A low level circular walk to the picturesque Blelham Tarn along the lanes and tracks.

Clothing: Light waterproof/windproof jacket – depending upon the weather conditions, strong shoes or walking boots
Equipment: O.S. map, compass, whistle, binoculars
Refreshment stops: The Drunken Duck, The Outgate Inn
Conditions to be expected underfoot: tarmac, unmade tracks, loose stone, occasional damp or muddy parts, grass

For printed directions, please ask at Skelwith Fold Reception. These are available for a suggested £1.50 donation which goes to supporting The Great North Air Ambulance.

1. On leaving Skelwith Fold Caravan Park Shop and Reception Area turn left. Follow the red road to the barrier, through the gate (ignore the path to the left) and on to the junction (by the Post Box). Turn left up the hill and follow the lane towards Hawkshead and The Drunken Duck.
2. Cross the road and follow the lane (signposted ‘Hawkshead, Ferry’). Continue along the lane for approximately one mile, passing ‘Ramsteads’ on the right, before entering Outgate.
3. The Outgate Inn will come into view on the descent towards the hamlet. Turn left at the white cottage ‘The Old Post Office’ and pass the former Telephone Box (no longer red!) and a row of cottages.
4. At the main road, cross carefully to ‘Crossley Cottage’ and follow the Public Footpath sign for a few yards then turn left into Stevency Spinney and take the path which leads onto the road and turn right (Caution traffic!) for about 30 yards.
5. Take the right turning onto the well-defined Bridleway to Low Wray 1½ miles. The track leads to a gate after which there is a deer fence on the left. Continue along the track through the second gate and descend along the rather uneven track to the third gate.
6. Blelham Tarn comes into full view. It is worthwhile finding a comfortable place to rest and watch the wildlife on the tarn. You may even see an occasional fisherman on the bank or in a boat.
7. Continue along the track following the sign to Wray and Ambleside, through a gate and on to a bridge over the stream.
8. The track winds it way to another gate that opens onto a meadow. Continue along the line of the track and progress to a wooden gate with a sign to Pull Wyke 1and Ambleside 3 ¾. Turn left along the well-defined path until reaching a gate to the lane.
9. Cross the lane where the path leads to the left through two very close gates and sign posted to Ambleside.
10. Continue along the path to a gate leading to woodland. Continue along the path and cross a tarmac drive to another sign to Ambleside 2 miles. The path leads to a wall with the road beyond it. Turn right and follow the path as far as the bend in the road and gap in the wall with ‘Field Cottage’ and a Broadband box on the opposite side. Take care crossing the road to the FP sign, a short drive way with a wicket gate opposite the ‘Pull Beck’ house sign.
11. Go through the wicket gate and follow the indistinct grassy path up the hill.
12. Aim straight up the slope and at the top of the field there is a metal kissing gate and a well-defined track. Continue along the track through the next three gates.
13. The track continues along the side of Skelwith Fold Caravan Park until it eventually arrives at the west entrance to the Park (where the walk started).

Rambling and hill walking can be strenuous and it is up to you to approach it with caution and if you are inexperienced, to do so under appropriate supervision. You should also carry appropriate clothing, equipment and maps and wear suitable footwear. Details given were believed to be right at the time of going to press but neither the author nor Skelwith Fold Caravan Park can accept responsibility for inaccuracies or mishaps. Please keep to public rights of way and observe the Countryside Code.