BIG North Christmas: Linear Ramble to Ambleside
10 people attending
15 places left
This event is part of the OutdoorLads BIG North Christmas 2025 Weekend and is intended for those attending this event.
Join us for a fantastic festive ramble on the stunning Coffin Route as part of the OutdoorLads Big North Christmas Event!
This route offers a mix of classic Lake District trails, fascinating history, and rewarding views, finishing right in Ambleside ready for our evening celebrations.
🗺️ The Route Highlights
WThe route takes us straight up towards Red Bank via a footpath, where we'll meet a bridleway with superb views over the surrounding area.
Our route weaves past local landmarks including Tweedies Bar and the Brewery Bar, before joining the historic Coffin Route—the old funeral path—to reach the Badger Bar. From here, we follow scenic footpaths and lanes by Rydal Water, passing through Rothay Park to finally arrive in Ambleside right as the sun sets.
⚠️ Important Logistics & Safety
- Finish Time: We aim to finish the walk in Ambleside around sunset, and get the 5:00pm bus back to Elterwater, which is a short walk back to our hostel (in the dark).
- Head Torches: ESSENTIAL! As we will be walking into darkness, you must carry a working head torch with fresh batteries for the final stretch.
- Post-Walk: We will grab a quick pub stop in Ambleside immediately after the walk to warm up and celebrate before taking the bus to the main Big North Christmas Event.
🎒 What to Bring
As this is a full-day, winter walk in the Lake District, full hill-walking kit is mandatory. Please ensure you have:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Sturdy walking boots (preferably waterproof).
- Hat, gloves, and warm layers (thermal top, fleece).
- Head torch (essential safety gear).
- Food and sufficient fluids for a full day's walking.
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Geograph © Copyright Oscar Taylor and reused under this Creative Commons Licence. Photo of Ambleside by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash
What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to move your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to find.
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe.
Headtorch: We'll be walking in darkness
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink. Depending on the weather, having something hot to drink is recommended.