Ambleside stands at the northern end of Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
The town offers direct access to a wide variety of walking routes.
These paths range from easy lakeside and woodland circuits to moderate ascents that reach open summits with impressive panoramas.
This guide features nine excellent walks starting from or near Ambleside.
The routes cover different distances and levels of challenge to match various abilities and available time.
Full details are listed with each embedded route below.
Related: Unusual Things To Do in Ambleside
Rydal Water and Cave Circular
This gentle route follows the shoreline of Rydal Water and leads into the large, atmospheric cave formed from old slate workings.
Walkers enjoy calm waterside paths and the chance to stand inside the impressive rock chamber with open views back over the lake.
Flat paths and minimal climbing make it suitable for most visitors.
- Distance: 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
- Estimated time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 197 m (646 ft)
- Route type: Circular loop
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Stock Ghyll Force Waterfall Walk
A short and accessible route from Waterhead takes walkers through parkland and woodland to the attractive Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
The path offers a peaceful mix of riverside sections and forest scenery with minimal climbing.
The sound of falling water adds a pleasant touch throughout.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Estimated time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
- Route type: Circular loop
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Loughrigg Fell Circuit
This popular moderate walk climbs to the summit of Loughrigg Fell.
The reward is a wide panorama that takes in several lakes and the main central fells of the Lake District.
Clear tracks keep the route straightforward while still delivering strong views.
- Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles)
- Estimated time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 415 m (1,361 ft)
- Route type: Circular
Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Cave circular
The route combines the summit of Loughrigg Fell with a detour to the striking Rydal Cave.
This version adds extra interest through the contrast between open summit views and the enclosed quarry space.
The mix of terrain keeps the walk engaging from start to finish.
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Estimated time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 460 m (1,500 ft)
- Route type: Circular loop
Cathedral Quarries
Following the River Brathay to Elterwater village, the trail then enters the dramatic Cathedral Quarries with huge cave-like chambers.
The towering rock walls and open interior spaces create a memorable highlight on this varied circuit.
Riverside paths and village scenery add further variety.
- Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles)
- Estimated time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 440 m (1,440 ft)
- Route type: Circular loop
Skelghyll Woods – Wansfell Pike summit loop from Waterhead
The path rises through attractive Skelghyll Woods before reaching the top of Wansfell Pike.
From the summit, clear views extend the full length of Windermere and across the surrounding fells.
The descent passes through fields and woodland for a balanced experience.
- Distance: 8.9 km (5.5 miles)
- Estimated time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 457 m (1,500 ft)
- Route type: Circular loop
Ambleside to Windermere
This longer point-to-point route heads south from Ambleside on higher ground toward Windermere.
It maintains good elevation throughout and delivers consistent views across the lake.
Transport options back make the one-way journey practical.
- Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 miles)
- Estimated time: 4 to 4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Elevation gain: 571 m (1,873 ft)
- Route type: Point-to-point
Ambleside and Troutbeck circular
The walk crosses over Wansfell Pike, then drops into the traditional village of Troutbeck before returning.
The route mixes open fell country with peaceful lanes and fields on the return section.
Strong views from the high ground contrast nicely with the lower countryside.
- Distance: 12.4 km (7.7 miles)
- Estimated time: 4.5 to 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 586 m (1,922 ft)
- Route type: Circular loop
High Sweden Bridge – Scandale Fell loop from Ambleside
Starting from Ambleside, this route passes the old stone High Sweden Bridge and follows the Scandale valley up to higher ground.
The longer distance and greater ascent lead to open ridges with extensive mountain scenery.
Quieter paths keep the experience away from busier trails.
- Distance: 13.7 km (8.5 miles)
- Estimated time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 724 m (2,375 ft)
- Route type: Circular loop
Where to Stay in Ambleside
Our self-catering cottages in Ambleside provide the perfect base for days spent walking the fells.
They stand within easy reach of the routes listed here, so boots can go on straight from the door.
Each cottage includes a full kitchen for hearty meals after a long day, comfortable lounges and space to air walking gear.
Many come with private parking and gardens for quiet evenings spent studying maps and planning the next outing.
The cottages give the freedom to set your own pace and return to a home of your own at the end of each walk.
Walking With Dogs in The Lake District
Many routes from Ambleside are suitable for dogs on leads.
Lakeside paths and woodland trails give dogs space to walk comfortably where allowed.
Several circuits include streams and open areas that add extra enjoyment for four-legged companions.
- Keep dogs under close control near livestock and roads
- Carry waste bags and clean up after your dog
- Bring fresh water and a portable bowl
- Watch for ticks after walks through long grass
- Choose gentler routes for very young or older dogs
Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Hiking in The Lakes
Conditions in the Lake District can change quickly.
Good preparation supports safer and more comfortable walks on every route.
- Check the weather forecast and fell conditions before starting
- Wear strong walking boots with good grip and ankle support
- Pack waterproof layers and extra warm clothing
- Carry a map or GPS app plus a fully charged phone
- Inform someone of your planned route and expected return time
- Take enough water, snacks and a basic first aid kit
- Follow the Countryside Code and leave no trace
Why The Lake District is So Popular for Walkers
The Lake District attracts walkers from across Britain because it offers a greater variety in a smaller area than almost anywhere else in Britain.
In a single day, you can go from gentle lakeside tracks to airy ridge walks with views that go on forever.
The scenery does the heavy lifting.
Fells shoot straight up from the water’s edge, valleys tuck away sheltered paths, and every lake has its own distinct shoreline and mood.
Getting started is simple. Routes often begin right from village edges, buses serve the main valleys, and the paths are clear and well kept by the National Park.
This makes the area friendly for newcomers and serious walkers alike.
History runs through the trails, too. Generations of shepherds, poets and climbers have left their mark, so each path carries a quiet sense of tradition.
The seasons keep things alive. Spring greens the slopes, summer stretches the daylight, autumn turns the bracken gold, and winter adds a crisp stillness to the tops.
The open space, the play of light on the lakes, the satisfaction of reaching a summit you have earned – these are the moments that stay with you.
Some Final Notes On Ambleside’s Best Walks
The paths around Ambleside suit every level and change with the seasons.
Check the weather forecast before setting out, wear suitable boots and carry a map or a reliable navigation app. Pack layers, water and a small first-aid kit.
Above all, allow time to absorb the views and the quiet of the fells. These routes bring walkers back to Ambleside time and again.
