Mountain Journeys

Popular Walks

wild walk in the lake district

Here are some of our more popular Lake District Walks:

Full Day Walks

Three Shires Stone - Cold Pike & Crinkle Crags

Moderate

Full Day: Allow around 5-7 hours


Terrain: Often we will be off-path during this walk, venturing into remote areas where few people visit.


Summary: This walk will suit those wanting a 'get away from it all' but without too much effort! From the summit of Wrynose Pass we can view the historic '3 Shires Stone' before making our way toward the rocky summit of Cold Pike via pretty Lakeland tarns. A short detour then takes us onto Great Knott for stunning views into the Langdale valley and over to Bowfell. Our return route follows a well maintained footpath.

Mountain Journey

Mountain Journey

Langdale Pikes - Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle Loft Crag, Thorn Crag & Pike o' Stickle

Moderate

Full Day:  Allow 5-6 hours


Terrain:  We follow good paths throughout, there are some steep ascents & descents. 


Summary: Langdale is a tranquil valley of outstanding beauty. Our route takes in all

that is great about Langdale and is sure to impress at every turn. The 'Pikes form probably the most viewed skyline in Lakeland, being visible from as far away as the M6 motorway! We visit the lovely Stickle tarn and from here the full drama of Pavey Ark is presented. Up into the high mountains we go, ticking off a total of 5 summits in all, but don't let that put you off, this is an extremely enjoyable day out and achievable by active people of all ages.We can finish with a visit to the ODG (Old Dungeon Ghyll) pub for refreshments under the mountains. You’ll just love it.


Troutbeck Skyline

Moderate

Full Day: Allow 6-8 hours


Terrain: Bridleways, well made high mountain paths, descent is steep in places, surfaced lane through the valley.


Summary: Looking from the hamlet of Troutbeck, this walk follows the skyline ridge as it wanders into the distance. The old Garburn road allows us a steady ascent towards these fells and from the pass we are able to leave the bridleway behind and take to the broad, undulating ridge as it meanders over Yoke, Ill Bell, and Froswick before arriving at the unmistakable Thornthwaite Beacon. During this skiyline walk we are afforded views

into both the Troutbeck and Kentmere valleys for a double bill of visual pleasure. Our descent follows the Roman road of High Street back to the shelter of Troutbeck. An ale in the Mortal Man makes a fitting end to this fine day out.

troutbeck skyline

Fairfield Horseshoe

Fairfield Horseshoe

Moderate

Full Day: Allow 6 - 8 hours


Terrain: Good mountain paths with some steep ascents and descents.


Summary: This is the classic horseshoe walk from Ambleside, with so much to recommend it, not least the 7 summits we tick en-route. At times there is a lovely sense of remoteness to this route, and almost always it is easy to break away from the path and enjoy complete

solitude and beautiful views. The summit of Fairfield is navigationally challenging so having a local guide helps to ensure you stay on the right path the whole time. Our descent begins gently and provides wonderful views to Windermere and Grasmere before a final steepening by Nab Scar to Rydal and an easy stroll back to Ambleside. 


Scafell Pike

Strenuous

Full Day: Allow 5-8 hours


Terrain: Good paths, which are at times steep, a fairly flat but huge rocky summit.


Summary: The highest peak in England, a great place to survey the Lakeland scenery. Whichever route we chose to ascend: be it from Wasdale, Borrowdale, Eskdale, or Langdale, we will be rewarded by stunning landscapes, and upon arrival at the huge summit plateau, a sense of satisfaction will be gained by reaching the highest piece of land in England. The summit can be busy during the summer months, but due to its size, still manages to feels isolated and somehow detached from daily life.

Scafell Pike

Helvellyn

Helvellyn

Strenuous

Full Day: Allow 5-7 hours


Terrain: Good, well maintained paths throughout, an optional grade 1 scramble on Striding Edge for those wanting some extra adventure.


Summary: From whichever way we approach, this mountain commands respect. One of only four 3000ft peaks in England and long ascents from every direction. Don’t let that put you off though, we allow plenty of time, so you can enjoy each step of the way, as the scenery unfolds from lowland pasture to high mountain plateau. For those wanting the excitement of a rock scramble, we can cross Striding edge (a classic Lakeland scramble), for those wishing to simply enjoy the mountain without this added excitement, we can offer a number of alternative walking routes. Rest assured that a guide will be with you every step of the way.


