Wansfell Pike
A classic Lake District fell offering breathtaking panoramic views of Windermere and surrounding fells, perfect for a rewarding hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Wansfell Pike
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic Lake District fell offering breathtaking panoramic views of Windermere and surrounding fells, perfect for a rewarding hike.
"The views from Wansfell Pike are fantastic, offering a rewarding panorama of the Kentmere round and over to Ambleside."
🚗 Parking Tips
Ambleside has more parking, Troutbeck is limited. Consider laybys near Ambleside for free parking.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be boggy and rocky. Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for a comfortable Wansfell Pike walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake District Views
Summit of Wansfell Pike
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Windermere, Ambleside, and surrounding fells. A true reward for your climb.
Stockghyll Waterfall
Descent from Wansfell Pike towards Ambleside
A beautiful cascading waterfall, a refreshing stop on your way down, especially after a good rainfall.
Troutbeck Village Charm
Troutbeck village
A picturesque village offering a peaceful starting point or a charming spot for a post-hike pint.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Starting Point Wisely
Weather-Ready for the Fells
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Parking Tips
Ambleside has more parking, Troutbeck is limited. Consider laybys near Ambleside for free parking.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be boggy and rocky. Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for a comfortable Wansfell Pike walk.
🗺️ Wainwright Bagging
Wansfell Pike is an 'easy' Wainwright. For completists, Baystones is a nearby summit, though less scenic.
💧 Boggy Sections Ahead
Be prepared for boggy patches, especially between Wansfell Pike and Baystones. Avoid if recently rained heavily.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Ambleside has more parking, Troutbeck is limited. Consider laybys near Ambleside for free parking.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be boggy and rocky. Waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended for a comfortable Wansfell Pike walk.
🗺️ Wainwright Bagging
Wansfell Pike is an 'easy' Wainwright. For completists, Baystones is a nearby summit, though less scenic.
💧 Boggy Sections Ahead
Be prepared for boggy patches, especially between Wansfell Pike and Baystones. Avoid if recently rained heavily.
🚌 Public Transport Access
Buses 555 and 599 serve Ambleside, making it accessible without a car for your Wansfell Pike route.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wansfell Pike is celebrated for its stunning panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells, making it a highly rewarding hike. Visitors appreciate its accessibility, particularly from Ambleside, and its status as an 'easy' Wainwright. Some find the paths can be boggy, and parking in Troutbeck is limited, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"To visit this Wainwright, most folk will park in Ambleside, I prefer to park in Troutbeck, although parking is limited here.
Walk from Troutbeck takes you along Nanny Lane a dry rocky path, almost to the top, the last part is across grassy bog and stone. Then decide which of the tops you want to visit before deciding whether to cross the fells to Wansfell or return back down
Either way, the views are fantastic of the Kentmere round and over to Ambleside and down to Windermere.
Pretty accessible for most abilities apart from the odd stile."
Mathew Bourne
"Decent walk from Ambleside if you're looking for a 3ish hour long walk. Some patches are quite boggy. Some stretches are quite steep but the paths are in good condition for the most part."
Olivia Coffer
"I parked in a layby just outside of Ambleside. Headed up public footpaths until I reached Wansfell Pike. From here I continued on to Baystones. Descended via the Pike and Stockghyll Waterfall. Lovely six mile route. Unless you're ticking off Wainwright's I wouldn't bother continuing on to Baystones. It's very up and down from the Pike to Baystones with boggy sections (that were partly frozen in Jan). My partner went full leg down a partly frozen boggy section! The view from the Pike is much better, and it's a decent stony path/steps from Ambleside to the Pike. From the Pike to Baystones its grassy moorland type terrain. Seems to be a bit of a discrepancy over where the actual highest point is, so we covered all bases, but there's a cairn where most people seem to accept as the summit. A fab walk though. Well worth descending via the woodland and waterfall into Ambleside."
Donna W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can start your Wansfell Pike walk from Ambleside or Troutbeck. Ambleside is accessible via public transport (buses 555 & 599) and offers more parking options. Troutbeck has limited parking but provides a more direct route.
