AMBLESIDE - Glacial action around the long, empty valleys of Rydal and Scandale shaped the 12 mile BLACK Fairfield Horseshoe (with 3330ft of ascent) and the 11 mile RED Scandale Skyline (with 3670ft of ascent), both of which offer near perfect Lakeland fellwalking experiences. Without too much effort, members can both romp along the ridges and cross numerous summits, and yet still reach sufficient height as to savour extensive views. No wonder these are classic circuits. You'll also have all the facilities of the busy little town of Ambleside at your disposal. On a clear day you'll be able to test your knowledge of Lakeland panoramas to the full, but in mist always have your map and compass at the ready!
Alternatively there's a beautiful 6½ mile BLACK walk (with 1728ft of ascent) which includes a good climb up to Wansfell Pike overlooking the town of Ambleside, with stunning views of the Coniston Fells, round to the Fairfield Horseshoe and Red Screes. The village of Troutbeck, and a walk back through Skelghyll woods, adds a finishing flourish. Stockghyll Force which you can visit on the way is on a tributary of the River Rothay, draining eventually into Windermere, it has a heavily industrialised past and used to be nicknamed Rattle Ghyll. Many of the old mill buildings whose wheels it used to turn can still be seen in Ambleside. Some are used as shops. They used to produce bobbins for silk and cotton thread, or to process wool so it was warm and tough, as well as grinding corn.