BEST Walks from Ambleside, Lake District (2022 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.

Ambleside is my favourite place to stay in the Lake District.

Not only is it the prettiest town in the national park, but it’s a great base for some of the most scenic walks.

There are plenty of walks from Ambleside to choose from, and you don’t need to get back behind the wheel to drive and find them.

However, I have included a few walks that do require driving to get there (just because they’re amazing).

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 (2022 Essential Guide)
• Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
• 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District (2022 Guide)
• Lake District Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide (2022)
• Best Indian Restaurants in the Lake District (2022 Review)
• Adventure in the Lake District: 21 Best Activities (2022)

Walks from Ambleside

1. Loughrigg Fell

(2.5 hour circular walk from Ambleside town centre)

Loughrigg Fell is one of the best walks near Ambleside and offers some of the best views in the entire Lake District National Park.

Either start your walk from Ambleside town centre for a 6-mile (10km) circular loop or drive a bit closer to the White Moss car park and walk around 1.5 miles.

Whilst not a ‘difficult’ walk per se, 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.

Whenever we have completed the Loughrigg Fell walk, we’ve parked in the main car park in town, along tree-lined paths and even caught the sunset en route.

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 staying in Ambleside, add it to your list! (Plus, you can treat yourself to an amazing Indian or pub meal in the town centre after…)

I’d highly recommend buying these hiking boots if you’re a woman walking in the Lake District. They’re comfy, long-lasting and waterproof. I’ve had mine for years, and they cost under £100!

2. Stock Ghyll Force

(walkable from Ambleside town centre)

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

(From Ambleside town centre)

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 (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 which 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!)

4. Rydal Water

(6-minute drive or 45-minute walk from Ambleside)

A 10.1km loop from Ambleside, a trip to Rydal Water is a perfect morning or sunset walk in the Lake District. Moderately challenging because of the distance and a few rougher, steeper patches.

This walk from Ambleside should take around 3 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.

5. Sweden Bridge

(walkable from Ambleside town centre)

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.

6. Tarn Hows

(20-minute drive from Ambleside)

Although Tarn Hows isn’t accessible by foot from Ambleside, it’s still pretty close and is only a 20-minute drive away. It’s also one of my favourite easy walks to do in the Lake District!

A completely flat circular walk around the tarn (so if you’re scared of heights, this is a great walk for you), that can take from 30 minutes up to an hour, depending on what you want to do there. Take a picnic, get some photographs, and soak in the sun – Tarn Hows is an epic walk in the lake District.

Note – you cannot wild swim in the water at Tarn Hows due to scientific research. Want to wild swim in the Lake District elsewhere? Check out my post: Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots for the best spots!

Need a hiking day bag? This is my favourite. It isn’t too heavy, but it’s big enough to hold everything you need.

7. Wansfell Pike

(walkable from Ambleside town centre)

Another great walk from Ambleside is to Wansfell Pike. A steep 487m climb, this walk is fairly challenging, but can be completed by anyone with moderate fitness levels. Plus, the view from the Pike (which is actually called Baystones) is incredible!

If you have time, you can combine your Wansfell Pike walk with Stock Ghyll Force, as it is en route. You can also stop off along the River Rothay.

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!

NOTE: The descent is tough on the knees due to the steep incline, so be sure to wear hiking boots.

I recommend a base or extra layer made of this material. It’s comfy, warm and easy to pack in your day bag.

8. Ambleside to Grasmere (Coffin Route)

(1 hour 20-minute walk)

Grasmere is another town in the Lake District worth visiting, and one I fell in love with on my first visit.

Although it will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Grasmere, it’s a peaceful walk, and there are a lot of cafes, pubs and restaurants to greet you at the end.

Why is it called the Coffin Route? Well, the Coffin Route is actually an old corpse-carrying road, which was used in medieval times (yep, you read that right). Dead bodies were transported along this route from Ambleside to St Oswald’s in Grasmere to be buried. Eek!

However, the Coffin Route is now one of the best walks from Ambleside!

Looking for things to do in Grasmere? Check out this post: 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)

Need a first aid kit? I recommend this pre-made one which has the basics in, ready to go.

9. Ambleside to Waterhead

(15-minute walk from Ambleside)

One of the shortest walks on the list, Ambleside to Waterhead is great for anyone who wants to watch the sunset over Lake Windemere or just get a breath of fresh air.

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 suitable for everyone.

Need a water filter bottle? I recommend this one, as it’s not too heavy and it’s cheap!

10. Old Man of Coniston

(20-minute drive from Ambleside)

Whilst you can’t walk to the Old Man of Coniston from Ambleside, it’s a short 20-minute drive away and is worth it!

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 views of Black Combe and the Pennines.

Note: the Old Man of Coniston is a challenging walk. Most of the ascent is steep and rocky, and is best walked with moderate to good fitness.

11. Langdale Pikes

(20 minute drive from Ambleside)

One of the longer walks near Ambleside, hiking the Langdale Pikes will set you back around 6-7 hours.

A near 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 becks whilst on this challenging walk near Ambleside.

Start your walk 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.

Want to hike Scafell Pike? You can actually summit the highest point in England via the Langdale route. Check out this post for more information: Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2022)

If you’re hiking in the afternoon or evening, I recommend this head torch for extra light.

12. Fairfield Horseshoe

(11-minute drive or 70-minute walk)

Start the Fairfield Horseshoe circular walk from the centre of Ambleside.

A 16.4km (10.2 miles) walk which is challenging, to say the least, this circular loop is one of the best walks in the Lake District, with some incredible views.

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

(20 minute drive from Ambleside or 120 minute walk)

One of the most challenging routes on the list, Red Screes is a near 11km hike taking around 5 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 prepare to do this walk on a sunny and dry day.

Parking in Ambleside

If you’re looking to park in Ambleside for your walk, you’ll find plenty of car parks in the 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.

Tips for walking near 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: 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District (2022 Guide)

Where to stay in Ambleside

🛏️ Best hostel in Ambleside for solo and budget travellers: YHA Ambleside

If you’re a solo traveller in the Lake District, this is the perfect place to stay to meet other backpackers and be right in the centre of the action.

🌳 Best Airbnb in Ambleside: Cosy Lakeland Cottage in Ambleside

We stayed in this Airbnb in the Lake District and it was perfect. A cosy log burner, a modern kitchen, a patio in the garden and within walking distance of the high street.

🏨 Best Hotel in Ambleside: The Ambleside Inn

An 18th-century hotel right in the middle of Ambleside, it’s for those with a bit more ££ to spend, but it’s worth it! Plus, Lake Windermere is only a short 15-minute walk away.

If you need a portable charger, I recommend this one. We’ve taken it on 7 day road trips before, and haven’t needed to charge it once. I highly recommend it!

Other things to do in Ambleside

Looking for something OTHER than walking in Ambleside?

I’m a huge fan of this area of the Lake District, so I’ve written a few blog posts about visiting Ambleside or why you should stay here.

• Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• Best Pubs in Ambleside: The Lake District (2022 Essential Guide)

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

What to pack for a walk in Ambleside (or the Lake District)

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.

Walks from Ambleside: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! The best walks from Ambleside 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. There is a whole ton of content on the blog focusing on the lakes, so feel free to take a look around!

Oooh, and don’t forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter packed full of travel inspiration and blogging tips!

As always, if you have a question about tips for walking in the Lake District (or anything else travel or blogging-related) you can contact me over on Instagram or on my contact me page.

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Hey you! 🙋‍♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!

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