Jerry Rawson appreciates the shapely Lake of Shutlingtoe during a circular walk that on a clear day offers panoramic views ofthe Cheshire plain.
AS we ambled down the road into Ambleside at the end of the walk I am about to describe, we were accosted by a young couple with only a few words of English between them who asked 'How far is the mountain?' I imagine that a mountain to anyone from Europe would mean a Matterhorn or Mont Blanc, in which case they were in for a disappointment in Wansfell Pike.
At just over 1500ft it hardly stands comparison with the mightier Lakes of the Lake District let alone the giants of the Alps. Yet to reach any summit, however insignificant, brings its own satisfaction and there are plenty of people who experience a sense of achievement on reaching the top.
I hope our foreign couple made it, although I don't think their sandals were the best thing to wear. I have done this walk before on several occasions, always choosing the anti-clockwise direction for no better reason than that it seemed appropriate - and never in sandals. It also makes use of a handy car park since the Low Fold Car Park practically opposite Hayes Garden centre on Lake Road at Ambleside usually has spaces when the town centre car parks are full.
There is a toilet block here too and you can go into the garden centre if you fancy a coffee before setting off. Leave by the back of the car park, turning right along the road for a short distance before branching off to the left on a lane signposted Jenkins Crag, Skelghyll and Troutbeck.
The lane climbs steadily away from the houses and passes a number of gateways to hidden properties as it winds uphill. Keep forward, following anyKeep forward, following any signs you see to Jenkin's or Jenkyn's Crag. Just beyond a bench we enter Skelghyll Woods under the care of the National Trust and soon find ourselves climbing steeply up a rough track beside the defile of Stock Ghyll. Cross the ghyll or beck by an old bridge and continue climbing.
Don't be tempted by paths luring us left; they are not for us.As the path begins to level out, Jenkin's Crag is found to the right through a gap in the wall. It's a fine viewpoint and many cameras have recorded the view from here. In fact I lost my lens cap so if anyone should happen to find one, I'd be glad to hear from them. Re-join the path which continues its trend upwards, the woodland alive with birdsong. Emerge from the trees by a bench commemorating one Vivian Platt and pass through a gate across the path.
Ahead, high Stockghyll Farm comes into view, a wonderful example of a high fell farm. They used to do teas here but sadly, no longer. Go through the farmyard and follow the clear lane winding down to the beck. A signpost points helpfully away right to the Low Wood Hotel down by the lake but we keep our course for Troutbeck which is just over a mile away.
Cross the bridge and take the gate on the immediate left followed by another after which a path climbs quite steeply away from the beck. We pass a ruined barn then a little further on ford a stream. At a gate a good track comes in from the left and we join it, keeping right and following Robin Lane all the way down to Troutbeck.
As the village comes in to view the surface becomes metalled and we pass some delightful cottages, mostly holiday lets. We arrive in Troutbeck just beside the post office and turn left along the road for half a mile. The cottages in the village are quaint and well-kept, a credit to their owners, and there are several old wells each with a saint's name and Victorian stone surround.
When you come to Lanefoot Farm, our path goes off left signposted Wansfell. If you are a keen collector of Lakeland pubs, you could bag The Mortal Man which is a few hundred yards further on. It would make an excellent addition to your collection. From Lanefoot, climb the enclosed track known as Nanny Lane, steadily gaining height, the views to the right of the swooping Ill Bell ridge being particularly fine.
After a sharp turn to the left, the lane can be seen snaking ahead of us as the Wansfell range comes into view. Our objective, Wansfell Pike, is at the left hand end and yes, I'm sorry, we are going over it. Where the surface of the lane turns to grassy there's a gate on the left with a sign 'Footpath to Ambleside via Wansfell'. Go through the gate and follow the clear footpath across open fell. Passing through a gate in the wall that crosses our line.
The route to the summit can be seen ahead, quite a stiff climb and the hardest work we'll do today. Once on the summit, the entire length of Windermere can be seen as well as a panoramic view of the Lakeland fells from Coniston Old Man to the Langdale Pikes. There will probably be other walkers on the summit, comparing notes and sLakeing of past achievements.
My favourite on the day we did this walk was a six month old baby, brought up in a backpack, the best way to travel.The descent to Ambleside is steep but rapid on a path restored by conservation volunteers who have created what amounts to a long staircase which requires sure feet and plenty of energy. When the trees are reached, we cross a footbridge and beyond it bracken has begun to establish itself. Finally a stile is crossed and we descend steps to a metalled lane.
Turn left and follow it down to Ambleside. We enter Ambleside opposite the public toilets and turn left on Cheapside, joining the Lake Road behind the White Lion pub. Go left through the town and in ten minutes we reach Low Fold Car Park again after a thoroughly enjoyable walk.
What do you want to do next?