Ambleside - Wansfell - Troutbeck - Orrest Head - Windermere - 5th October 2010

4 hours

 

Leaving Old Lake Road in Ambleside we climbed up through the houses until we came to a path which contours around to the left towards the foot of Wansfell. We turned abruptly right and began the climb to Wansfell peak. Althought this is a climb of just over 400 meters, the path is well made in a series of stepping stones, which makes the climb much easier. It was wet and windy and Wansfell peak was shrouded in mist. We did not daly long at the peak, passing through a gate on the Troutbeck side for the descent. In just under two hours we had reached Troutbeck and had our reward, a pint of "Black Sheep" in The Mortal Man. Exiting the Mortal Man we dropped further into the valley towards the caravan site, and then picked up a trail almost due south towards Windermere. The first part of the trail was clear and obvious, but it became progressively less obvious and very boggy due to the heavy rain. We had to make our own route to some extent, crossing slate styles which were a bit tricky due to the rain, but eventually we came to the road at Near Orrest. After a short walk down the road we branched off to the left and began the short ascent of Orrest Head, a marvellous view point overlooking Windermere. After lunch at Orrest Head we headed down to Windermere Station, and took a bus back to Ambleside.

 

Looking back to Troutbeck and Wansfell from Orrest Head

At Orrest Head

At Orrest Head

View over Lake Windermere towards Ambleside

View over Lake Windermere towards Bowness on Windermere