Chaamb two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This route is slightly longer than the others but is probably much quicker to walk as it is generally on good surfaces, easy to follow, and the only climbing is on quiet roads.
There are some slight challenges in places for wheels. A rocky outcrop just after crossing the wide footbridge on the riverside footpath at Chapel Stile, has a smoother alternative around a rocky mound. A short section soon after is cobbled so it’s rather bumpy. I did see a baby buggy along here though.
Elterwater, the Britannia Inn, and the path beyond were all quite busy on a crisp, sunny Sunday at the end of November, and I saw a mobility scooter along this section. The views along the last bit to Skelwith Bridge were particularly lovely in the low sun. There were signs of flooding along here though. Skelwith Force was impressive, and I soon arrived at the popular Chesters by the River café and gift shop. This was near the halfway point, and there were also tables and benches (made of slate) by the actual bridge itself. Care was needed walking over the bridge as there was no pavement, but the drivers here were generally well behaved.
The lanes from here to Brathay Hall were quiet, with a particularly good viewpoint with a bench and an information panel. I loved the little detour into Jeffy Knotts Wood, although people using wheels may find it easier to stay on the road, as there were tree roots across the path in places.
The B5286 goes from Ambleside to Hawkshead. It was only a short section but it had a few cars and no pavement. The A593 was much busier, but at least it had a pavement. I could see the north end of Lake Windermere from along here.
After crossing the A5075, the route used a narrow footpath, 50cm in places, with one spot of rocks, and some house-building going on alongside, which I think would be a challenge for many wheelers, but the alternative road route into Ambleside is paved all the way. On reaching the end of this footpath, by a big garden centre, it was just a pavement pace to the end of the route.
I found this to be a lovely and easy route, albeit busy in places. With a few adaptations, as described, it could be pretty wheel-friendly.

I arrived on Chaamb One and immediately left Chapel Stile on Chaamb Two to return to Ambleside. It was the day after Storm Éowyn had passed through, but the only damage I saw was where a tree had come down across the riverside path shortly after leaving Chapel Stile. It was easy to pass and other walkers had no problem with it. The walk from Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge was very busy. As mentioned by another reviewer, there is occasional flooding on this stretch, and many years ago I had to follow the road as so much of the path was underwater. There was enough water in the river for Skelwith Force to put on a good show. The road walk from Skelwith Bridge to Clappersgate is the best of a bad job, as there's no alternative footpath. A handy view indicator has been put in place just before the highest part of the road at Skelwith Fold. On the final path into Ambleside, I noticed building work was taking place. It looks as though houses are going to be built close to the path. I finished on Kelsick Road, in order to catch a bus, rather than going into the centre.

I'm a resident of Ambleside and this beautiful and accessible route is the exact one I regularly take to/from Chapel Stile. Includes some classic views of the Langdale Pikes. It is much easier than Chaamb One. Is pushchair friendly along its entire length (but would stick to Bog lane rather than the short Jeffy Knotts woodland diversion if on/with wheels).

Bog lane is quiet so despite being a minor road, is pleasant to walk along. The short diversion through the woods at Jeffy Knotts is delightful but easy to miss if you are not looking out for it (entrances shown in Photos 1 and 2). In autumn it's a wonderful spot for wild mushrooms.

Care should be taken on the short section on the hill between the Brathay Centre and the A593 – there is no pavement here and cars can come down the hill too fast round two blind bends (sticking to the outside of the bend is best here). It's only this section and the busy A593 at Clappersgate that stops this being a 5* walk in my view.

There are three sections liable to flooding, which I'd estimate make it impassable typically 3 or 4 times a year. The first is the section along the A593 by the "otter bridge" that crosses the Rothay. The second is along the banks of the Brathay on the B5286 near the turn into Bog Lane. The third is section between Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater. The river level monitors at Jeffy Knotts (https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/station/5161) and Miller Bridge House (https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/station/5162) useful if its has been particularly wet.

From Chapel Stile to Skelwith Bridge the route follows a beautiful footpath. From there it follows minor roads, including the very quiet Bog Lane, to Clappersgate. Then it's just a mile on the pavement alongside the A593 into Ambleside.. The route passes the Britannia Inn at Elterwater and Chesters cafe at Skelwith Bridge - both highly recommended.

This is a very pleasant gentle walk along the River Brathay. I walked it from Chapel Stile to Ambleside.
The only issue that I had with it was that even on a damp grey Saturday afternoon in November the stretch from Chapel Stile to Skelwith Bridge was packed with walkers. It just shows how pleasant a walk it is and it is great to see everyone out.

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