Lakeland Trails Ambleside 14k

The route

Start from Ambleside and follow the 13.8km Lakeland Trails race route, climbing through Skelghyll Woods to Jenkin Crag before crossing towards Rydal and finishing over Loughrigg Fell, with around 520m of climbing. It is a genuine mix of woodland and fell, with lake views for much of the way, and it stays runnable throughout, which is exactly why it makes such a good race and such a good training loop.

The high points

Skelghyll Woods is a beautiful patch of ancient woodland above Waterhead, climbing to Jenkin Crag, a rocky viewpoint that frames one of the best views of Windermere and the fells beyond. From there the route works round towards Rydal Water before the climb onto Loughrigg Fell, a low but characterful top of little knolls and paths with a superb outlook over the Langdale Pikes and back to Ambleside. It is a route that packs a lot of variety and a lot of view into a modest distance.

Why it works

This is a route for a rewarding medium day or a race-pace loop. The ground is a good mix of woodland track and fell path, with some rocky and boggy sections, so it earns its keep without ever being severe. Navigation is mostly straightforward, though Loughrigg's tangle of paths needs care in cloud, so carry a map. It suits a solid run, a first fell loop, or training for the race itself. The paths are popular and busy in season, and the woods can be slick underfoot, so take care and give way. Ambleside at the start and finish has every cafe and pub you could want. Come on a clear day and the views from Jenkin Crag and Loughrigg alone are worth the outing. It is a fine introduction to Lakeland trail running, which is exactly why the race built its reputation on this ground.