Plan your trip

WALK HERE

Turn to Walk 16 in this issue for a Fairfield Horseshoe route. Download free guides to all walks marked with a * in panel on p49 at walk1000miles.co.uk/bonusroutes

GETTING THERE

Ambleside is on the A591, 30-45 mins from the M6. Buses from across the Lakes including 555/599 to Keswick and Windermere, which has a station.

WHERE TO STAY

Country Walking stayed at The Ambleside Salutation (015394 32244, hotelslakedistrict.com), a four-star hotel and spa in the heart of town – with a history long enough to have featured in Martineau’s guide. Today, it has a range of luxurious rooms from classic doubles with ensuite spa bath to Lakeland suites with private hot tub and balcony. The breakfast menu includes porridge with honey and a nip of whisky, crushed avocado and mushroom on toast, or a full Westmorland grill with Cumberland sausage whirl – which should all help fuel you round Fairfield. Classic doubles from £351 for two nights (min stay) B&B. Or you can go self-catering at The Knoll, the house Martineau built and lived in: sleeps 6, week in September from £1269 (0345 268 1486, cumbrian-cottages.co.uk).

WHERE TO EAT

Residents (and pre-booked guests) can dine in the restaurant at The Salutation, with a menu that showcases local produce like home-smoked trout, Newlands Valley beef. and sticky toffee pudding (two courses £26.75, three £34.50). Wide choice in Ambleside including Michelinstarred tasting menus at The Old Stamp House com), (oldstamphouse.

Italian-inspired veggie food at Zeffirelli’s (zeffirellis.com), and a friendly welcome and traditional pub grub at The Unicorn (facebook.com/unicornambleside).

MORE INFORMATION

For a wealth of detail about places to see, stay and eat in Cumbria see visitlakedistrict.com or call Ambleside Tourist Information Centre on 015394 68135.