Height: 487 metres / 1598 feet Grid reference: NY 40370 05267 Category: The Far Eastern Fells
Windermere and Wansfell Pike from Wansfell
The far eastern fells from Wansfell
Wansfell
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 09:50
Weather: Sunny with snow showers. 4ºC
More cold weather today and it was sunny around the fringes of the Lake District but many of the higher tops were shrouded in cloud; cloud that looked heavily snow laden. Even lowly Wansfell had a good few snow flurries blowing across whilst I was up there but in between there were some decent views.
At the start of Nanny Lane.
Ill Bell across the fields.
Following the walls...
...right to the end.
Sunshine and snow clouds.
On the summit of Wansfell.
Windermere and Wansfell.
Caught in the sun - Dougal and Casper.
It's behind you! A snow storm blowing in.
Looking across Ambleside....all was good until I realised I had dropped a glove so made a return to Wansfell summit. Luckily it hadn't blown away, so not too bad.
Wansfell Pike ahead.
Kirkstone Pass.
Looking back to Wansfell.
Across Ambleside, Loughrigg and Lingmoor to Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes.
A panoramic view from Wansfell Pike. Select on the image to see a larger version.
Close up on Bowfell and The Langdales.
Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.
Mono Windermere in the bright sunshine.
Heading back to Troutbeck.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 09:45
Weather: Strong winds and snow. 2ºC
It took me a while to decide where to walk this morning, I visited Coniston and Langdale before deciding to have a look to the east where it all seemed much brighter. After struggling up The Struggle in full winter conditions and with the snow still falling heavily, I decided to head back down the Kirkstone Pass before it became impassable…
Wansfell route map.
The Kirkstone Pass Inn. On with the walk, Wansfell looked clear and as it is of relatively modest height it seemed like a decent bet...
...until I set off when it started snowing heavily once more.
It was also very windy along here, I sheltered behind the wall to take this photo and was on the verge of turning back but decided to plod on hoping the wind would blow away the snow clouds.
Nanny Lane.
The first glimmer of brightness and the Ill Bell ridge comes into view.
Peeping over the snowy wall to get a view of Sallows.
Casper, the snow monster. Those two dogs are like spring lambs once they are in the snow, rolling around and chasing each other and generally enjoying themselves.
'You go that-away and I'll go this-away'. Once we climbed up onto the summit of Wansfell the wind was really strong...
...aaaghh! Hold on tight boys!
Bleak midwinter on the Wansfell ridge - the snow was horizontal along here. Surprisingly, I didn't see anyone today!
Following the wall to Wansfell Pike.
A sudden clearing in the clouds and Ambleside and Rydal Water come into view below.
Wetherlam beyond Wansfell Pike.
Crossing the wall.
Windermere with the back of the snow showers being blown down the water.
A little bit of sunshine at the southern end of Windermere.
Clearing to the north, Kirkstone Pass is distant left of centre.
Wow, the briefest of brief clearings reveals the full length of Windermere from Wansfell Pike.
Looking back to Wansfell, Ill Bell beyond.
Another brief parting of the clouds and Red Screes becomes visible.
Sunburst over Windermere. As soon as I left the summit of Wansfell Pike the snow came back with a vengeance and all views were once more obliterated.
On the decent of Nanny Lane.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – Wansfell Pike – Wansfell – Baystones – The Hundreds – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 345 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 08:35
Weather: Cool and clear. 2°C
I think Wansfell was a good choice this morning as it was clear over there whereas some of the higher fells to the north and east seemed to be under a good bit of cloud. There was a great inversion over Windermere and Ambleside and there were good views of it from up there and a lovely sunrise to boot!
Wansfell route map.
Troutbeck.
The sun rising over Sour Howes, looking back along Nanny Lane.
All aglow from higher up.
The Ill Bell ridge across Troutbeck Park.
Casper and Dougal on a mission heading along Nanny Lane.
Looking back once more to a beautiful sunrise over mist filled valleys.
The Hundreds.
Dod Hill.
The climb to Wansfell.
Suddenly as we climbed to Wansfell the sun disappeared behind a heavy blanket of cloud and things became a lot duller for Dougal and Casper on the frozen (Wainwright) summit of Wansfell.
Across the wall is the highest point on Wansfell called Baystones, the Birkett summit of Wansfell - here looking towards Wansfell and Wansfell Pike.
Back to the generally accepted summit before heading to Wansfell Pike.
