Wansfell Pike & Baystones from Troutbeck and Ambleside

Sunday 9am (November) at Troutbeck (Church Bridge - It's a small car park alongside the road to Town End) - Just managed to get the last spot alongside the river, Fellwalking has certainly gained popularity in recent times, I can't remember it being this busy in the 'Non-Peak' Season.

Too right - Please park sensibly as well, there seems to be a gradual build up of cars parking on the road between Town End and Troutbeck, this will eventually cause problems.

Early morning sun - Signs are that I'm in for a good weather day today.

Following the well signposted route towards Ambleside via Robin Lane

A glorious day with beautiful views all around.

First glimpse of Windermere as height is gained

On the other side of Windermere the Coniston Fells can be seen. Soon afterwards, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell, Esk Pike etc.. all come into view.

Entering Skelghyll Woods - Came a bit of a cropper last time I walked through here - picked up the wrong path on the other side and ended up walking an extra couple of miles. No mistakes today.

Views just keep on coming - Windermere again.

Yes - I remember us chatting and carrying straight on here last visit (on our return back to Troutbeck). Should have took the left turn - and paid more attention of course.

After a wander through a surprisingly busy Ambleside, I veered off towards the waterfalls at Stockghyll and todays main destination - Wansfell Pike

A small detour (out and back) to see the main attraction.

Stockghyll Force

Re-joining the road, before turning right at the familiar junction for Wansfell Pike.

Views back down to Ambleside emerge as the stone staircase is walked.

There were plenty of other walkers, families and dogs out on the slopes of Wansfell today - following the Pennine Way walk last weekend, it was indeed a stark contrast. I plodded on in line with the knowledge that a left turn at the top would give me the peace and quiet that is so rewarding in the lakes.

A brief moment to stop and look back and test myself on the names of all the fells in the distance. Yep - Got them all right ! Well no-one can actually disagree as I was on my own.

Wansfell Pike summit. Well - it's the highest point on Wansfell Pike - but a bit further east is Baystones (Wansfell), which is all part of the same mountain bulk but marginally higher. For you Wainwright purists, you're not actually at the summit of Wansfell - but I won't tell if you don't. I bet a million '214' sets have been completed with this one ticked off here. I don't think it really matters - and nobody will ever check.

Looking back towards the busy Wansfell Pike

Kirkstone Pass with Red Screes on the left and Cauldale Moor on the right

Am I back on the Pennines ? Tricky bit of waterlogged ground to negotiate on the way.

Wansfell (Baystones) summit

On the descent back down to Troutbeck, I was able to enjoy lunch with a view of Sour Hows and Sallows

A grassy path leads you back to the well known 'Nanny Lane'.

I had decided to do a short walk today as a new pair of boots were on show. All seemed fine - maybe I should have pushed it a little further on such a lovely day - never mind, I'll go for a bigger one next time I'm in the lakes for sure.

Back to civilisation as Nanny lane links up with the country lane through Troutbeck.