Yes, Ambleside, a common starting point for the Wansfell Pike route, is well-served by public transport, including the 555 and 599 bus services.
Parking is available in Ambleside, though it can be busy. Troutbeck offers limited parking, and some visitors opt for laybys near Ambleside.
A popular Wansfell Pike walk from Ambleside is a circular route that includes Stockghyll Waterfall and takes about 3 hours. It involves some steep sections but has good paths.
The Wansfell Pike walk is generally considered moderate. The ascent can be steep, but the paths are usually well-maintained. The terrain becomes more challenging if you extend to Baystones.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Wansfell Pike is a natural landmark within the Lake District National Park, and there are no entry fees or tickets required to access the trails.
Wansfell Pike is accessible at all times. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
There is no entrance fee for Wansfell Pike. It's a public footpath and a popular hiking destination in the Lake District.
Yes, Wansfell Pike can be visited in winter, but be prepared for colder conditions, potential ice, and boggy terrain. Check weather forecasts carefully.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always follow the Countryside Code, respect the environment, and ensure you are adequately prepared for the hike.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Wansfell Pike has a height of approximately 488 meters (1,601 feet) above sea level.
The summit offers stunning panoramic views over Lake Windermere, Ambleside, and the surrounding fells. It's a key reason many choose this Wansfell walk.
Yes, Wansfell Pike is listed as a Wainwright, making it a popular objective for those aiming to complete the famous fell-bagging list.
There are no facilities at the summit itself. You'll find amenities like cafes and pubs in nearby Ambleside or Troutbeck.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and layers. The weather can change quickly, and paths can be boggy.
🍽️ 🍺 Food & Dining
Yes, Ambleside offers numerous cafes and pubs. Troutbeck also has options, including The Mortal Man pub, which is a popular stop after a Wansfell walk. 
Absolutely! The Mortal Man in Troutbeck is a classic pub stop for hikers completing a Wansfell Pike walk. Ambleside also has many pubs.
The summit and various points along the Wansfell Pike walk offer excellent spots for a picnic with incredible views.
Ambleside has a wide range of dining options, from traditional pub fare to international cuisine, catering to all tastes after your hike.
Troutbeck has a few options, most notably The Mortal Man pub, which serves food and is a convenient stop for those starting or ending their Wansfell Pike walk there.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides breathtaking panoramic shots of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. The Stockghyll Waterfall is also a great photographic subject.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers magical light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the expansive views are still impressive.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for capturing the stunning views. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for the panoramic vistas.
The main summit cairn offers the most iconic viewpoint. For different perspectives, explore slightly off the main path near the summit.
Weather can be a challenge, with mist or rain obscuring views. Also, the sun can be directly in your lens at certain times of day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Hikers
Many solo hikers find the experience peaceful and rejuvenating, with the opportunity to connect with nature. While generally safe, it's always wise to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry a fully charged phone. 🐶 Dog Walkers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Wansfell Pike Routes
Starting from Troutbeck provides a more direct ascent. This route can be a bit more rugged, with sections described as grassy bog and stone, especially closer to the summit. Parking in Troutbeck is limited, so an early start is advisable. Both routes offer fantastic views, but the Ambleside approach allows for a longer, more varied circular walk.
For those aiming to tick off Wainwrights, extending the walk to Baystones is an option. However, many reviewers suggest the views from Wansfell Pike itself are superior, and the terrain between the two summits can be boggy and less distinct.
The Wainwright Connection
While not the highest or most challenging fell, its accessibility and rewarding views make it a perfect introduction to Wainwright bagging for many. For the dedicated Wainwright completer, the actual highest point of Wansfell Pike is a short distance from the more commonly visited summit cairn. This less-trodden spot is often overlooked by casual walkers but is a must for those ticking off every peak.
Photography Tips for Wansfell Pike
Beyond the main summit, the Stockghyll Waterfall provides a beautiful subject, especially after rainfall when the water flow is strong.
Remember to pack your camera or ensure your phone is fully charged, as you'll want to capture every moment of this scenic Wansfell walk. 
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