Ambleside to Elterwater Walk

5.3 miles (8.6 km)

This walk takes you from Ambleside to Elterwater in the Lake District. It's about a 5 mile walk, with waterside stretches along two lakes and a river....
Starting from Ambleside you first follow the River Rothay to Rydal Water, passing the picturesque Ambleside Stepping Stones on the way.
The route then heads along Rydal Lake and Grasmere Lake before ascending to Huntingstile Crag. A pleasant descent along country lanes then takes you into Elterwater village where you can enjoy refreshments at the cafe or pub.
Walk Report November 7th 2026 By Sarah Bennett:
We set off from Ambleside on a lovely walk towards Elterwater, looking forward to spending a few hours beside some of the Lake District's most attractive stretches of water. It's a really enjoyable route, with a mixture of riverside paths, lakeside scenery and some lovely views over the surrounding fells. One of the first things we came across was the Ambleside Stepping Stones. These are always a fun little feature, although I was quite happy to watch others cross rather than risk getting my feet wet!
Following the River Rothay was a lovely start. There are some beautiful stretches where the water tumbles over rocks and through the trees, and I particularly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere once we'd left the busier parts of Ambleside behind. We soon reached Rydal Water, which is one of my favourite spots in this part of the Lakes. The lake has a wonderfully intimate feel, with wooded slopes and rocky outcrops surrounding the water. It's also associated with William Wordsworth, who lived at nearby Rydal Mount, and it's easy to understand why he found so much inspiration in this landscape.
We took our time along the lakeside, stopping for photographs and enjoying the views across the water. There are some lovely little bays and places where you can pause beneath the trees. The path can be a little uneven in places, but that's all part of its charm. I spotted a few birds around the shoreline and spent a while watching them before we continued towards Grasmere.
Grasmere Lake has a different character again, with a wider outlook and some wonderful views towards the surrounding mountains. It's a particularly beautiful stretch of the walk, and I enjoyed looking back across the water towards the village and the fells beyond. The scenery changes as you leave the lakes behind and start gaining height towards Huntingstile Crag. It was a welcome chance to get away from the water for a while and enjoy some more elevated views over the countryside.
The views from around Huntingstile Crag were well worth the climb. Looking back, you get a lovely perspective over the lakes and the surrounding valleys, and it was one of those places where I wanted to stop for a few minutes rather than simply press on. After enjoying the scenery, we made our way down along the quieter country lanes towards Elterwater.
Arriving in Elterwater was a nice way to finish. It's a pretty little village with a lovely Lakeland atmosphere, and we were ready for a drink and something to eat after the walk. There are a couple of tempting options here, including the village pub and café, so it's worth allowing a little time to relax before heading back.
I really enjoyed this walk. Having the River Rothay, Rydal Water and Grasmere all along the way gives it plenty of variety, and the climb towards Huntingstile Crag adds some lovely views without turning it into a particularly strenuous day out. It's a great way to link Ambleside and Elterwater while enjoying some of the best scenery around this part of the Lake District.