Detailed Description

This walking route is based upon Mark Reid's walking guidebook 'Inn Way...to the English Lake District'.

Starting/Finishing Point: Ambleside

The attractive town of Ambleside is your typical bustling Lake District town and a fabulous place to start your holiday. The train from to Windermere takes approx 2.5 hours from London or 1h 50 from Manchester, and from there the frequent Lakeslink bus runs to Ambleside or alternatively, it is just a 10 minute taxi journey. Alternatively, if you want to start your holiday in style, catch one of the delightful ferries from Bowness-on-Windermere to Waterhead Pier at Ambleside.

Ambleside to Rosthwaite - 13 miles

Leaving Ambleside, today’s walk will first of all have you passing the other bustling Lake District town of Grasmere and the beautiful Rydal Water. Discover the hidden Alcock Tarn and enjoy breathtaking views of the vale of Grasmere. From Far Easedale, you will head towards the broad saddle of moorland known as Greenup Edge that marks the high point along the pass between Borrowdale and Grasmere. Take some time out at the top of Lining Crag to enjoy stunning views towards the Langstrath Valley before following Greenup Gill down the valley into the peaceful village of Rosthwaite. The peaceful village of Rosthwaite consists of a couple of welcoming country inns and a cluster of old cottages and farms. It is a very pretty and peaceful place to spend an evening.

Rosthwaite to Braithwaite - 12 miles

From Rosthwaite, follow a steep rocky track via Rigghead Quarries up to the summit of High Spy from where you will set off on a classic Lake District ridge walk. The views on this part of the walk are out of this world. From the summit of High Spy you can see some of the Lake Districts highest peaks including the Langdale Pikes, Scafell Pike and Great Gable. And then on the ridge walk, you have dramatic views over to Eel Crags and Newland Valley on the left with the distinctive outline of Catbells ahead. Finally add to this the glimpses you will catch of beautiful Derwentwater. Braithwaite is your typical Cumberland village with a magnificent backdrop at the bottom of the Whinlatter Pass. Facilities include a couple of old-fashioned inns and a village shop.

Braithwaite to Buttermere - 11 miles

You will spend the first part of today surrounded by the wonderful mountain peaks, crags and cliffs which epitomise the Lake District. Walk across Coledale Hause mountain pass and marvel at the impressive waterfalls falling over Force Crag, before eventually emerging in the Buttermere Valley. Follow pretty woodland and lakeside paths past the tiny Loweswater and the majestic Crummock Water all the way to Buttermere. Buttermere is a delightful Lakeland village with a beautiful setting between the lakes of Crummock Water and Buttermere. There are a couple of traditional inns as well as an ice cream parlour to tempt you!

Buttermere to Boot - 12 miles

From Buttermere, today’s walk starts off fairly gently with some nice gentle paths leading you alongside Buttermere to the head of the lake. From here it is back to the dramatic mountain terrain which you have become accustomed to over the past few days. Scarth Gap Pass is a beautiful walk offering wonderful views of the Buttermere Valley and Wainwright’s favourite mountain, Haystacks with its distinctive outline. Pass the isolated Black Sail Hut (the most remote youth hostel in the country) before traversing the dramatic Black Sail Pass down into Wasdale. The Wasdale Head Inn can be counted as the birthplace of British mountaineering and rock climbing with many walkers and climbers setting off to Great Gable and Scafell Pike from here and still offers a charming stopover for a quick refreshment. For such a small place, Boot has a good selection of country inns. The Eskdale end of the Ravensglass and Eskdale Steam Railway also terminates here and is worth a visit.

Boot to Broughton-in-Furness - 14 miles

A varied day of walking awaits you today, passing the tranquil Eskdale and Duddon valleys across Ulpha Fell and Harter Fell. Head through forest clearings in Hardknott Forest and follow woodland and riverside paths on to the remote Seathwaite and finally Broughton-in-Furness. Some highlights along the way include the pretty St Catherine’s Church beside the River Esk, the distinctive Wallowbarrow Gorge, and beautiful Duddon River which has often inspired Wordsworth himself. The village of Broughton-in-Furness has a rich history dating back to the 11th Century and Saxon times. The town is focused around the Georgian market square and there are several country inns serving delicious local meals and real ales.

Broughton-in-Furness to Coniston - 13 miles

Farm tracks, moorland paths and quiet lanes will take up most of today’s walk. After leaving Broughton-in-Furness, quiet grassy paths and field tracks will bring you to Woodland Hall where you have fantastic views over the Duddon Estuary. A gentle climb up to Beacon Tarn will be rewarded with views over the beautiful Coniston Fells. Follow one of the oldest roads in the Lake District - Walna Scar Road - which was an old packhorse route before Coniston Water springs into view. Further grassy paths and woodland tracks will bring you into the charming village of Coniston. Coniston is a delightful Lakeland village with a beautiful setting on the shores of Coniston Water.

Coniston to Ambleside - 15 miles

Your last day’s walk will certainly leave you feeling well exercised with much of it covering mountainous terrain. A strenuous climb up to the summit of Swirl How will bring you to a fantastic viewpoint offering a panorama of the surrounding Lakeland fells. Add to this some ridge walking across Great Carrs and Little Carrs and a steep descent to Wrynoe Pass and the hidden Red Tarn. The last part of the day will have you passing through the popular Lakeland valley, Great Langdale before reaching the charming village of Elterwater. From here, it is not long till you are back where you started in Ambleside where you can relax and celebrate finishing this wonderful walk!

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