Ambleside, Cumbria – Lakeside Town on the Cumbria Way

Riverside Paths, Lake Edges, and the Lake District National Park

Ambleside is a lakeside town in the central Lake District on the Cumbria Way, set at the northern end of Windermere within the Lake District National Park between Grasmere and the Langdale valleys. The route passes directly through the town, linking riverside tracks and parkland paths with streets and open green spaces before continuing into quieter countryside.

Approaching from Grasmere, the trail descends along valley paths and minor lanes before crossing the River Rothay near the town centre. Walking briefly shifts from rural tracks to pavements and shared paths as the route threads through Ambleside toward the western edge of town.

Ambleside provides one of the fullest ranges of services anywhere on the route. There are shops, cafés, pubs, supermarkets, outdoor stores, and a wide choice of accommodation, making it a practical place to stop, resupply, or stay overnight. Bus connections link the town with Keswick, Windermere, and other parts of the national park, making access straightforward without a car.

Beyond Ambleside, the Cumbria Way leaves the lakeshore and heads toward Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater on riverside paths, woodland tracks, and quiet lanes. The built environment quickly fades, and the character returns to fields, woods, and open fellside walking as the route enters the Langdale valleys.