AMBLESIDE - 27th September 2026

 Photo: by Jason

Forty walkers made the trip to the Lakes on a soggy Sunday. The degree of 'unpleasantness' suffered by them at times was dependent to a large degree on the routes that they took. The higher they went the wetter and windier it was. The lower, the more bearable! But at the end of the day, they all enjoyed another opportunity of seeing the Lake District at it's most challenging.

Keith’s group left the coach at Ambleside to complete the Fairfield horseshoe. The drizzle which they began the walk in, left little hope for the weather ahead.  The group managed to reach the top of Low Pike without reaching cloud but it wasn't long before visibility dropped and the rain began. Up until Dove Crag the wind and rain was behind the group pushing them upwards, but as they turned at the top of the bowl it began blasting them from the side and after Fairfield it was full in the face. The weather was described by one member as similar to being on a spin cycle in a washing machine whilst another described it as a jet washer being blown straight into the face. Let's just say the whole group felt like they had had a full facial by the time they reached Rydal Hall. Overall, the group decided the weather actually made the day! 12 1/2 miles completed with 4000ft ascent.

Geoff’s group had an early start getting off at Ings. The weather was looking promising but they donned their waterproofs as the forecast wasn't good. As they set off for their first peak of the day the heavens gradually opened. After Sour Howes, Capple How and Sallows they descended to the valley having lunch with the weather fine. They met Mike Birkby's group at Limefitt Park then Ian's group at Troutbeck. After this they started their ascent up to Baystones and Wansfell, which turned out to be a mistake as they then had sideways rain, bogs and high winds for 6 miles!! But as they approached Ambleside the sun came out at last! After a quick change on the bus they headed to the Sportsman’s bar for a couple of drinks. A difficult day but they all still enjoyed it. And the worst moment was….when Darren's cigs turned to mush in his pocket which he wasn't too pleased about!!! Oh, and then he was nearly run over by a double decker bus in Amblesisde – but it stopped inches before impact! Apart from that, an uneventful day!

Martin’s group followed the planned route - an ascent of Orrest Head with cloudy views from the Wainright memorial then an undulating, cross country route that eventually descended to Limefitt Park.  They started climbing once more up to Troutbeck and then over to Ambleside via High Skelghyll.  It was a day of rain showers with the occasional heavier burst.  The timing of lunch was spectacularly bad - it was dry, it was a good view point and there were rocks to sit on so they stopped.  The rain started almost immediately and carried on until the moment they chose to start walking again!!

Owing to the predominantly wet weather Steph’s group of three, had a brisk walk on Sunday. From Ambleside they walked down to the chain ferry via Windermere, Bowness and Ferry Nab. It was then a picturesque walk along lake Windermere to Wray Castle. There was a short pause in the rain near Red Nab, where they pulled up a bench for their lunch. From Wray Castle to Ambleside the rain worsened, so they upped the pace to get back. In Ambleside they visited a lovely little cafe near the car park with superb homemade cakes prepared by the owners ninety three year old mother! Owing to the rain Steph decided not to take any photos.

Alan and Edwina’s walk was wet, but not as bad as forecast. They started from Ambleside, went via the Stockghyll route up Wansfell Pike, started down Nanny Land then down the Hundreds Road to Robin Lane, and back though Skelghyll Wood to Ambleside. Around 7 miles and 1,850' ascent.

Paul C’s group experienced a pleasant start to the day with a walk through the woods to view Stockghyll Force. They then continued uphill, crossing the Kirkstone Road and continued up the shoulder towards Red Screes. As the wind increased with altitude a sheltered position provided a lunch stop with a view across to Rydal Water. Pressing on and close to the summit there were some extremely strong gusts making it difficult to stand, and the rain had set in as well. It wasn’t quite as bad at the summit but there were no views in the cloud, and everyone was keen to descend to lower levels. Finding a suitable route to Scandale Pass was not so easy with the reduced visibility, but it was downhill all the way back to Ambleside, by which time it had stopped raining so at least back at the coach wet clothes and boots could be changed, and there was time to head out for refreshments. 10.4 miles and a surprising 3,200 ft of ascent.

Mike J’s walk didn't get off to a good start. He and Angie walked passed the start of the path up to Orrest Head. After about a quarter of a mile Mike realised the mistake and back tracked and headed up to Orrest Head the correct way, passing Martin Jones group on the way. At this time they were still dry. They then picked up the path to Dubbs reservoir and encountered their first shower, but didn't get too wet and were still dry on arrival at Dubbs reservoir. Just past this reservoir they found a nice spot for lunch in a wood just off the path. It proved to be a good choice as they were sheltered from a very heavy shower. After lunch they continued down to Limefitt park (still dry) onto Troutbeck  Town End  heading for Skelghyll Wood and Jenkin Crag. At this point their luck ran out and the rain started. Mike abandoned the climb up Jenkin crag and returned to the coach. As they were so wet they just dumped their rucksacks and headed to the pub for a pint or two and to dry out.

Ian’s group made the best of a mainly wet walk. At least there was very little wind and it wasn’t cold.  Starting from Windermere the group zig-zagged up through an attractive wood to the top of the popular Orrest Head. It’s usually a good view point for Windermere Lake, but due to the conditions it looked particularly gloomy! Continuing on through several fields of sheep they reached Longmire Road without seeing any other hikers. This track took them passed Limefitt Park and on up the Troutbeck valley towards The Tongue. After eventually finding a suitable spot for lunch and when the rain had temporarily stopped, they reached Ings farm, where they crossed a field to a lane and over a footbridge to take them to Troutbeck village. They left the village at Robins Lane, which took them all the way to Ambleside. Fortunately the rain had now stopped, so they were able to change into dry clothes and walk back into the town centre to find refreshments.

Thanks to Ian, Geoff, Keith, Paul C, Mike J, Martin, Alan & John G for leading the walks. And to Ian, Geoff, Darren, Neil O, Dawn, Claire D, Laura, Mike J, Mike B, Alan, John G & Jason for taking another memorable set of photos in very trying circumstances.

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to see Darren's video 'Ambleside via Sour Howes, Sallows & Wansfell.'

Next Walks:

Sunday 11^th October 2026 – Llanberis

5.30 p.m. departure

M57, Runcorn Bridge, M56, A55 westbound to junction 11 (the A5), A4244, A4086 to Llanberis. Park in Llanberis. Morning coffee stop at Chester services, M56.

Sunday 25^th October 2026 – Glenridding via Kirkstone

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 to Windermere, A592 over the Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding. Park in Glenridding. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 8^th November 2026 - Limefitt Park

5.00 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A590/A591 to Windermere, A592 to Troutbeck. Park in the entrance to Limefitt Park. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.