Dog-Friendly Ambleside

Ambleside sits at the northern tip of Windermere, providing the perfect walker's base in the heart of the Lake District. This compact town delivers everything dog owners seek: waterfalls within walking distance, fells rising from the doorstep, characterful pubs welcoming muddy paws, and easy access to the wider Lakes.

What makes Ambleside special is its position. Windermere stretches south, Rydal Water and Grasmere lie north, and fells including Loughrigg, Wansfell, and the Fairfield Horseshoe surround the town. You can walk from the centre to spectacular scenery within minutes, yet return to civilised refreshment without driving anywhere.

Walks from Ambleside

Stock Ghyll Force

Distance: 1 mile return | Time: 30-45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy

One of the Lake District's most accessible waterfalls lies just minutes from Ambleside town centre.

The Route: Follow signs from the town centre through Stock Ghyll Wood. A waymarked path leads through lovely woodland to various viewpoints along the river and the spectacular 70-foot double-drop waterfall.

Dog Considerations: Easy walking suits all dogs. The woodland provides sniffing opportunities throughout. Can be extended onto the fells above.

Best Time: Winter months offer fuller water flow and better views with foliage cleared back.

Refreshments: Force Cafe at the top of Stock Ghyll Lane welcomes dogs on the terrace, with views over Lake Windermere.

Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Cave

Distance: 6.5 miles circular | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

A brilliant introduction to fell walking combining summit views, a fascinating cave, and varied terrain.

The Route: Start from Rydal Road car park in Ambleside. Climb Loughrigg Fell (335m) for spectacular panoramic views, then descend to Rydal Cave where dogs can splash in the shallow water. Return via Rydal Water and Grasmere views.

Highlights: Summit views over Grasmere, Windermere, the Langdale Pikes, and Coniston Fells. Rydal Cave's atmospheric interior provides adventure and paddling opportunities.

Dog Considerations: Steep sections at the start. Most fit dogs manage well. The cave offers swimming for water-loving dogs. Keep on leads near sheep.

Wansfell Pike

Distance: 4 miles return | Time: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging

A steep but rewarding climb to a Wainwright summit directly above Ambleside.

The Route: Follow the path from Stock Ghyll Woods, climbing steadily to the 484-metre summit. Views extend across Windermere, the Coniston Fells, Fairfield, and Red Screes.

Dog Considerations: Steep throughout. Requires fit dogs. Well-defined path. Can be extended to Troutbeck for circular route.

Extension: Drop down to Troutbeck village for refreshment at The Mortal Man or Queen's Head before returning to Ambleside.

Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater

Distance: 4 miles return | Time: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy

A gentle riverside and lakeside walk through classic Lakeland scenery.

The Route: Start at Skelwith Bridge (short drive from Ambleside). Follow the river through woodland to Elterwater, with views of the Langdale Pikes throughout.

Dog Considerations: Easy terrain suits all dogs. Popular route but rarely feels crowded.

Refreshments: Chesters by the River at Skelwith Bridge draws dog owners with excellent food and riverside setting.

Tarn Hows

Distance: 2 miles circular | Time: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy

Possibly the most photographed walk in the Lake District, offering stunning views for minimal effort.

The Route: Circular path around a picturesque tarn surrounded by woodland, with views to the Langdale Pikes on clear days.

Dog Considerations: Easy, well-maintained paths suit all abilities. Popular with families and dog walkers. National Trust car park (charges apply).

Location: Approximately 5 miles from Ambleside towards Coniston.

Stagshaw Garden

Distance: Short stroll | Time: Variable | Difficulty: Easy

National Trust woodland garden with rambling paths, bridges over becks, and peaceful atmosphere.

Dog Considerations: Dogs on leads welcome. Rhododendrons and azaleas provide colour (spring). About 20 minutes' walk from Ambleside.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Ambleside offers excellent choice for post-walk refreshment.

In Ambleside

The Golden Rule: Classic pub popular with locals and visitors alike. Dogs welcome throughout. Small beer garden. Traditional atmosphere perfect for resting tired paws.

The Unicorn: Central location with dog-friendly policy. Traditional charm and water bowls for thirsty dogs.

The Lily Bar: Contemporary interior, local craft beers, delicious food. Dogs welcome.

The Copper Pot: Cosy with open fire. Delicious food including famous dirty fries. Dog-friendly and highly recommended.

Nearby

The Mortal Man (Troutbeck): Quirky country pub with phenomenal fell views. Perfect after Wansfell walk. Stunning location between Ambleside and Windermere.

Queen's Head (Troutbeck): 17th-century coaching inn with robust food and local ales. Bar made from a 4-poster bed. Dogs welcome.

Drunken Duck Inn (Barngates): Set on the hills between Ambleside and Hawkshead with spectacular fell views. Smart yet relaxed atmosphere. Dogs welcome.

Chesters by the River (Skelwith Bridge): Popular cafe/restaurant in riverside setting. Dogs welcome. Excellent food.

The Talbot Bar (Skelwith Bridge): Traditional Lakeland comfort food and Jennings ales. Dogs welcome.

Wainwrights Inn (Chapel Stile): Historic inn on the Langdale Estate. Local ales and home-cooked dishes with Lake District views. Dogs welcome.

