BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2023 Guide)
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Looking for the best walks from Ambleside? You’re in the right place! Ambleside is my favourite place to visit in the Lake District, and some of the walks from Ambleside are just incredible.
Not only is Ambleside the prettiest town in the Lake District National Park, but it’s a great base for some of the most scenic walks. There are plenty of walks near Ambleside to choose from, and for most of them, you don’t need to drive to reach them.
However, I have included a few walks that do require driving to get there (just because they’re amazing and not to be missed during your Lake District trip).
With this list, you can spend your morning in Ambleside walking, exploring and hiking, then follow it up with a pub lunch and some shopping in the afternoon. This is an ever-changing and evolving list, and every time I find a new walk, I’ll be sure to add it to the list!
(Or if you have a walk that is worthy of being listed here, please let me know!)
So, let’s delve into the best walks from Ambleside and get hiking!
🥾 Visiting the Lake District? Yay! I have a lot of information about this part of England on my blog. Here are some of my favourites!
- Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District
- Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
- 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District
- Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide
- Best Indian Restaurants in the Lake District
- Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities
Where to stay in Ambleside
- If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
- Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? One of our favourites is the Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!
- For a luxurious stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel right in the middle of Ambleside. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
Walks from Ambleside
1. Loughrigg Fell from Ambleside
🥾 Starting point: Ambleside town centre
⏰ Duration: 2.5-hour circular loop
⛰️ Difficulty level: Average, moderate levels of fitness needed
🌳 Detailed guide and description: Loughrigg Fell hike from Ambleside
Loughrigg Fell is one of the best walks near Ambleside and offers some of the best views in the entire Lake District National Park. Start your walk from Ambleside town centre for a 6-mile (near 11km) circular loop up to the summit, and back down past the Rydal Caves.
Whilst it’s not a ‘difficult’ walk, it is a long one, and if you stop for breaks and walks, it may take you up to 3/3.5 hours to complete. As someone with a fear of heights, this is one of the best hikes to do in the Lake District as it has no sheer drops or edges, but still has some of the best views in the whole national park!
When walking to the summit of Loughrigg Fell, it took us around one hour 45 minutes (with stops), and around two hours and 30 minutes to descend back to Ambleside. There is also a bus that runs from the Rydal Caves (where you’ll finish) back to Ambleside, which cuts off a few extra miles. Yes, I’ll be honest, we did this!
Don’t just take my word for how beautiful the views are at the top of Loughrigg Fell; here’s Wainwright describing what he thought.
“No ascent is more repaying for the small labour involved in visiting its many cairns, for Loughrigg has delightful grassy paths, a series of pleasant surprises along the traverse of the summits, several charming vistas and magnificent views.“
–Alfred Wainwright, A Pictorial Guide to the Central Fells
If you’re heading to Ambleside and looking to hike Loughrigg Fell, check out my detailed guide here.
2. Stock Ghyll Force
🥾Starting point: Ambleside town centre; the Salutation Hotel.
⏰ Duration: 15-30 minute hike to the waterfalls
⛰️ Difficulty level: Easy, but uneven terrain
This is one of the easiest walks from Ambleside and can be completed in under an hour. Starting from the Salutation Hotel, it’s a short incline uphill to one of Ambleside’s best waterfalls. You don’t need to block out much time to hike Stock Ghyll Force, and it’s one of the few that you won’t need hiking boots for (unless it’s raining, then it might get quite muddy and slippy).
3. Loughrigg Tarn & Rydal Cave
🥾Starting point: Ambleside town centre.
⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours+ depending on stops
⛰️ Difficulty level: Easy, but uneven terrain
Another popular walk from Ambleside is the Loughrigg Tarn and Rydal Cave loop. Taking you to the other side of Loughrigg Fell, this walk takes you to the tarn (aka a lake) without climbing to the summit. However, along the walk, you’ll still see some pretty special views of the Lake District, including Helm Crag and the Langdale Pikes.
When doing the Loughrigg Tarn walk, you’ll see Rydal Cave, a man-made quarry that used to be used for producing high-quality roofing slates. Access to the cave is free, and a fairly easy walk, but the rocks can be quite loose, so mind your stepping (and your head!)
Need more info? Check out my detailed Rydal Caves travel guide here.
4. Rydal Water
🥾Starting point: Ambleside town centre.
⏰ Duration: A 45-minute walk from Ambleside or a 6-minute drive, then a three-hour hike around Rydal Water.
⛰️ Difficulty level: Average, moderate levels of fitness needed
A 10.1km loop from Ambleside, a trip to Rydal Water is a perfect morning or evening sunset walk in the Lake District. It’s moderately challenging because of the distance and a few rougher, steeper patches, but can be completed by anyone with an average level of fitness.
This walk from Ambleside should take around three hours to complete and can be walked in any kind of weather. Start the trail from Ambleside town centre, then wind along Under Loughrigg Road to Rydal where you will join the Coffin Route.
