Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Selwyn Williams Distance: About 8 miles, climbing around 2500 feet
We leave Ambleside, walking quite steeply up the Struggle for about a mile until we can get off road. A steep climb follows up to Red Screes, but with time aplenty to turn back and look at the increasingly stunning views back over Ambleside and Lake Windermere beyond.
At the trig point, we head off to descend to the head of the Scandale Pass, then follow the valley down to High Sweden Bridge and Low Sweden back to Ambleside via The Golden Rule, entering by the front door quaffing a pint of Hartleys XB at the bar and exiting via the beer garden, to return to the coach to pay for your next exciting outing brought to you courtesy of the Skelmersdale Rambling Club. (the more sober amongst you can do the tea and scones variation at the end of this route).
Although this walk is steep, there is plenty of time in which to do the walk so you won’t be rushed.
Moderate Leader: Jackie Gudgeon Distance: 8.5 miles
As there are no toilets actually in the coach park, will moderate walkers please stay by the coach until the group is formed, at which time we will set off towards Rothay Park where we will pass some toilets. Our pause here is followed by a walk through the park then by a short steep climb to Brow Head Farm where we branch off to visit the attractive little Lily Tarn on Loughrigg Fell. Skirting the main bulk of Loughrigg Fell, we pass Loughrigg Tarn and the grounds of High Close Youth Hostel to join Loughrigg Terrace with lovely views over Grasmere. Down to the end of Rydal Water to cross the River Rothay and up to join the Coffin Route to Rydal Hall. From here we will descend to cross the A591 and Pelker Bridge to follow a minor road back to Ambleside.
Leisurely Leader: Sue Daniels Distance : 7 miles
From Ambleside we have a short walk on the main road before we branch off and follow a good track through to Rydal Hall. There is a tea room and toilets here and depending on the size of the party, we may be able to have a quick stop! From the hall, we take the Coffin track from which there are lovely views of Rydal Water to our left. We amble on and drop down to cross the River Rothay and have a brief glimpse of Grasmere before a short climb up to the first part of Loughrigg Terrace where the path passes Rydal Caves. Then we walk down hill and follow the road which runs along the river and back into Ambleside through the park. Plenty of gentle ups and downs but no long hills to climb.
Extra Leisurely Walk Leader: Derek Lee Distance: 6 miles
After a leisurely start as far as Hayes Garden Centre, we tackle the 400 foot climb to Jenkin Crag. Short stretches of this are moderately steep and a bit rocky but well within our capabilities, and we have plenty of time to reach the top for lunch. We will have extensive views over Windermere on the next gentle climb to Skelghyll Farm. From here we descend to the lakeside at the Watersports Centre, and return to Waterhead by the road and Jenkin Field. More pleasant level paths through Borrans Park and meadowland bring us back to Ambleside.
Easy Leader: Denise Holden
We will be starting the walk at the Market Place Clock Tower in the centre of Ambleside. A short gentle climb will lead us into the Stock Ghyll woods, where we will follow the path to the waterfalls.
The majority of the walk is fairly flat, with just the odd slight hill. As we go through the wood at Roundhall Farm, watch out for the turkey roaming around!! From here it is a slow descent down hill, ending at Low Sweden Bridge.
We will have plenty of time to enjoy a blueberry scone and coffee before returning to the coach.