Local Walks
5 – Instagram Worthy Walks
We have been helping people plan their best days in the Lake District National Park for over 350 years. We love nothing more than sharing a few tips to help you get the best out of your trip.
So, whether you’re looking for a perfect view of Windermere, a link to Beatrix Potter or even William Wordsworth we have walks that tick all the boxes, plus every one comes with an Instagram moment that will make everyone jealous they are not with you!
1. Stock Ghyll Force – A Short Walk to Big Scenery
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Overview:
A short but beautiful walk right from the hotel. It’s a lovely shady walk through the back streets towards Wansfell where you will reach Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall. It was once a prized attraction for Victorian tourists, the falls also powered the early wool mills that built Ambleside’s economy. The route can be extended slightly by looping along the woodland paths.
- Instagram Moment #1: Capture the main waterfall framed by the trees from the viewing platform for a classic Lakeland shot.
- Historic Nugget: In the 19th century, visitors paid a penny to view Stock Ghyll — an early example of Lake District tourism. Keats when he stayed at our hotel before visiting Wordsworth (yes William Wordsworth) did this walk in the morning then came back for our hotel breakfast.
- Instagram Moment #2: Pause at the overflowing wide falls in the woods it makes quite a noise!
2. Loughrigg Fell – A Classic Fell with 360 Rewards
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Overview:
The perfect walk whatever the season. With beautiful views in every direction from the top. It’s a manageable climb with an unbeatable summit view that gives you a real sense of achievement.
- Instagram Moment #1: The summit trig point overlooking Windermere — a breathtaking backdrop for a victory pose or exhausted, glad we made it pose!
- Historic Nugget: Loughrigg was one of Wordsworth’s favourite local walks, appearing in his writing as a place of solitude and inspiration. He was walking from Ambleside too, Rydal Mount was his home from 1818 until his death.
- Instagram Moment #2: Go over the top and capture beautiful little Loughrigg Tarn, the perfect place for a wild swim dip after a day on your feet.
3. Rydal Water and Grasmere Circular – A Lakeside Classic
Distance: 7.5 miles round trip
Overview:
Walk directly from Ambleside via the old “Coffin Route” (the historic trail used for carrying the dead from Rydal to Grasmere) to reach the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere. It’s a walk you won’t forget and on the way back there are plenty of historic watering holes waiting for you!
- Instagram Moment #1: Capture the mirrored reflections at Rydal Water’s northern shore and the Swallows and Amazon-esque island.
- Historic Nugget: The Coffin Route dates back centuries, offering a living link to local traditions and Lakeland life. Yes, you’re following the route of the dead. Don’t think about it too much!
- Instagram Moment #2: Venture inside Rydal Cave to frame a dramatic photo looking out through the stone doorway. If you’re lucky, you’ll have it to yourself and get the perfect circle of the cave reflecting in the water.
4. Wansfell Pike – Short, sharp and steep but wow is it worth it
Distance: 4 miles round trip – or 2.5 miles up and down the same way
Overview:
One of the best walks to see the dawn break. Easy from the hotel, it’s the road behind us which runs up past Stock Ghyll Force. Straight up, and up a bit more, the signpost and high stile to Wansfell shows you the way to a beautiful view of Windermere below. Pack a picnic, you won’t leave the summit in a hurry.
- Instagram Moment #1: Capture the expansive view of Windermere and its islands from the summit, with the fells rising behind.
- Historic Nugget: Wansfell Pike is mentioned in the writings of William Wordsworth, who admired its peaceful beauty and surrounding landscape.
- Instagram Moment #2 The path offers multiple spots for catching great shots of the lake framed by the distant mountains. Go early and watch the sunrise. Its incredible.
5. Tarn Hows – Reflecting Waters and Flat. Perfect for Everyone.
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Starting Point: Monk Coniston Car Park
Overview:
A stunning and relatively easy walk from Monk Coniston through peaceful woodlands, leading to the iconic Tarn Hows. Famous for its exceptional beauty, this route showcases tranquil woodlands, with the tarn offering perfect reflections of the surrounding hills. Spring brings a riot of wildflowers along the way, including primroses and wood anemones.
- Instagram Moment #1: The perfectly still water of Tarn Hows, framed by the trees, is a classic photo op.
- Pro Tip: The walk is easy, making it great for all abilities — and is especially beautiful in any season but autumn is when it really pops!
- Historic Nugget: Beatrix Potter, famous for her children’s stories, was instrumental in preserving Tarn Hows. She used her inheritance to buy the land and protect its beauty.
