Wansfell – Lake District Walks
March 11, 2021
Wansfell Pike is a standout fell top always visible to the east of Ambleside and one which we have ventured up a few times. Â Only on reading Mr. Wainwright’s chapter on Wansfell did we realise that the pike was not in fact the true summit. Â This of course gave us reason enough to explore the fell again.
Know before you go
Wansfell’s highest point is 1597 feet (487 metres). Â Wansfell Pike, which in my opinion has a far better view, is only 16 feet lower, less than 5 metres. Â Only a true Wainwright bagger will feel the need to yomp the extra 15 minutes to get to the “true” top. Â Did we?…well, yes actually we did. Â Number 178/214 in Wainwright’s fells. Â
Two tips for what not to do:
- Go up in snow. Â This fell is extremely popular, so on a snow-topped day, unless you’re one of the first up, the well-stomped path gets really slippery.
- Go up in ice. Â The steps from Ambleside get ice-covered and very slippery, as does the ascent from Troutbeck. Â Not impossible, but quite precarious. Â A pair of crampons would certainly assist.
- Take the path up from the north. Â It’s really boggy, not very pleasant and there’s nothing of note to make it worthwhile. Â Do join us for our walk up this way….then you don’t have to:
A great circular walk of Wansfell
This is a fantastic 8 mile circular and IMHO the best way round to do a walk up Wansfell. Â Going up via Troutbeck, there are the most amazing views out to Windermere with a walk through stunning farmland and small hamlets. Â Coming down from Wansfell Pike to Ambleside is an easy (not in snow) stepped path, ending at the Stockghyll Force waterfalls and an easy walk back into town.
The summit
The best views are definitely from Wansfell Pike. Â The whole of Lake Windermere can be seen and there are uninterrupted views of the surrounding fells, especially to the north of Red Screes and the fells around Kirkstone Pass. Â It seems from the true summit that Wansfell Pike itself blocks the views out to the lake.
Remind me, when did we say we’re going to swap lives for a few months so you come back to crunch xls ?!? ;-))
Keep the dream up!
Loved taking a little hike with you Jackie!
Hope to do it IRL soon as we miss you both and can’t wait for your visit 🙂