Looking back along the wall to Wansfell, Caudale Moor beyond.
Shortly before climbing to the summit of Wansfell Pike the sun came out again.
There was a lovely inversion over a very still Windermere today looking from Wansfell Pike.
Misty Windermere.
Bowness and the southern reaches of Windermere are under there somewhere.
The Coniston fells.
Ambleside church spire reaching out through the mist.
Dougal checks out 'The Isle of Loughrigg'.
A panoramic view from Wansfell Pike.
Fairfield and Red Screes across Stock Ghyll.
The Wansfell ridge.
What a stunning view from Wansfell Pike today.
The valleys are under mist to the east as well.
Looking back to Wansfell Pike heading back to Nanny Lane.
Homeward bound. Back down at Bowness...
Wansfell, left and the Ill Bell ridge to the right from the very edge of the inversion on Queen Adelaide's Hill.
Misty jetty at Miller Ground.
Trees reflected.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 20 minutes Start Time: 09:15
Weather: Showers. 14C
Once more everywhere looked pretty grim this morning but sheltered Wansfell looked a fair bet for a dry – if soggy underfoot – walk. Of course we were caught in the odd shower or two and there was no one around anywhere whilst we were up there. Great walk though, I like it up there.
Wansfell route map.
Damp over the Troutbeck rooftops.
Looking back along Nanny Lane from the climb towards Sour Howes and Applethwaite Common.
The boys (having gone ahead) return to see where I am.
Dougal checks out the route of return - we are continuing along the walled track.
The Hundreds looking to Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell.
Sallows from the final climb to Wansfell.
The summit of Wansfell looking towards Caudale Moor and Park Fell Head.
Damp Dougal and Casper on Wansfell with Wansfell Pike beyond.
Rain, rain everywhere looking west.
Heading for Wansfell Pike.
Looking back to Wansfell along the ridge.
...and again...
...and the other way.
Red Screes.
It's raining on Wansfell Pike.
Windermere from the descent.
Casper didn't think he was quite wet enough after the walk so he had a lie down in this beck running through Troutbeck.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – Wansfell Pike – Wansfell – Baystones – The Hundreds – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 345 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes
Weather: Cool and clear. 4ºC
As I headed towards Bowness alongside Windermere I could see the mist was hanging over the lake as so often happens on these cooler mornings and Coniston was similarly attired under mist too when I passed it earlier. I headed up to Wansfell under glorious sunshine for a great view of the lake and wasn’t disappointed – it was beautiful up there this morning, very quiet and tranquil.
Wansfell route map.
Troutbeck sunrise.
Nanny Lane has a lovely golden hue in the rising sun this morning.
The Hundreds - I turned off here to head up to Wansfell Pike but the route of return was along this lane.
Looking back along a gloriously sunny Nanny Lane.
This is the way for us today.
First glimpse of Windermere under the mist.
These two seem to be in a hurry to make it to the top.
Windermere inversion.
Bowness is under there somewhere, to the distant right is Gummer's How.
The western banks of Windermere.
Trees float in a sea of fog.
All was quiet, tranquil and calm this morning.
Looking along Little Langdale, also has low lying mist along the River Brathay and there is a big plug of cloud over Wrynose Pass.
The stunning view from Wansfell Pike.
A magnificent panorama across to the Coniston fells to the Langdale Pikes.
Red Screes and Caudale Moor.
I could sit here all day if it would last.
'What are you doing?' wonders Dougal.
Wansfell Pike summit.
The wall heading to Wansfell.
Looking back to Wansfell Pike from the walk along the ridge.
Following the great wall of Wansfell...
...and back again.
The path to Wansfell, the cairn visible towards the top left.
Wansfell Pike from Wansfell.
Casper and Dougal looking golden in the early sunshine.
The far eastern fells from Wansfell.
Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell from Baystones - over the wall from Wansfell.
Belle Isle puts in an appearance through the mist.
A plaque on the wall from Wansfell - a good job done too.
Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick from Nanny Lane.
Troutbeck. Meanwhile, the mist was still hanging over Windermere back down in Bowness...
Bowness from Queen Adelaide's Hill.
Looking across Windermere to Claife Heights.
Beautiful across Meregarth to the Fairfield fells.
Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes reflected in Windermere.
Queen Adelaide's Hill.
Windermere from Biskey Howe.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes
Weather: Clearing with the odd shower. 8°C.
