Distance:8.36 miles Time: 5hr:25mins (inc. stops) Total ascent: 569m
For our second expedition, we walked up to Wansfell Pike from Ambleside, and onwards to the Mortal Man pub in Troutback, returning via Skelghyll Woods
Not long after leaving Ambleside, there’s a pleasant woodland walk which leads towards Stock Ghyll Force.
This is a waterfall with plenty of vantage points for photos.
We didn’t stop for long, as we were on a mission to reach the pub on the other side of the hill!
After leaving the woods, there’s a short section of road before beginning the main climb up to Wansfell.
As we approached the summit we heard a helicopter approaching which then landed to assist with moving some rocks around. We had to wait until the chopper finished its work before the final push to the top.
Once at the summit we were able to look down on Loughrigg and appreciate how much higher we’d got.
Sarah assumed what was going to become her “Wainwright Pose” for each summit photograph.
After a short rest to take in the view, we continued from the peak to make a gradual descent into Troutbeck.
Fairly easy walking, but the last 500m is a fairly gravelly farm track. Once off that, it’s a short diversion to the Mortal Man.
After a well earned beer and lunch at the pub, we walked back along the road through Troutbeck before a mild ascent up a farm track. The going was very easy, and we were treated to many great views of Windermere as we edged our way back to Ambleside.
Skelghyll woods had a very ancient feel about it, with elderly trees and rocks heavily daubed in rich green moss.
A very enjoyable route, would be happy to repeat it!
Edit: we later realized we’d missed the actual Wainwright which lies to the north of Wansfell Pike. We will return!