Lily Tarn above Ambleside

Facing the Tourist Information Centre at the top of the town centre outside which you will find a stone pillar on a three stepped octagonal base with 1651 carved into the top of it, turn left. Immediately in front of The Climbers Shop turn left again to head south west, pass Blacks and the lower entrance to Gaynor Sports on the left hand side. Take the first turning on the right into Millans Park road next to Zefferilis, and then immediately left into Vicarage Road to head down towards the prominent church spire. Follow the lane past the schools, church, and on into Rothay Park. Continue ahead through the park, over the small footbridge spanning the river Rothay and then left over the stone packhorse bridge.

Turn right along the Under Loughrigg road, across the cattle grid, and in 50m (55 yards) turn left onto a minor road which begins climbing almost immediately.

Reaching a group of cottages swing left, still climbing steeply. As the road then swings right, on the left climb the stone steps in the wall corner next to a bin of road salt. It's signposted public footpath to Clappersgate.

At the top of the steps bear left along the muddy path, at the end cross the wooden footbridge, and take a left then right to climb the steep stone pitched path.

At the top of the steps follow the path bearing right, in 30m (33 yards) turn left on a rough path heading between rocky outcrops. Soon reaching a small beck follow the path upstream on a small section of stone pitched path. Amongst the deep summer bracken, aim for the highest in view outcrop. The view opens out to the south and Windermere and behind you to the north west is the Fairfield Horseshoe.

Continuing on there is a choice of two paths. Take the right, a narrow path climbing a rocky knoll overlooking this one. On its top is a large, if squat, beacon.

From the beacon bear right taking a narrow path towards a higher outcrop, behind which you'll find a ladder stile.

Cross the ladder stile and bearing slightly right climb to the top of the outcrop. There's actually two knolls separated by a depression, cross the gap to the slightly higher one. This is the top of Gilbert Scar.

Overlooking Waterhead and the Roman Fort of Galava, the view is naturally to Windermere. Fell walkers will find themselves swinging round to identify each of the fells and will be rewarded to find the Langdale Pikes just coming into view over Loughrigg. You can still Ambleside with the church spire prominent amongst the buildings.

From the top of the Scar turn right, drop down the outcrop on a wide path. Then continuing ahead, climb a short steep bank, past the small un-named tarn. Onward, again climbing more gently and in less than 100m (110 yards) is Lily Tarn.

In the middle is a small island complete with lone tree. A bench overlooking the tarn makes a good place to just hang around watching the wildlife.

Follow the path around the right hand side of Lily Tarn, past the bench, and keep to the wide path now heading roughly west.

Keep left to join alongside a wall but don't cross it.

Go through a kissing gate, then keep left to reach a junction of paths. Bear right, and then left around the immediate rocky crags, to climb on a clear path the outcrop behind, which is Todd Crag.

Drop down the other side to approach the Ambleside to Little Loughrigg bridleway. The bridleway is a rough stoney major thoroughfare and should be plainly recognisable.

Bear right on the bridleway to the fell gate, go through onto the gravelled track, and finally tarmac.

Keep on the minor road to return to Under Loughrigg road. Turn right, and cross the cattle grid. Then left over the packhorse bridge and right into Rothay Park. Continue straight ahead back into the town centre.