APR25: A waterfall wander to Wansfell
4 people attending
16 places left
#GetOutMore this April!
This event is one of loads of events taking place over the same weekend! Check out all the events over the weekend of 4-6 April 2025: OutdoorLads.events/APR25. Great for new and regular members!
Join Ian as we hike in the footsteps of Wainwright. Wansfell Pike is a popular destination but in fact it's actually the lower companion of Baystones, a summit a kilometre to the northeast.
The confusion is partly Wainwright's doing, for he names Baystones as Wansfell in his books, and no doubt many fell walkers ascend Wansfell Pike thinking they've reached the true summit. In mitigation it has to be said that Wansfell Pike is a far nicer top than Baystones.
The walk starts in Ambleside near the Salutation Hotel in the centre. From here we'll head up Stockghyll Lane and follow the footpath that runs alongside the ghyll towards Stockghyll Force waterfall.
We'll have the opportunity to take photos of the falls before we make our ascent to Wansfell.
As the summit nears, the path passes through a rocky patch and soon leads to the summit of Wansfell (482m.) Panoramic views towards Langdale, Coniston fells and Fairfield in particular. We then head along the ridge wall to the highest point, Wansfell Pike (487m) which is marked by a cairn.
The descent down from the fell takes us along fairly easy terrain towards the village of Troutbeck, where we may stop for a pint at the Mortal Man pub.
The final part of the walk takes us through the village along lanes, tracks, and through the delightful Skelghyll Wood back to Ambleside.
Weather conditions
We may need to change the walk or postpone it in the event that weather conditions would make it unsafe. I will let you know as soon as I can if this looks likely.
Dog Suitability
The route should be OK for well behaved dogs that are used to lowland hill walks, but please note they will need to be on a lead where livestock is present and may need lifting/carrying over obstacles e.g. stiles.
New Members
Please feel free to sign up as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Waitlist: if this event is fully booked and you want to participate, just add yourself to the wait list because places usually become available closer to the date.
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All photos taken by the Event Leader & permission granted for use
What to bring
Water: bring plenty of water (2 Litres)
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: ideally designed for hiking. Fell/trail running shoes with decent grips also OK but not your best white trainers!
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: No jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry, and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproofs: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and hydration
Water (ideally 2litres)
Hot flask
You will find a Tesco Express in Ambleside located in Market Place, and a Co-Op store located on Compston Road, also a Budgens & Spa Store in the village.
Ambleside also has its fair share of cafes
If you need the shop or wish to grab something to go, then please do so before meeting up, as we won't be near any shops once we start walking.
There'll be an optional stop at one of Ambleside’s pubs for a well earned refreshment once we're back in the village at the end of the walk.