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Wansfell, and Wansfell Pike

Sometimes a simple linear mountain walk is what's required, and this may fit that requirement admirably. The climb to Wansfell Pike over looking the town of Ambleside is steep but stone pitched for much of the way. Missed turns or navigationally challenging moments are quite unlikely. Even in the winter there is a steady stream of people ascending to the craggy top although a good deal fewer make the trek to the summit of Wansfell itself at the other end of the ridge. No matter - if you have no interesting in completing a tick list the views from the Pike are simply breathtaking and well worth the effort.

Stockghyll Force which you can visit on the way is on a tributary of the River Rothay, draining eventually into Windermere, it has a heavily industrialised past and used to be nicknamed Rattle Ghyll. Many of the old mill buildings whose wheels it used to turn can still be seen in Ambleside. Some are used as shops. They used to produce bobbins for silk and cotton thread, or to process wool so it was warm and tough, as well as grinding corn.

Note with care that the Wainwright of Wansfell is called Baystones and is clearly shown in Far Eastern Fells on page "Wansfell 4" as being on the south side of the wall crossing the ridge, where the Birkett of Wansfell is on the north side. Interestingly the OS 25K map displays a spot height of 487m (536 yards) north of the wall. Which one(s) you visit is up to you, enjoy though!

Parking in Ambleside is reasonably plentiful although it does get busy at holiday times. There is the main car park above the town centre on the A591 towards Rydal. And for longer stays the Miller Field car park at the bottom end of town is large and often has space when the other has filled up. There are a couple of smaller car parks dotted around too.