Ambleside
A typically picturesque Lakeland village, Ambleside lies beside the River Rothay, in a valley between the hills of Wansfell and Loughrigg Fell.
A town made up of slate stonewalls and cottages, Ambleside is full of quaint corners. The most renowned landmark of the town is the Old Bridge House, a curious narrow 17th Century house built on the bridge spanning the Stock Beck. This tiny residence was once a Weaver’s Shop, a place for storing cider apples and is now in the care of the National Trust.
Ambleside is an attractive base for walking, touring or climbing, the town is well stocked with outdoor equipment shops and tearooms and located beside a range of fells for seasoned climbers to enthusiastic novices. Routes along Loughrigg and Stockghyll Force are renowned for their scenic beauty. Loughrigg, leads on to Grasmere through steep hills woodland and farms and Stockghyll Force takes you through farmland and on to the rocky outcrop of Jenkins Crag via the peaceful village of Troutbeck. In this pretty village far from the crowds, you can take a peek at 17th Century farm life in the preserved Town End farm.
Half way to Grasmere is the hamlet of Rydal overlooking the small lake of Rydal Water. Here is one of the Lakeland’s most esteemed attractions Rydal Mount, a 16th Century farmhouse, home to William Wordsworth until his death.
Ambleside is located at a crossroad junction for fabulous scenic drives along winding mountain roads. The Kirkdale Pass takes you through the graceful Troutbeck Valley and on to Ullswater. While driving westward, the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, take you around the awe-inspiring peaks of the Langdale Fells, which include the tallest mountain in England , Scafell Pike (977m).