Langdale - Esk Pike & Bowfell

Strenuous

Full Day: Allow 6-8 hours


Terrain: Good bridleways & paths, pathless ascent of Esk Pike, boulder strewn in places, good paths on return.


Summary: This route offers an introduction to the sport of scrambling (with the option to miss bits out at any time). From Langdale valley we ascend easily to Angle tarn, beyond this the scrambling begins. Short, easy rock steps allow confidence to build and before long we’re on the summit of Esk Pike. From here we stroll over to Bowfell before beginning our

descent via The Band. We can finish with a visit to the ODG (Old Dungeon Ghyll) pub for refreshments under the mountains. What a perfect end to a great mountain day.

Mountain Journey

Mountain Journey

Coniston Old Man & Wetherlam Round

Hard

Full Day: 5 - 7 hours


Terrain: Mixed.  Some easy paths over broad shoulders but also some steep ascents and descents. One steep rocky ascent (a few short rocky steps to scramble up). 


Summary:  This is a great day out in the southern Lake District fells with far reaching views in all directions, including Scafell Pike and Blackpool Tower in the south. The walks starts in the historic Coppermines Valley and ascends up quarry paths to the long broad ridge of Wetherlam where we follow small paths past pretty tarns to the summit cairn at 762m. From there the path descends a little before a steep, rocky ascent up the Prison Band to Swirl How (802m).  After a gentle descent,  the route ascends up a broad shoulder leading to Brim Fell  and from there along  to the main peak in this group of Coniston Old Man (803m).  We then have the option of taking the steep path down to Low Water or the longer route back via Goats Water below the dramatic crags of Dow Crag. For those wanting to lengthen the walk, and time allowing there is the possibility of taking in the summit of Dow Crag (778m), Buck Pike and Brown Pike before returning to the finish along the Walna Scar path.


Gentler Walks

Pike O'Blisco

Moderate

3 - 5 hours


Terrain: Good paths, rocky in places and with some steep sections.


Summary: Starting from the historic 3 counties boundary of the Three Shire Stone at the top of the Wrynose Pass. We meet a variety of landscape features along our chosen route, and given clear weather will be justly rewarded for the climb, with stunning views to the Langdale Pikes from this most commanding of vantage points. It’s easy to find peace & quiet on this mountain, come along and we’ll show you how, it's a real favourite of ours. The twin summit can confuse should it be at all misty, which is the highest? The view from either is jaw-droppingly gorgeous, standing proud as it does above the Langdale valley. Our return route includes a brief visit to Red Tarn. We are sure to let you know where the name originates from whilst we're there, although you may well guess it anyway. 

Mountain Journey

Troutbeck Valley

Troutbeck Valley - Old Packhorse Bridge & Troutbeck Tongue

Moderate

3 - 5 hours


Terrain: Surfaced lanes and bridleways.


Summary: Arguably the prettiest of Lakeland valleys, this is a route to be savoured. Troutbeck is positively pastoral in scenery, think of Beethovens 6th symphony and imagine the scene. Rolling hills, babbling brooks, birdsong and sheep filled meadows complete this magical scene. Our route involves walking on mostly level terrain with only a few short inclines. Tracks are generally very good. This walk is another winner when the high mountains are shrouded in mist, for the valleys are rarely without beautiful views. Troutbeck is the valley we first lived in when we arrived in the Lakes, and we still miss the tranquility and beauty it offers even though we now only live on the other side of Wansfell.


Wansfell Pike

Moderate

3 - 5 hours


Terrain: Good paths and bridleways throughout.


Summary: For those staying in Troutbeck or Ambleside this gorgeous hill should be top of your list. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. But don’t take my word for it, experience Wansfell Pike for yourself. We follow good footpaths, but occasionally add to the sense of adventure by straying ‘off path’ to escape the crowds, thus enjoying the tranquility of the mountain and affording ourselves the finest of views. Summit views include: Red Screes; Fairfield; and part of the Kentmere horseshoe to name just a few. Our low-level return route options are equally rewarding and indulge us regularly with views of splendour over Windermere. We recommend starting this walk in Troutbeck as the ascent is more gentle from that side. It's then possible to have Ambleside as a half way point and pop into a tea room for refreshments! Wherever we start from, this is a great day out.

