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

(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 reach a crossroads and turn left going down to The Howe Farm, which you go through, to reach the A592 Kirkstone Pass road. Go right, over Trout Beck and up to Jesus Church and then left 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, then 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 above sea level).

(3) The views from Wansfell Pike are worth taking in and maybe a lunch 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 the centre of Ambleside (The Golden Rule Pub, grade II-listed building, was voted "Britain's Best Post-walk Pint" in 2019). To get to the pub, turn right at the end of Stockghyll Lane, then right again to go past the Tourist Information Centre, down North Road and turn left at the end. From the pub, carry on down Smithy Brow (Kirkstone Road) and turn left at the junction (mini roundabout). Go past the famous Bridge House (National Trust) and bear right at the junction. Turn left at The Slack and head for The Smithy Fish & Chips shop (check out Ghyllside Cycles next door). Turn right down St Mary's Lane, past the Kelsick Centre and turn right onto Church St. Turn left onto King St and go past the car park and main bus-stop. Turn left up Kelsick Road, then right at the top (indicated Windermere, Kendal A 591). The last section of the route uses a side road, the Old Lake Road, to break up the pavement walk along Lake Road, that funnily enough goes to the lake. When you reach the Lakeside, head for Ambleside Pier (old green and white building) then bear left along the water's edge to reach The Lakeside Restaurant and YHA Ambleside.(E)

Food and drink is available along the route. There's a 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 Ambleside to avoid carrying extra weight (in the backpack).

This is a fairly simple route and a great introduction to The Lakes. The great Alfred Waiwright began his love of the area by first climbing up to Orrest Head and was entralled by the view before him. Don't rush it, there is time enough and there are some fantastic views to be appreciated. Look around and take in the beauty that is The Lake District. Take care of yourself and look out for wildlife along the way. Just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.