I ended up in a similar area to the walk I did earlier in the week, starting from Troutbeck up to Wansfell. It is a good little walk this and the views from lowly Wansfell are good. The weather turned out much better than I expected as it was raining with a really low cloud base at home – even Gummer’s How was not visible today when I went past. I know someone who wasn’t bothered what the weather did today though…
Over the rooftops of Troutbeck to Sour Howes.
The view to Sour Howes from further along Nanny Lane.
Walking along Nanny Lane. I followed the walled section to the end, up to the right.
Casper seems to be enjoying the muddy section!
The cloud is lifting on the Ill Bell ridge beyond Dod Hill from The Hundreds.
Up onto Baystones, the summit of Wansfell and the rain has started - not that Casper seems to mind.
Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag through the clearing drizzle from Wansfell.
Heading for Wansfell Pike.
Pets Quarry on the slopes of Red Screes. The Kirkstone quarry slate is world renowned and the Kirkstone Green slate when polished is really beautiful, very tactile and organic. For the last month or so I have been using a piece as a mouse mat and it is absolutely fantastic, so good that I have had some made, inscribed with the StridingEdge.net logo. If you would like more details on how to get one and have a little piece of the Lake District at your fingertips, please let me know.
A squelchy walk across to Wansfell Pike.
Wetherlam, left, clearing of cloud a little.
Rydal Water and the Langdale Pikes.
Red Screes.
Wansfell along the wall from the walk to Wansfell Pike.
Casper leading the way to Wansfell Pike.
Looking along Stock Ghyll to the Kirkstone Pass which lies in the depression between Red Screes and Caudale Moor.
A great view of Windermere from Wansfell Pike.
The view across Ambleside to Loughrigg Fell and the Langdales beyond.
A panoramic view from Wansfell Pike. Select on the image to see a larger version.
A brief spell of brightness and lifting cloud once more on the far eastern fells.
Close up on Bowness and Bowness Bay.
Caudale Moor. To the left is the Kirkstone Pass road and the Kirkstone Pass Inn with one of the Angletarn Pikes in view.
Casper lords it over Windermere.
The descent back to Troutbeck.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 3.7 miles Total Ascent: 350 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes
Weather: Warm, sunny spells. 15oC.
Everywhere seemed to be in cloud this morning but standing out from the rest like a golden beacon stood Wansfell, bathed in sunshine. That was good enough for me; it is a pretty quick walk to the top from Troutbeck and the views are quite extensive from here.
It was all looking a bit dull early on this morning, the only place that appeared to have any sun was the top of Wansfell. This view is looking back along Nanny Lane to Sour Howes across Troutbeck.
Following the lane across The Hundreds with the Wansfell ridge getting some sun.
looking back along the boggy lane with a first glimpse of Windermere.
Dod Hill. Beyond, the Yoke - ill Bell - Froswick ridge is covered in a thick blanket of cloud.
Red Screes and Broad End of St. Ravens Edge from the summit of Wansfell.
The central fells.
Windermere and Wansfell Pike from Wansfell.
Casper and Angus on the summit.
Casperoo.
The Langdale Pikes are covered in cloud, below is Rydal Water and a hint of Grasmere.
Looking to the west.
St. Raven's Edge.
Following the ridge alongside the wall to Wansfell Pike. Looks like there are one or two people up there today.
All the cloud seems to be emanating on the western side of Red Screes.
Looking back to Wansfell on the ridge to Wansfell Pike.
Kirkstone Pass is between Red Screes and Caudale Moor.
Windermere from Wansfell Pike.
Red Screes. The road running beneath it is The Struggle, the stream to the right is Stock Ghyll which runs through the centre of Ambleside further down.
The central fells over Ambleside.
Wansfell Pike from the descent.
Back to Nanny Lane, all is sunny now!
A host of golden Daffodils at Troutbeck Church.
Looking good in the sunshine.
The church.
A strange blanket of cloud over Wetherlam from Miller Howe on the way home.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – The Hundreds – Wansfell – Wansfell Pike – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 427 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes
Weather: Overcast with showers. 14ºC.
It was another overcast morning with plenty of showers to accompany us on a walk up to Wansfell and Wansfell Pike from Troutbeck. There is a great view along the length of Windermere from Wansfell and it is well worth a visit. Looking south, it was a lot brighter – here’s hoping some summer weather returns soon!
Sour Howes across the roofs of Troutbeck.
