worth doing its self if you are looking for a shorter walk) You can then follow the crag up to Great Rigg here is another great place to get some beautiful pictures of the valley.

Then from Great Rigg head up to Fairfield which would be a great place to capture the stunning landscape. Then it’s time to head back, head down to Grisdale Hause which is down a steep scramble. You will also see Grisdale Tarn to your right.

You will then follow Tounge Gill down until you reach a footbridge. Follow the path down to the A591 you then have a 1.5 mile walk along to Grasmere.

Orrest Head

This 1.5 miles walk which is a circuit and reaches heights of 350ft this is a steep climb to a viewpoint overlooking Windermere and the beautiful Lake District countryside.

This walk starts from the tourist information centre at the top of Windermere. Cross the busy A591, and from here take the road to the left of Windermere Hotel, you’ll see a signpost for Orrest Head.

Once you see this signpost, you will then go onto the path through the woodlands. This path is slightly uphill, keep climbing and once you are out of the woodlands, the view over Windermere will appear for you to marvel at.

From here you can head back the same way which would make the walk 1.5 miles.

Tilberthwaite

This walk is 5 miles and is quite undulating. The circuit is on clear tracks and footpaths, passing across the hill and through fine woodland. There are a number of beautiful views of the Langdale Pikes and Hodge Close quarry.

This is a short drive from Ambleside. Once you have parked, make your way to Tilberthwaite Farm the track then splits make sure you go left. Follow this track over the high ground towards the old quarries.

You will then reach a few cottages where you have to continue forward to a 3-way junction. Then follow the path to Hodge Close.

Ready to lace up your walking boots and follow one of the 5 best walks in Ambleside, Windermere and Grasmere?

Check out these cottages in Ambleside, Windermere and Grasmere to find the perfect place to base your adventures!