Wansfell Pike summit – View of Windermere loop from Ambleside

Hiking trails & Routes

Wansfell Pike summit – View of Windermere loop from Ambleside

Moderate

4.8

(357)

1,998

hikers

Wansfell Pike summit – View of Windermere loop from Ambleside

03:38

10.8km

510m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.05 km

Bridge House, Ambleside

Highlight • Bridge

Ambleside is the quintessential Lake District town. Buzzing with the comings and goings of excited families, hikers and sightseers, there's a real atmosphere to the place.

In the town are …

Tip by

1.89 km

Stock Ghyll Woods

Forest

2.52 km

View of the Central Peaks, Lake District National Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great view of the central peaks

Tip by

3.02 km

Steep Path to Wansfell Pike

Highlight • Climb

This is a steep, stone pitched path all the way up the fell. Its better to descend this way and climb from the Troutbeck side if you have time for a circular route

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3.47 km

Wansfell Pike summit

Highlight • Summit

Wonderful views along Windermere and the valleys at the top make the climb worthwhile. Then a slow steady descent through fields and pretty woodland back to Ambleside.

Tip by

7.51 km

View of Windermere

Highlight • Viewpoint

There are fine views down over Windermere from here at the junction of Hundreds Road track. You can see most of its entire length, surrounded by the lush green Lake …

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8.95 km

View of Windermere Lake

Highlight • Lake

From this point along the path you get a wonderful view of Windermere Lake. The lake is the largest natural lake in England at about 10.5 miles long and 1 …

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10.0 km

View over Lake Windermere

Highlight • Lake

There are great views of the north end of Lake Windermere to be had from here. Over the water, you can see the gentle fells of Loughrigg Fell, Park Fell, …

Tip by

10.4 km

View of Windermere from Skelghyll Lane

Highlight • Viewpoint

Skelghyll Lane climbs up from Ambleside and into Skelghyll Wood. It's a bridleway rather than a public road, so don't drive up here. On the way up, as you gain height, there are brilliant views south down Windermere.

Tip by

10.8 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.74 km

3.72 km

1.57 km

588 m

128 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.18 km

3.04 km

2.89 km

553 m

118 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (450 m)

Lowest point (60 m)

Weather

Tuesday 6 October

13°C

6°C

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Comments

October 14, 2024,Wansfell Pike from Ambleside via Troutbeck

If you do this hike, do it this way round!! Great little hike with a superb view from the summit

July 8, 2022,Stock Ghyl Force – Wansfell Pike Loop from Ambleside

Beautiful walk up through the Waterfall then over Wansfell Pike. Was a really good way to do this walk as the climbs are at the beginning. The views from the top were stunning & good obvious path up & although steep is safe. Great views of Windermere Lake throughout this walk & a lovely woodland walk to finish!

July 14, 2022,Ambleside over Wansfell to Troutbeck and back.

A nice steady walk with the waterfalls then peak of Wansfell and down into coffee stop of Troutbeck for those limited to just a few hours.

September 21, 2024,Ambleside - Wansfell - Troutbeck - Ambleside

Lovely walk. A bit strenuous going up having not done much for a while but worth it for the view. Had to stop at The Old Post Office in Troutbeck of course for coffee and cake!

September 11, 2021,Wansfell Pike circular walk

Same route as in most maps/guidebooks. I wasn't really planning to do this but it was an easy plan B in this morning not so great weather. I saw people doing it both ways and I'm glad I did it clockwise. The short but steep ascent of this low fell is better done uphill, in my opinion. The second part …

June 26, 2025,Ambleside-Troutbeck-Wansfell Pike-Ambleside

Lake District Tour 3: Circular tour from Ambleside to Troutbeck
Along the River Rothray to Lake Windermere, exploring the site of the former Roman fort.
At the YHA (youth hostel) on Lake Windermere, you can sit and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and the mountains of the Lake District.

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