Dog-Friendly Cafes

Force Cafe: At the top of Stock Ghyll Lane near the waterfall. Dogs welcome on terrace. Views over Windermere. Open evenings on Saturdays.

Great North Pie: Award-winning pies. Dogs welcome in outdoor seating area.

Various town centre options: Many Ambleside cafes welcome dogs, particularly those with outdoor seating.

Attractions

Bridge House

Ambleside's most photographed building, this tiny 17th-century house perches over Stock Ghyll. Now National Trust, it once housed a family of eight. Perfect photo opportunity with your dog.

Waterhead Pier

Windermere Lake Cruises depart from Waterhead, just south of Ambleside centre. Dogs welcome free on all sailings. Cruise south to Bowness or enjoy circular routes.

Rydal Mount and Gardens

William Wordsworth's home from 1813 until his death in 1850. Dogs on leads welcome in the extensive gardens, which include Rydal Falls. Dogs cannot enter the house.

Stagshaw Garden

National Trust woodland garden above Waterhead. Dogs on leads welcome throughout.

Surrounding Area

Grasmere

Just 3 miles north, Grasmere offers additional dog-friendly options.

Tweedies Bar: Spacious beer garden, relaxed atmosphere. Dogs welcome.

Famous Gingerbread: Dogs wait outside while owners purchase Grasmere's legendary treat.

Dove Cottage: Wordsworth's earlier home. Dogs in grounds only.

Rydal

Between Ambleside and Grasmere, tiny Rydal offers Rydal Mount gardens and access to Rydal Water walks.

Langdale

The valley stretching west from Ambleside provides spectacular walking and traditional pubs including the Old Dungeon Ghyll (legendary walkers' pub, dogs welcome).

Troutbeck

Conservation village above Windermere with excellent dog-friendly pubs and walking access.

Accommodation

Ambleside provides extensive dog-friendly accommodation from hotels to cottages.

Location Choices

Town Centre: Maximum convenience for pubs, shops, and walk starting points.

Waterhead: Lakeside position near cruise departure point.

Surrounding Valleys: Quieter settings in Rydal, Langdale, or Troutbeck.

What to Look For

Drying facilities for Lake District weather and fell walking.

Enclosed gardens help manage dogs in sheep country.

Walking access from the doorstep maximises fell time.

For more options, see our guide to dog-friendly Lake District accommodation.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: M6 Junction 36, then A591 via Windermere. Approximately 45 minutes from the motorway.

By Bus: Regular services from Windermere (train station) and Keswick.

Parking: Pay and display car parks throughout town. Rydal Road car park convenient for fell walks.

Best Times to Visit

Spring: Daffodils, woodland flowers, longer days.

Summer: Full facilities, longest days, busiest period.

Autumn: Golden colours in the woodlands, atmospheric.

Winter: Quieter fells, cosy pubs, waterfalls at their best.

Town Character

Ambleside retains working town character despite tourism. Outdoor shops, cafes, and traditional pubs create genuine atmosphere. Smaller and more intimate than Windermere/Bowness.

Combining with Wider Lake District

Ambleside's central position provides excellent access to wider Lake District attractions:

Windermere: 5 miles south. Lake cruises and larger facilities.

Keswick: 30 minutes north. Derwentwater and northern Lakes.

Grasmere: 3 miles north. Wordsworth connections and excellent walking.

Langdale: 6 miles west. Dramatic valley and serious fell walking.

Consider combining Ambleside with Keswick or Windermere for varied Lake District experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ambleside dog-friendly?

Very much so. Numerous pubs, cafes, and shops welcome dogs. The town provides excellent walking access and a genuine culture of canine welcome.

What's the best walk from Ambleside with a dog?

Stock Ghyll Force offers easy accessibility. Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Cave provides more adventure. Wansfell Pike rewards fit dogs with spectacular views.

Can dogs visit Rydal Cave?

Yes, dogs love it. The cave provides paddling opportunities and atmospheric exploration. It's reached via the Loughrigg Fell walk.

Are there dog-friendly pubs in Ambleside?

Several, including The Golden Rule, The Copper Pot, and The Unicorn. Nearby options include The Mortal Man and Drunken Duck Inn.

Can dogs go on Windermere cruises from Ambleside?

Yes, dogs travel free on all Windermere Lake Cruises departing from Waterhead pier.

Is Stock Ghyll Force suitable for dogs?

Excellent for dogs. Easy woodland walking with waterfall views. Can be extended onto the fells for more energetic dogs.

What's the easiest walk near Ambleside?

Tarn Hows offers easy circular walking with stunning views. Stock Ghyll Force provides the shortest option from town.

Can dogs visit Rydal Mount?

Dogs on leads welcome in the gardens but cannot enter the house.

Discover Ambleside's Charm

Ambleside delivers the Lake District experience in concentrated form. Waterfalls, fells, caves, and lakes all lie within walking distance, whilst welcoming pubs and characterful streets provide civilised refreshment. This walker's town genuinely welcomes dogs at every turn.

Ready to explore? Book your dog-friendly Ambleside accommodation and discover why this Lakeland hub captures hearts across generations.

Luke explores Ambleside with Charlie the German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers Buster and Ember, Labradors Simba and Max, and French Bulldog Molly. The pack particularly enjoys Loughrigg Fell with a splash in Rydal Cave, followed by refreshment at The Copper Pot.