The old walled Nanny Lane across The Hundreds.
Looking back along Nanny Lane towards Windermere, just coming into view.
More of Windermere from the climb up to Wansfell.
Caudale Moor, Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell.
The clouds sticking to Caudale Moor and Thornthwaite Crag.
Red Screes from Wansfell.
Windermere and Wansfell Pike from the summit of Wansfell.
Casper watches Angus running round and round, Red Screes behind.
Red Screes from the ridge to Wansfell Pike.
Looking north-west over Ambleside, the clouds closing in on the Langdales and beyond. Rydal Water is to the right.
Looking back towards Wansfell, Place Fell in view through the gap of Kirkstone Pass between Red Screes and Caudale Moor.
A full view of Windermere from Wansfell Pike.
A ghostly shot of the Langdales.
Looking down on Ambleside.
Kirkstone Pass.
Belle Isle and yachts on Windermere.
Pensive Casper.
A panoramic Windermere view.
The rain is coming in from Ambleside now.
...and from the north, so let's go!
Only when I'm ready!
Wansfell
Start point: Ambleside (NY 376 043)
Ambleside – Stockghyll Force – Wansfell Pike – Wansfell – Ambleside
Distance: 4.9 miles Total Ascent: 554 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 50 minutes
Weather: Miserable – no, worse – it was absolutely miserable. 10°C.
The morning started off sunny and bright, right until I reached Ambleside when the clouds came in and it wasn’t long before the heavens opened. That’s the way it stayed right through this walk, the highlight being Stockghyll Force; the rest of the walk saw no views. I think Angus was wishing for his hair back on top of Wansfell Pike as it was decidedly chilly. There was me thinking it would soon be summer when I had his hair cut..
Wansfell route map.
The weir and lower falls on Stock Ghyll.
Stockghyll Force.
...and again from further up.
A blustery, cold and wet Wansfell Pike summit.
The ridge from Wansfell Pike to Wansfell.
Wansfell summit.
Loughrigg Fell in cloud over Ambleside.
Wansfell
Start point: Troutbeck (NY 409 032)
Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – Wansfell (77) – Wansfell Pike (78) – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck
Weather: Dull and overcast.
A short walk this morning to Wansfell and Wansfell Pike on a murky day, a complete contrast to yesterday. Wansfell overlooks Ambleside and gives fantastic views of Windermere.
The route starts at Troutbeck and follows a track known as Nanny Lane.
Nanny Lane at the beginning of the walk. Follow the walled lane as far as it goes - approximately a mile and a half.
The Wansfell ridge from further up the lane. Over a stile and follow the right angle of the wall all the way to the cairned summit of Wansfell, on the right hand side of the wall.
Wansfell Pike from Wansfell.
Red Screes, Kirkstone Pass and Caudale Moor from the summit of Wansfell. Then it's a south-westerly traverse over grassy hummocks to Wansfell Pike.
Windermere from the summit of Wansfell Pike.
The Fairfield horseshoe from Wansfell Pike. Then its back down the prominent path back to Nanny Lane and Troutbeck.
Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick from Nanny Lane.
Troutbeck
Troutbeck Church – The Howe – Sour Howes (162) – Sallows (163) – Hagg Gill – Troutbeck Park- Troutbeck Tongue (164) – Ing – Town Head – Troutbeck – Nanny Lane – Wansfell (165) – Nanny Lane – Troutbeck – Troutbeck Church
A fine day with some low lying cloud.
Troutbeck Tongue in the sunshine, Yoke in the clouds.
Sour Howes summit, Windermere behind.
Windermere from Sallows with Sour Howes in the foreground.
The summit mound of Sallows looking East to Longsleddale.
Wansfell from Sallows.
Mines a.. - set in stone off the Garburn Road
Waterfall on the descent of Sallows.
Looking up Hagg Gill and the High Street Roman Road, Caudale Moor on the left, Thornthwaite on the right.
Looking over to Heron Pike and High Pike from Troutbeck Tongue.
Thornthwaite Crag, Froswick and Ill Bell from Troutbeck Tongue summit.
Caudale Moor behind Troutbeck Tongue and on the right, Thornthwaite, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke from Ing Lane.
Sallows on the left and Sour Howes on the right from the ascent of Wansfell.
Thornthwaite, Froswick, Ill Bell and Yoke from Wansfell summit.
Windermere from Wansfell, as Wainwright's drawing.
Troutbeck Church.