Far Orrest – Bentham Footpath Group

Windermere to Ambleside – bus back

9.0 miles | 14.5 km | 472m Ascent | 11.4 Naismith miles | Rick Clapham
Last week we walked in Coverdale and noted how remarkably few visitors it had. This week, we walk from Windermere to Ambleside – and find that the same description does not apply. In fact, if you ask Google (other search engines are available) where the busiest places in the Lake District are, the answer is Windermere and Ambleside.
So, did we fall into a tourist hell hole? Not at all: Skilful route selection meant that for much of the walk we were free from crowds, and even the ever popular Orrest Head was approached by the less well known Common Wood route. From the Head we take the Dubbs Road to Dubbs Reservoir and then down to Limefitt where we cross the Trout Beck, and then the A592. After a quick look at Jesus Church, we climb to Troutbeck village before taking Robin Lane through Skelghyll Wood and then down to Waterhead in Ambleside. A convenient bus back to Windermere ends the trip.

Windermere to Ambleside – bus back Read More »

School Knott and Orrest Head

7.2 miles | 11.6 km | 368 m Ascent | 9.0 Naismith miles | Susan Badley
A quick glance at our website shows how much we like the fells to the East of Windermere – not only are they easy to get to from Bentham, but they are less crowded than some other Lake District destinations and offer some stunning views. This walk adds to our portfolio and starts from Ings where there is convenient parking.
We head toward Windermere via the viewpoint at School Knott, and then re-cross the railway and the A591 to find a route up Orrest Head via Common Wood.
We carry on heading north until we get to Far Orrest, then on to Town End via footbridges over Trout Beck. Finally, we return to the A591 near the Brockhole visitor centre, where we catch a bus back to Ings.