NY3904 : A walk over Wansfell Pike [25]

Wansfell Pike

484m Elevation
31m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NY3904 : A walk over Wansfell Pike [25]

Michael Dibb Photo source

Explore routes near Wansfell Pike

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Wansfell Pike from Ambleside

This popular route begins in the bustling town of Ambleside, leading hikers up through woodland before ascending towards the rocky summit. Enjoy a steady climb with plenty of opportunities to stop and appreciate the stunning views.

4 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Make a day of it, together

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill Birkett Synge

Elevation

484m

1,589 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

54.4293, -2.9354

NY394041

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL7N

At the Summit

The summit is topped with a prominent trig point, offering stunning panoramic views that stretch across the surrounding peaks of the Lake District.

Terrain & Geology

A mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops making for a delightful and varied hiking experience.

Wansfell Pike is primarily composed of volcanic rock, particularly andesite, indicative of its fiery origins. The area also features a mix of limestone and sandstone, providing a glimpse into the geological history of the Lake District.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of Windermere, the Langdale Pikes, and the distant Helvellyn range. On clear days, even as far as the Isle of Man can be spotted!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Wansfell' is derived from the Old Norse 'Wansfell', meaning 'hill of the Wans', referring to the River Rothay which flows nearby.

Historical Significance

Wansfell Pike is not only a popular hiking destination but also historically significant for its links to early tourism in the Lake District, drawing nature enthusiasts for centuries.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Ambleside is the nearest town with plenty of parking options, including multiple pay-and-display car parks. Arrive early, as spaces can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months!

Public Transport

Regular bus services run to Ambleside from nearby towns like Windermere and Grasmere.

Nearby Facilities

Ambleside offers a range of facilities including cafes, restaurants, public toilets, and shops. A perfect place to warm up with a cuppa after your hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery paths, particularly in wet conditions. Also, be cautious around rocky outcrops and steep drops near the summit.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Wansfell Pike?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Wansfell Pike through the maps

Are there other walkers around Wansfell Pike?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Wansfell Pike search or of course create your own walk for Wansfell Pike

Can I organise a walk to Wansfell Pike?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Wansfell Pike.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Wansfell Pike?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Wansfell Pike here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY394041

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.