Wansfell Pike from Ambleside

Wansfell Pike rises directly behind Ambleside, and the direct route up it is one of the steepest short climbs in the central Lakes: a flight of stone steps beside Stock Ghyll that gains most of its height in well under a mile. The fuller circuit described here continues from the summit down the far side to Troutbeck, then loops back through Skelghyll Wood, adding several more kilometres of easier walking to the one hard pull at the start.

The summit, at 482m, is a rock platform rather than a true fell top, and it earns its place in most guidebooks for the view rather than the climb: Windermere fills the foreground for almost its whole length, with the central fells, Wetherlam and the Coniston range beyond. Wikipedia says the Pike has a more attractive rocky top and a better view than its slightly higher neighbour, Baystones, a kilometre to the north-east.

On the descent to Troutbeck the path crosses working farmland, with sheep, stiles and a section of farm track that is easier underfoot than the ascent but needs a dog kept close and on a lead where livestock are grazing, as the Lake District National Park asks. The stone steps on the Stock Ghyll side are uneven and steep enough to rule this out for anyone unsteady on rough ground; WalkLakes measures the whole circuit at 10.7km, with 576m of ascent and a minimum moving time of 3 hours 6 minutes. It suits a walker who wants a summit and a Windermere view starting on foot from Ambleside, with no car needed at either end. It is a poor choice for children who tire on stairs. Loughrigg Fell gives a broad, undulating summit and 273m of ascent rated easy for those who want the view without the steps.