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High Sweden Bridge, Ambleside

High Sweden Bridge

This is a classic Lake District circular walk, with excellent views over Lake Windermere and the town of Ambleside, and some lovely fell views.

The going is not too strenuous; the steepest parts are actually along the streets and lanes of Ambleside itself. It can easily be combined with longer footpaths to make a walk as long as you like.

Park in the main car park in Ambleside, or the newer riverside park below the church. The starting point for the walk is the photogenic Bridge House, a National Trust property that sits astride the river. Highly unlikely rumour has it that Bridge House was built by a miser too cheap to pay the taxes that would result from building along the river bank.

Directions
Tke the footpath to North Street, and turn left. Follow the street to a T junction and follow Kirkstone Street uphill. Turn left onto High Sweden Lane. Follow High Sweden Lane straight along until you emerge onto the moor above Ambleside. The going is very clear, and trail rises slightly as you pass old stone walls and a far building on your right. Keep on through a gate until you approach the river on your left. Carry on until you come to High Sweden Bridge, a picturesque pack horse bridge. Go over the bridge, through the gate, and bear left uphill (don't follow the small path to your extreme left). Go over a stile and carry on up hill, past a sheep fold. From  the top of the rise the view over Ambleside and Lake Windermere is simply fantastic.

Follow the obvious path downhill, over Low Sweden Bridge - not nearly so picturesque - through a farmyard, and join the paved road that will take you straight into the heart of Ambleside. The entire walk is about 3 miles in length, and should take no more than 2 hours. The going is fairly easy, though, as with all walks in the Lake District, wet going and mud is always a possibility!

OS map - OL7

Photos of High Sweden Bridge
The trail rises through farmland, betwen stone walls	Looking back towards Lake windermere	The trail then levels out, making for easy walking to the packhorse bridge.
Classic Lakeland views from High Sweden	The circular path loops back towards Ambleside	Just a typical lake District view - stunning!

Location map for High Sweden Bridge

Nearest Hotels to High Sweden Bridge

Best Western Ambleside Salutation Hotel - 1.4 miles away Ambleside, Cumbria Stay from: £75.00

Queens Hotel - 1.4 miles away Ambleside, Cumbria Stay from: £0.00

Ambleside Wordsworths Guest House - 1.5 miles away Ambleside, Cumbria Stay from: £50.00

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