5 Troutbeck walks with great pubs, views, or both!
There’s more to Troutbeck than you might first think. This charming little hamlet near Windermere is not only home to one of only two churches in the country called Jesus – worth a visit to see the impressive stained glass window designed by Edward Burne Jones and built by William Morris – but also has Townend, a 17th-century farmhouse now owned and preserved by the National Trust and which offers a fascinating glimpse of a farming family’s life through the years. Not to mention nearby Holehird Gardens – the home of the Lakeland Horticultural Society.
A magnet for Wainwright baggers
Its location in the gorgeous Troutbeck Valley makes Troutbeck a magnet for walkers and Wainwright baggers. With numerous hikes passing through the village and up into the valley and surrounding fells – or maybe they’re just heading to one of the two traditional country pubs in the village?
Troutbeck is also the starting point for many of the long walk up to and along High Street, an old Roman road that once ran between forts in Ambleside and Brougham near Penrith.
Fancy getting out and about near Troutbeck? Here are a few ideas to get you lacing up your walking boots and peering at your OS map.
1. Troutbeck to Wansfell
Beginning and ending at a church called Jesus, this 10K walk will give your calves a bit of a workout as you make your way round, but you do get to gaze at some beautiful scenery as a reward for your efforts, taking in ancient tracks, woodland, farmland and open fellside along the way on the continuous, steepish climb to the top.
There are wonderful views over Windermere and Ambleside to tick off from Wansfell Pike (it’s a Wainwright, if you’re counting) before you reach the true summit and start your descent back to the church. It does get boggy in places so you make sure you’re well prepared before you set off.
2. Sour Howes and Sallows Circular
You’re in for some amazing views if you decide to tackle the climb up Sour Howes and Sallows. The trail starts right in Troutbeck and gets a bit steep at the beginning, but trust me, the views from the top are worth it! You’ll be looking out over the whole valley and the surrounding fells.
After you conquer Sour Howes, the trail continues on to Sallows. Then, it winds its way around and joins Garburn Pass, taking you past Applethwaite Slate Quarry before bringing you back to where you started.
Just a heads-up though, this route can get pretty muddy and slippery, especially when it’s wet or icy, and there are some rocky sections. It’s best to go on a dry day and make sure you have the right shoes.
Sour Howes and Sallows Circular >
Length: 8.5Km (5.2 miles)
Elevation gain: 452m
Time: 3-4hrs
3. Troutbeck Tongue
When you reach the cairn at the end of the short but steep final ascent of Troutbeck Tongue, you’ll be greeted with a jaw-dropping view back along the Troutbeck Valley towards Windermere – and you’ll have bagged one of the more modest Wainwrights to boot.
Surrounded on both sides by larger, more imposing fells, the route up the Tongue, although steep, is straightforward and mostly on stone paths and grass. While the way back down takes you along part of an old Roman road called High Street before dropping you back in Troutbeck where a well-earned pint at the Mortal Man awaits.
4. Getting high in Troutbeck – The Troutbeck round
If you fancy getting a day of Wainwright bagging under your belt, and reaching some dizzy heights, then this 14-miler (22.5Km), which starts in Troutbeck will do just nicely. You’ll cross off 5 Wainwrights (of 214) – Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag and Caudale Moor – over the course of several hours tramping. Not a bad day’s work.
If you’re not already staying in Troutbeck, you can park at Church Bridge (where there’s room for half a dozen cars), before kitting up and heading out towards the Garburn Pass and your first Wainwright of the day – Yoke.
By the end of the day, you’ll have added four more, enjoyed spectacular views of the surrounding fells and got up as high as 1300 metres (4251 feet).
Length: 20.3km (12.6 miles)
Elevation gain: 1,216m
Time: 7-10hrs
5. Troutbeck and Froswick Circular
This trail up Garburn Pass to Yoke, Ill Bell, and Froswick is challenging, but the rewards are incredible!
You’ll be hiking on a mix of rocky and grassy terrain, with some pretty steep climbs and descents. Be extra careful when it’s wet, as things can get slippery.
To make the most of your hike, it’s best to go on a calm, clear, and dry day with good visibility. The tops are exposed, so you’ll want to be prepared for the elements.
Make sure you have the right footwear, warm and waterproof layers, plenty of food and water, and don’t forget your sun protection!
Troutbeck and Froswick Circular >
Length: 15.6km (9.7 miles)
Elevation gain: 824m
Time: 5-7hrs
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