⚰️ INTERESTING FACT: Why’s it called the Coffin Route? Well, back in the day, it’s the route the coroners would use to carry the coffins to the Grasmere graveyard!
5. Sweden Bridge
🥾Starting point: Ambleside town centre (tourist information centre)
⏰ Duration: 40 minutes.
⛰️ Difficulty level: Easy; anyone with moderate fitness levels can complete
Sweden Bridge is a short easy walk from Ambleside with incredible views. Starting from the tourist information centre, the loop to and from Sweden Bridge should take you around 40 minutes. Used as an ancient packhorse bridge in the past, Sweden Bridge now is a popular walk from Ambleside. You’ll be surrounded by fells and crags along this peaceful scenic stroll. It’s an easy afternoon walk after your Sunday roast!
6. Tarn Hows
🥾Starting point: Tarn Hows National Trust car park
⏰ Duration: 45-60 minute circular loop
⛰️ Difficulty level: Easy; anyone with moderate fitness levels can complete
🚗 Distance from Ambleside: 20-minute car journey
🌳 Detailed guide and description: Tarn Hows Hiking Guide
Although Tarn Hows isn’t accessible by foot from Ambleside, it’s only a 20-minute drive away, and it’s worth it. Tarn Hows is actually one of my favourite easy walks in the Lake District.
Tarn Hows is a flat circular walk around the lake which can take between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on how many stops and photos you want to take. Most visitors take a picnic and spend a few ours at the tarn due to how pretty it is.
At the moment, you cannot wild swim in the water at Tarn Hows due to scientific research (and potential leeches). But don’t worry, there are other spots in the Lake District where wild swimming is allowed. You can check them out here!
7. Wansfell Pike
🥾Starting point: Ambleside Market Cross
⏰ Duration: 2 hours
⛰️ Difficulty level: Moderate-challenging, but anyone with average fitness levels can complete
Another great walk from Ambleside is to Wansfell Pike. A steep 487m climb, this walk is fairly challenging but anyone with moderate fitness levels can hike it. It’s worth it too – the view from the Pike (which is actually called Baystones) is incredible!
If you have time, combine your Wansfell Pike walk with Stock Ghyll Force, as it is on the same path. You can also stop off along the River Rothay to enjoy the view.
Start your walk at the Ambleside market cross, and budget at least 1 hour 45 minutes out of your day to complete the walk. Then treat yourself to a hearty pub meal back in the town centre!
8. Ambleside to Grasmere (Coffin Route)
🥾Starting point: Ambleside town centre
⏰ Duration: 1.5 hours
⛰️ Difficulty level: Easy; anyone with moderate fitness levels can complete
Grasmere is another town in the Lake District worth visiting, and one I fell in love with on my first visit. The walk from Ambleside to Grasmere via the Coffin Route will take about 1.5 hours, so it’s the perfect afternoon stroll after a hearty pub lunch.
⚰️ INTERESTING FACT: Why’s it called the Coffin Route? Well, back in the day, it’s the route the coroners would use to carry the coffins to the Grasmere graveyard!
Check out my detailed guide on visiting Grasmere here.
9. Ambleside to Waterhead
🥾Starting point: Ambleside town centre
⏰ Duration: 15 minutes
⛰️ Difficulty level: Easy; anyone with moderate fitness levels can complete
One of the shortest walks on the list, Ambleside to Waterhead is great for anyone who wants to watch the sunset over Lake Windemere. Waterhead is one of my favourite spots in the Lake District and has one of the best pubs near Ambleside – The Waterhead Inn, where you can sit and drink your wine whilst overlooking the lake.
It’s an easy and quick walk from Ambleside; suitable for anyone.
10. Old Man of Coniston
🥾Starting point: Walna Scar Car Park / Coniston town centre
⏰ Duration: 3-5 hours
⛰️ Difficulty level: Challenging
🚗 Distance from Ambleside: 20-minute car journey
The Old Man of Coniston is a 20-minute drive from Ambleside and is known as one of the best hikes in the Lake District.
The scenic views of the walk start right away, as you follow the Walna Scar up to Brown Pike, and then see impressive views of Goat’s Water and Goat’s Hawse. When you summit the Old Man of Coniston at 803m, there are breathtaking views of Black Combe and the Pennines.
The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most challenging walks on the list. Most of the ascent is steep and rocky, and is best walked with moderate to good fitness.
11. Langdale Pikes
🥾Starting point: New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel
⏰ Duration: 4-5 hours
⛰️ Difficulty level: Challenging
🚗 Distance from Ambleside: 20-minute car journey
One of the longer walks near Ambleside, hiking the Langdale Pikes will set you back around 6-7 hours. A nearly 12km loop trail, you’ll experience Sergeant Man, Blea Rigg, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Pavy Ark, Pike O’ Stickle, Loft Crag and Thorn Crag, and the highest Harrison Stickle at 730m.
