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You don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of mountain and water that makes the Lake District so special. Right on the very door step of Ambleside there is a cluster of little hills that will let you savour this special landscape without having to make a major expedition. The hills in question lie on the western side of Ambleside and form a long shoulder that extends towards the village from the side of Loughrigg Fell. There are a number of summits on this shoulder all of which are worth visiting, pride of place though goes to Todd Crag, a prominent flat topped rocky prow which once scrambled onto gives stunning views right the way down to Windermere. Also up there are a collection of beautifully situated tarns. Some are hidden behind knolls and others such as Lily Tarn are right by the path. Great fun can be had searching them out and each one provides a different and interesting view of the surrounding fells and mountains.
Access to the shoulder that holds Todd Crag and Lily Tarn is very easy and simply involves a walk across Rothay Park straight from the centre of Ambleside, then a short but steep climb up the fell side of Miller Brow. The uphill bit is first along lanes and tracks, and then along a rocky path, a steady pace will soon get the work done, leaving plenty of time to explore the top and then make a return along a well established bridleway that crosses over the fell from Loughrigg Tarn.
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