Meeting Time and Place: 09:15, Market Cross by ‘Ambleside Hub’ opposite Market Place, Ambleside Town Centre.
Start Time: 09:30
Finish Time: 16:00 approx
Parking / Public Transport: Plenty of pay and display options In Ambleside centre. Bus Services 599 Kendal – Grasmere, 555 Keswick – Kendal, check Sunday summer timetable.
Grading: Moderate – Strenuous (no technical difficulties)
Ascent: 2500 ft in total – shorter rather than sustained long ascents
Terrain: Mix of roadside walking, bridleways, footpaths on rough ground through open fellsides, and easier ground through parkland and woodland.
Miles: 10 approx.
Walk Description:
An outing to the excellent small summits of Loughrigg Fell and Silver Howe. Excellent intimate views of the countryside around Grasmere and Rydal Water, Rothay Valley and to the surrounding fells.
Leaving Ambleside town centre we walk through Rothay Park and cross over the River Rothay. We then follow the road up to Brow Head Farm and climb gradually uphill following the bridleway that links with Loughrigg Tarn. At the col we strike up to Ivy Crag which provides great views of the Langdale Valley. The path then undulates along the ridgeline leading us to the summit of Loughrigg Fell. The descent off the summit is rather steep but shortlived, with downward views to Grasmere Lake. Heading westwards we leave Loughrigg Terrace path and follow the Red Bank Road for a short while, passing High Close Youth Hostel before then following the up and down ridge between Loughrigg Fell and Silver Howe. A number of summits are traversed; Huntingstile Crag, Dow Bank and Spedding Crag . Leaving the ridge we ascend north up to Silver Howe summit, the second and last main summit of the day. From the summit, our direction is north east to Grasmere Village, the path takes us past some Waterfalls and is steep in parts. The ‘return leg’ of the walk brings us through Grasmere Village centre to Town End and follows the ‘Coffin Route’ north of Rydal Water. From Rydal we walk through Rydal Park to Scandale Bridge followed by a short stretch of roadside walking and back to Ambleside Town Centre.
Health and Safety: Please dress for the weather conditions, waterproofs if forecast rain/showers, bring sunhat, suncream and sunglasses if forecast sunny or even just a bright day. Please bring sturdy footwear.
Food/Drink: Please bring plenty of water – and lots if forecast is particularly warm/hot as it can be in July! and plenty of food. We will take plenty of stops especially if very warm/hot.
Contact: If you like to join this walk, please contact Damian on 07796 654 031 by no later than 8pm on Saturday 16 July. If you have any questions about the walk please contact the walk leader in advance.