In addition to this, you’ll spot waterfalls, tarns, crags, peaks and beck. Start your walk at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, and make sure you have good walking shoes, lots of water and a map. It’s a tough walk, and you don’t want to be unprepared!
If you want an easier walk near the Langdale Pikes, check out Blea Tarn. It’s a simple 3km loop with very little altitude, so it’s perfect for an easy morning stroll!
12. Fairfield Horseshoe
🥾Starting point: Ambleside town centre
⏰ Duration: 8 hours
⛰️ Difficulty level: Challenging
Start the Fairfield Horseshoe circular walk from the centre of Ambleside. A 16.4km (10.2 miles) circular loop which is challenging, to say the least! Budget an entire day to complete this walk, as it can take up to 8 hours. Make sure you wear good hiking boots and pack a day bag full of food, water and a map.
13. Red Screes
🥾Starting point: Car park at the top of the Kirkstone Pass
⏰ Duration: 5-6 hours
⛰️ Difficulty level: Challenging
🚗 Distance from Ambleside: 20-minute car journey or a two hour walk
One of the most challenging routes on the list, Red Screes is a nearly 11km hike taking around five to six hours to complete. It’s a popular trail for birding and camping and can get quite busy in the months of June through to September.
The Red Screes walk has a total elevation of 721m and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and mountains. In bad weather, the path can be slippery and quite dangerous, so only do the walk on a dry and sunny day.
Walks from Ambleside: FAQs
1) Is there parking in Ambleside?
You’ll find plenty of car parks in the Ambleside main town with either hour-by-hour or full-day spots. Prices range from £5-10. The main car park in Ambleside is above the town centre on the A591, towards Rydal. For longer stays, head to the Miller Field car park at the bottom end of town.
If these are both full (which is quite rare) there are a few other small car parks around the town.
2) What should I pack for a walk from Ambleside?
Make sure you have suitable walking shoes, as some of the rocks are uneven and could be quite painful to walk over in regular shoes.
In any weather, be sure to pack at least a litre of water – more in the summertime. Even if you’re not doing a hefty climb like Helvylln or Scafell Pike, these walks still require physical activity and strength. Having a dehydration headache at the top of the summit isn’t ideal! As well as packing your regular items for a trip, these are some of my essential items for the Lake District:
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
- An umbrella
- A waterproof day bag
- A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
- A portable charger
- Lots of layers
- A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
- A waterproof backpack cover
- A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
- A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
- As well as using bug spray, we have midge repellent wristbands.
3) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District?
If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
4) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District?
If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.
If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!
Tips for walks from Ambleside
Walking in the Lake District, or more specifically Ambleside? Here are some top tips for walking near Ambleside for all types of weather and at any time of year.
- Unless you’re doing an easy tarn walk without any altitude, wear hiking boots. The ground is often uneven, rocky and wet (it rains a lot in the Lake District), so make sure you have suitable footwear.
- The higher you go, the colder it gets. Always pack layers!
- Always, always carry a physical map. The signal is sketchy in the Lake District, and really cannot be relied on. There are also close to zero signposts on any of the walks, so having a physical map is important! OS maps can be bought in Waterstones.
- Carry a water filter bottle, or at least a full chilly bottle. Water filter bottles allow you to drink water from any puddle or stream, so they’re the best for long walks in the lakes!
- Pack everything you need beforehand to save money – but if you do forget anything, there are a lot of outdoor/mountain shops in the Lake District, so don’t worry too much!
Check out my other Lake District walking tips here.
Other things to do in Ambleside
Looking for something to do other than walking in Ambleside? I’m a huge fan of Ambleside and explain in this post why I think it’s the best place to stay in the Lake District. But if you’re short on time, here are some of the best things to do in Ambleside:
- Have a pint in a traditional English pub
- Enjoy one of the many walks from Ambleside
- Go shopping along the high street
- Eat a tasty Indian meal
- Get cosy in a cafe or coffee shop
- Watch the sunset at Waterhead
- Dine in a local restaurant
- Hike local waterfalls
- Try delicious home-made baked goods from the bakeries
- Plan a day trip to Grasmere or Coniston
- Wrap up warm in winter and go for a snowy walk
- Head down to Lake Windemere for some watersports
- Check out some of the epic adventures the Lake District can offer
💯Lake District top-rated tours
Walks from Ambleside: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best walks from Ambleside and all of the Ambleside walks in the Lake District. I hope this has helped to make you feel more prepared for your upcoming trip, but as always, feel free to contact me with any questions!
If you can’t already tell, I absolutely love the Lake District, and it’s one of my favourite places in the whole of the UK. Keep an eye out for more Lake District content soon! But as always, if you have a question, you can shoot me a DM on Instagram.
Happy travelling!
Jennie 😀 x
Other Lake District posts:
- Latrigg Walk, Lake District: Complete Guide & Tips!
- Blea Tarn Walk: What to Expect
- Lake District in September: Why It’s the BEST Time to Visit
- Lake District for Couples: 31 Romantic Ideas
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
