YHA hopping in The Lake District - Windermere Station to YHA Langdale

(S) Leaving Windermere Station, head across the A591 towards a sign that indicates the start of the path up to Orrest Head. There are a few short-cuts but the main path weaves its way up to the viewpoint without much complication.

(1) From Orrest Head, descend through the fields to Crosses Farm to pick up a sign-posted track "Troutbeck 1½ mile". Go through the farm at Far Orrest, turn right then left to follow the old track past Allen Knott. When you reach the road at Fusethwaite Yeat, turn right for 50 yards then left along the track called Longmire Road. Keep straight on until you are above the Limefitt Holiday Park, which you go through, over Trout Beck and up to the A592 Kirkstone Pass road. Go left, down to Jesus Church and then right through the church grounds to find a track that leads across to Troutbeck and the Mortal Man pub.

(2) After a refreshing pot of tea, turn left along the road (heading towards Townend) for about 50 yards the right up the track known as Nanny Lane. This pleasant walled track takes you through a gate just before a single oak tree. About 100 yards further on the route leaves the lane, heading left and upwards towards Wansfell Pike (Wainwright at 487m).

(3) The views from Wansfell Pike are worth taking in and maybe a fruit stop is a good excuse to spend some time there before heading west towards the woods. The path curves north and drops quite steeply heading for Stockghyll Force. At a junction, turn left to follow the ghyll and down into Ambleside.

(4) You might want to get refreshments and food as you pass through Ambleside (The Golden Rule Pub, grade II-listed building, was voted "Britain's Best Post-walk Pint" in 2019). There are plenty of shops but don't linger as there are still a few miles to go. Head for Rothay Park and exit over the bridge that crosses the River Rothay. Turn right at the road then left to head up the steep road that leads to Brow Head Farm. When you reach open ground (after a gate) turn left along a path to Lily Tarn. After enjoying views back to Windermere, head along Todd Crag, past a couple of sheepfolds and up to Loughrigg Fell (Wainwright at 335m).

(5) From the trig-point at Loughrigg Fell head north-west, then take a sharp left, descending all the while, to Intake Wood. Cross over the small road, go through the National Trust's High Close Estate and Arboretum to reach the YHA Langdale (High Close).(E)

Food and drink available along the route. Supermarket outside Windermere Station, tea and other beverages at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck, plenty of shops and pubs in Ambleside. Book an evening meal and breakfast at YHA Langdale to avoid carrying extra weight (in the backpack).