Watersports in Ambleside
Overview
The Lake District was made for wild swimming and with this hostel right on the edge of England's largest lake, Windermere, it would be rude not to. The best time for wild swimming here is early morning avoiding the main boat traffic or better still, join an organised guided swim with Head to the Hills Swim the Lake District who also run taster sessions at the hostel in the spring.
What makes it special
- Wild swimming
Hostels nearby
Other things to do nearby
Mountain biking in Ambleside
With Claife Heights right opposite, the hostel is a perfect base for exploring the area by mountain bike.
Ambleside Climbing Wall
Here at Ambleside Climbing Wall there's an indoor climbing wall, bouldering room, and cafe. There's also a room dedicated to climbing gear, which can be hired.
BMC Hill Walking Event 2020
This March the YHA will be hosting the BMC Hill Walking Event 2020 at our lovely hostel in Ambleside! The weekend will feature walks, talks and workshops, including discussions on navigation, geolo
Walking and Rambling around Windermere
There's a great choice of high and low level walks in the area, from easy walks around the beautiful Troutbeck Valley to the high fells in the east.
Rydal Mount
Moving on from the Wordsworth family home to his own house in the village of Rydal, the great poet lived, wrote and entertained here from age 43 until his death at 80 in 1850.
Watersports in Grasmere Butharlyp Howe
Hire a boat, sit back and while away the hours in some of the most stunning scenery the Lake District has to offer.
Troutbeck Village
A truly unique village, located in a lovely unspoilt valley, nearly every building is over 100 years old, and some are over 300 years old. Visit the Village website (Note: Not to be confused wit
Brockhole Visitor Centre
Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. See the house first created by William Gaddum, a silk merchant from Manchester, as his family's 'summer house'. Brows
Cycling in Windermere
The best cycling is out of season when there's less traffic. There's an endless variety of cycling routes from quiet lanes to high mountain passes.
Cycling in Langdale
Get out and about on your bike and enjoy the landscape. Wherever you want to explore, you can ride as far as your legs will allow you.
Dove Cottage
Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Visit the website
Merz Barn
Discover the recovery, documentation and restoration of Kurt Schwitters’ last Merzbau project; the Elterwater Merz Barn.
Walking and Rambling in Hawkshead
A short walk from the hostel takes you to the highest point in the area, Latterbarrow, where there's a huge eight foot high trig point and stunning views of the whole of Lake Windermere.
St Oswalds Church
1.8 miles William Wordsworth has a simple tombstone in the churchyard - one of the most visited literary shrines in the world. Visit the website
Walking and Rambling in Langdale
Spectacularly located, YHA Langdale overlooks Windermere and gives you access to the iconic fell walking routes of Bowfell, Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes.