Ambleside lies on the A591between Keswick and Kendal. Through the small, Lake District town flows Stock Beck, which once provided water power for the many mills grinding corn and, later, washing, fulling and weaving wool. Later still these mills provided thousands of bobbins for the cotton mills of Lancashire.

Stock Beck flows beside the car park, is crossed on leaving it and then flows beside the fine designated track. The parish church, St Mary's, built by Sir George Scott, was completed in 1854. Inside, look for the mural on the right, as you enter. The parish centre, beside the church, houses services for Methodists and Anglicans. The sale of the old Methodist church, together with a lottery grant and much fund raising, provided for its construction. It is a fine venue for all kinds of functions. Park in the main car park at the north-west end of Ambleside, grid ref 377047, where the disabled parking spaces are clearly labelled and are close to the entrance and the toilet block.

1 Leave the car park by the entrance bridge, with care, and turn left. Carry on a short way to turn left into Stoney Lane. For wheelchair users the pavement on the far side seems a good way to continue. At the lane end, bear slightly right to pass through a gate.

2 Continue on the tarmacked way, a narrow track edged for the most part with Brathay flags, and lined with bushes and trees. To the right, and also ahead, are superb views of the hills and, to the left, Stock Beck hurries by to join the River Rothay. This is a designated path for wheelchairs and gives a very comfortable ride. Buggie users and toddlers will find it very easy too and those who can only manage a short walk will enjoy it immensely.

3 Before the hump-back bridge over the river, wheelchair users will need to turn left, into Rothay Park, unless they have some very strong pushers. People with pushchairs may wish to go on over the pretty bridge and then turn right to walk the quiet lane below Loughrigg, continuing for as far as they wish - but returning the same way to avoid using the busy A591. After turning left before the bridge, walk on to pause on the little bridge over Stock Beck. Here the beck, after entertaining you as you traversed the track, descends towards the river in some delightful cascades. Keep on along the good track that continues beside the Rothay until the way ends.

4 Then return along the track to turn sharp right, just beyond an interesting sculpture, where a time capsule was buried in the year 2000. Enjoy this lovely park, with its many seats, its trees that maintain a hold on the various boulders and humps, and the view of St Mary's Church, with the hills beyond.

5 Go to the end of the track, passing below the fine wall of the parish centre. Carry on, with a very slight rise to negotiate, and wind right to pass through the gate into the church grounds. Go ahead to view the superb parish centre and, if there is no function taking place, the manger may be able to show you the building - it is wheelchair friendly. The view from its large hall is spectacular. After leaving, you might wish to visit the church, where someone will place a small ramp to help wheelchairs up the small step.

6 To return, retrace your route across the park and then turn right up the designated path and, after two rights, return to the car park. Those with buggies may wish to walk on along Vicarage Road and take the second left to view Old Bridge House. Beyond, the second footbridge leads into the car park.

  • Information

Distance: 1 mile Time: All the time you can spare.

Terrain: Excellent paths for those with limited mobility.

Map: OS Explorer OL 7.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.