Wansfell Pike

Mountain Journey

High Sweden Bridge

Easy

2 - 3 hours


Summary: From the bustling village of Ambleside we follow ancient bridleways leading

into the Scandale valley to meet this picturesque packhorse bridge. Views become increasingly dramatic as height is gained, and usually there are indeed views to be enjoyed on this route as it stays at a low-level throughout. High Sweden Bridge is a pleasant spot to rest awhile beside the babbling stream and soak up the atmosphere of the Scandale valley.

Our route initially climbs a little as we make our way back towards Low Sweden Bridge and onwards back to Ambleside. If looking for a short walk on good tracks in the Ambleside area, this route is hard to beat. A very regular walk for us.


Easedale Tarn

Easy

3 - 4 hours


Summary: From the delightful village of Grasmere, we head west alongside the lively waterfalls of Sourmilk Ghyll. This takes us into the glaciated landscape of Easedale tarn, where glacial moraines are evident all around. We continue along the shores of the tarn until meeting the Coast to Coast trail leading us back to Grasmere via a circular route. Grasmere Gingerbread is well worth stopping off for whilst in the village. This walk offers fine scenery amongst the lower fells of Lakeland, and whilst there is uphill walking it is never of a steep nature. 

easedale tarn

Mountain Journey

Dove Cottage & Rydal Mount

Easy

3 - 4 hours


Summary: Beginning near to the hamlet of Rydal – where William Wordsworth spent much of his life – we follow Loughrigg terrace as it gently ascends to reveal the splendour of Rydal water - good for wild swimming should you be so inclined! Upon arriving in Grasmere village why not take time for tea & cakes in one of the cafes before we take to the trail on our return route to Rydal. This is known as the 'Coffin route' for historical purposes. Both Dove Cottage & Rydal Mount are passed during this walk, and should you wish, there will be time for visits into either property. This walk is gentle in nature but still offers splendid views over the fells and in particular over Grasmere and Rydal Water, small but beautiful lakes. Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy this route. 


Ullswater & Boredale

Easy

3  to 4 hours


Summary:  For something just a little bit different, this route ventures into the tranquil reaches of Boredale. From Patterdale Post Office, we follow a well-trodden path for the ascent to Boredale Hause, the meeting place of many paths and the sight of an ancient chapel. Already the views open up and show all the drama of the high mountain tops.

We descend the head of Boredale, entering its shadowy depths, Hallin Fell beckoning us onwards. Our return route follows an undulating path close to the lapping waters of Ullswater. There are many places to stop and enjoy the delightful views over Ullswater, Silver Bay being especially beautiful. Refreshments are usually available at the Lowther Barn teashop about half way round the walk and the hamlet of Patterdale, where we begin the walk, offers both shop and pub. A walk for those wishing to gain some reasonable uphill without it being too strenuous or long, whilst still feeling likea grand day amongst the mountains was had.  

Mountain Journey

beda felll

Ullswater & Boredale

Moderate

4  - 6 hours

A great variation to this walk to make it a longer day is to stay high and walk over the  beautfiul, quiet, grassy ridge of Beda Fell from Boredale Hause instead of walking along the valley of Boredale which we can see below.  We continue the walk as above along the lakeshore path of Ullswater.


Little Langdale & Slate Quarries

Easy

Half Day


Summary:  From Skelwith we follow the river Brathay to Elterwater and on through Sawrey’s wood to Little Langdale. Crossing Slater’s bridge we go in search of old slate caverns. Cathedral & Hodge Close quarries are both impressive pieces of history in the form of old slate workings. Loads of fun for kids too. Once finished exploring the caverns & tunnels, we make our way back to Skelwith  via ancient woodlands. The 3 Shires Inn, Little Langdale is nicely positioned midway through this route and provides a fine refreshment stop. This walk is perfect for those in search of fantastic scenery but not so keen on lots of effort in the walking department.

little langdale

Walks with a Difference


Mountain Journey

Sunrise & Sunset

So you’ve been up Helvellyn by day, traversed the Fairfield Horseshoe too, maybe even summited the mighty Scafell Pike. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk to these summits in time for sunrise? Or arrive in time for sunset and marvel at the amazing Lakeland scenery on a cool clear summer night. As landscape photographers know well, first & last light are by far the best times to capture the finest images of the mountains. We can arrange this for you for any of the Lakeland mountains, be it Loughrigg or Scafell Pike. Not only is this a thrilling experience, it can also offer the most spectacular of views imaginable.


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