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

(S) From YHA Ambleside, take the Lake Road North ( A591) towards Ambleside. When you reach the junction opposite the garden centre, take the Old Lake Road off to the right to weave through the houses. Ignore Fisherbeck Lane and Blue Hill Road on the right but keep on until you reach Low Gale that bears off to the right.

At the end of Low Gale there are some steps that lead down to a narrow road that comes out onto Stock Ghyll Lane. Here turn right, following the sign "To the Waterfalls".

(1) Just after a B&B a path leads off to the left to take you to Stockghyll Force.

(2) Having investigated the waterfalls, the path leads back up to the road and our route is to continue up the road out of the woods to a public footpath, stone steps and stile off to the right indicated "Wansfell Pike 1/2 mile". Go up the stone flags to a wooden footbridge and steadily climb the stone pitched path up to the summit of Wansfell Pike (Wainwright fell at 482m above sea level).

(3) After a short break and refreshments at the summit, take the downward path heading West to get down to Nanny Lane.

(4) Turn right (South-East) and head downhill all the way to Troutbeck and the local road. Turn left along the road for about 100m to reach the Mortal Man pub on the right.

(5) After a drink in the pub, continue down the lane to take a public footpath on the right (South) that leads down to Jesus Church and the A 592. Go through the church grounds out onto the road.

(6) Turn right to cross Church Bridge over Trout Beck. Take the footpath on the left (South-East) up to The Howe and up to the crossing.

(7) Turn sharp right (South) to walk along the track Longmire Rd. to come out on a local road.

(8) Turn right then left onto a public footpath that goes past Allen Knott and reaches Far Orrest.

(9) Turn right through the farm then left to pick up a public footpath over to Howe Hill and Crosses Farm. At the local road, turn left past the cottages then right onto a public footpath. Go through a couple of gates and a stile to reach the viewpoint Orrest Head.

(10) From the viewpoint, take the gentle descending path through the woods to come out onto the main A 591 road. Go across the road to enter the station at Windermere. (E)

Food and drink is available along the route. There are a couple of supermarkets in Ambleside, tea and other beverages at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck, plenty of shops and pubs in Windermere.

This is a fairly simple route and a good way to say goodbye to The Lakes. The Stockghyll Falls are impresive and a certain Victorian atmosphere surrounds the place. 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.

The YHA is a great institution and I guess most fell walkers have stayed at a hostel at some time in their lives. They were created "to help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, particularly by providing hostels or other simple accommodation for them on their travels".