A Winter Walk in Ambleside: Discovering Red Screes
Ambleside has always held a special place in our hearts. Though we lived there 30 years ago, every visit still feels like coming home. This time, our daughter Poppy joined us for a trip to the Lakes, and we made the most of our time by taking on a couple of hill walks, starting from Ambleside where we were staying.
On Monday, with the weather looking fine, Fergus planned a route up the Scandale Valley to Red Screes. It was a long trek, made more challenging by icy and snowy patches on the higher elevations. We certainly felt the chill whenever we had to take our gloves off!
Along the way, we were greeted by plenty of Herdwick sheep, their familiar, friendly faces brightening the route. Our two dogs had company too, as our friend’s energetic Labrador joined us, bounding ahead and easily covering four times the distance we did!
We began our walk from Sweden Bridge in Ambleside, starting at a low level before gradually ascending. Covering about 7.5 miles with a 2,460 ft ascent, the climb was steady but rewarding. Reaching the summit of Red Screes, we were treated to spectacular views of the surrounding fells. The summit overlooks the Kirkstone Pass Inn, which, unfortunately, is currently closed for refurbishment.
The descent was gentler, allowing us to take in beautiful views of Rydal Water and Windermere before making our way back into Ambleside. Despite the bitter cold at the top, the weather had been kind to us throughout the walk.
After a long and satisfying hike, we rewarded ourselves with a well-earned pint of Guinness by the log fire at The Golden Rule, a perfect way to warm up. Then, it was back home for a takeaway pizza and a hot bath infused with relaxing bath salts—just what we needed after a day on the fells.
Ambleside never fails to deliver a special experience, and this walk reminded us why we
keep coming back.
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