As the property we were staying at was called "Wansfell" and was located at the Sweden Bridge end of Ambleside, it was appropriate that out first walk of the 2012 "campaign" should be Wansfell.

The Wansfell walk is noted for its panoramic views over Ambleside and Lake Windermere as well as good views over Troutbeck. The trail starts in Central Ambleside and climbs via a roadway until the road peters out and is replaced by a gravel hiking trail. After a short while the trail goes off to the right with a steep climb to Wansfell at 1,581 feet. Here there was a chill wind so we stopped only briefly to admire the view over Lake Windermere. The path drops down from Wansfell descending esatwards towards Troutbeck over gently undulating land. An enclosed trackway is soon reached (Nanny Lane) which drops down to the roadway. To the left along this road is The Mortal Man pub, and to the right is the Post Office where it is possible to get a tea or a coffee. From the Post Office is a bridleway, Robin Lane, which contours round towards Ambleside, passing through High Skelghyll Farm. Even though the track is quite low down, there are still good views over Lake Windermere.