This is an ideal route if your heart is set on ticking Wainwrights regardless of the weather. The paths are excellent and easy to find. With a summit below 1,500ft it is a great one to keep for the winter.
Start in Ambleside, where you will find samples facilities and Troutbeck is just after the descent. An ideal spot to stop for a warming bowl of soup or a drink by the fire-place. The route back to Ambleside is fairly flat and straightforward (Coffin Route)
Stats
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length | 7.5 mi – 12 km |
| Total elevation | 1,824 ft – 556m |
| Highest point | 1,500 ft – 457m |
| Walking time | 3h20 |
| Terrain | Footpaths, Bridleway and road |
| Equipment | Good shoes, it can get muddy in places. Layers as it can get windy on top. |
View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
Getting there
- Driving: Car Park in Ambleside
- Public transport:
From Carlisle: Train to Oxenholme, then train to Windermere then bus 555 to Ambleside (1h30)
From Lancaster: Train to Oxenholme then train to Windermere and bus 555 to Ambleside (< 1h)
From Manchester: Train from Piccadilly to Oxenholme then train to Windermere and bus 555 to Ambleside (< 2h)
From Preston: Train to Oxenholme, then train to Windermere then bus 555 to Ambleside (1h15)
Watering Holes
- The Mortal Man – Troutbeck – 3 miles in and straight after the descent.
A fab traditional village inn dating from 1689.
Muddy paws and boots are always welcome.
The pub is big on supporting charities and will donate 10% of the sales on their cask ale to their favourite charity.
For the food, expect pub classics with local ingredients, roast dinners on Sunday and more gastro dishes for the evening such as Venison Haunch when in season.
There are 3 sections to the pub for a traditional cosy corner with board games to more formal dining.
Fantastic beer-garden in the summer and roaring fireplaces to warm you up in winter.
Back to the beer garden, it was voted in the top 10 in UK by the Times newspaper ! - The Unicorn Inn – Ambleside – End of the walk
My preferred pub in Ambleside is the Unicorn. Muddy boots and paws are welcome.
Part of the Robinson Brewery, it is situated in the centre of Ambleside, yet away from the hustle and bustle.
There is a decent selection of real ales and the food is home-cooked. The Sunday roasts are delicious.
The only downside is the lack of outdoor seating and cosy fireplace. But this is the oldest pub in Ambleside. It offers a warm atmosphere and the staff are very welcoming.
Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat
Ambleside is a great town to stay at for a week-end in the Lake District.
Less crowded than Windermere, yet accessible if you are coming from the South.
It hosts a wide range of bars, pubs and restaurants as well as shopping facilities.
Watch your purse if you are after walking gear …. there are several shops to suit all budgets. From Mountain Warehouse and Trespass, to Gaynor for the midd to upper mid-range and the Epi Centre for high end designers.
Alternatively, for a quieter week-end centered around walking only; Troutbeck is a nice village and the Mortal Man has recently refurbished their rooms.
For a week-end of great food and fab walks: The Mortal Man in Troutbeck
The 11 rooms have been gradually refurbished since January 2023. At least one of them has a four poster bed.
The inn welcomes all pets (Dogs, cats, parrots etc) and has several cats of their own.
The ducks on the pond will provide your eggs for breakfast.
separate loo and shower. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming and the self-use kitchen comes in very handy to store food for your hike the next day. The outdoor and indoor common spaces are very comfortable.
For a luxury or romantic week-end: The Salutation Inn – Ambleside
Although very modern looking, the hotel has been there for 350 years!
Perfect for a romantic couple’s weekend, some rooms have their own hot-tubs.
70 bedrooms in total. Rooms with private balconies, private hot-tubs and rooms with private sauna. The various categories will fit all levels of extra luxuries and budget.
All with access to the impressive spa facilities included in the price. As well as the sauna and hammer.
The quality and choice of the breakfast is notorious. It has won several awards and you can get extras such as kipper, smoked haddock or a full Cumberland breakfast experience.
Again; the hotel is slightly outside the town centre but boasts stunning views over Windermere.
For tight budgets: YHA Ambleside – Ambleside
The hostel has private rooms, dorms, and family rooms.
Slightly ex-centered, it offers great views over Windermere. And for those who like to swim; there is a pontoon right outside the door.
The bar has a great atmosphere; and by Ambleside standards is reasonably priced.
Peregrinating the North West and Beyond 