A Walk from Puddleduck House to the Drunken Duck

Now this is a bit of a complicated walk to describe, so from the outset, I’ll say (as with all walks) take an OS Map with you.  Even so, you’ll probably get lost.  We did!  However, we found our mistakes to be happy accidents as the scenery was just gorgeous everywhere we went and the bonus was that when we finally reached the pub (about 2 to  2.5 hours to get there) we had well and truly earned it!

So I’m going to attempt to describe how to get to the Drunken Duck, but if you have an OS Map with you then take note of that rather than my directions!!  I’ve recently signed up for an online OS map subscription – it only costs £20 for the year and you have unlimited access to the whole of the UK.  It’s very handy having it on your phone – no more fussy folding and unfolding (I usually get told off for folding it the wrong way) or awkwardly joining maps together.  Plus you don’t need to worry about it getting wet and soggy!

So, going back to the walk, you need to first of all get to the beautiful Tarn Hows, as described in my previous blog.  As you’re looking from Coniston, you are looking at it from the south, looking north, and you want to head to the east of the Tarn, going up on the higher route which overlooks the water.

Beautiful Tarn Hows

About mid-way through the tarn there is an easy to spot turning off to your right which leads past Rose Castle.  Follow this all the way until you join a road, just south of Knipe Fold.  Turn left here and head north on this country road until you get to a property called Sunny Brow, followed by a footpath to your left.  (Note: you can actually carry on the road here if you wish – it leads to the Drunken Duck a little quicker, but you may enjoy the footpath more)

On a quiet country road, heading to the Drunken Duck, Ambleside

Follow this footpath all the way through until you reach a road.  Turn right on this quiet country road towards Barngates and you will see the Drunken Duck Inn on your right-hand side about half a mile up.

Once you’re at the Drunken Duck, you won’t be disappointed if you love fine dining – and the prices are kept pretty reasonable too.  The food is really well presented and very tasty – possibly a little fussy for my particular palate, but it’s very well regarded generally.  The ale selection is pretty good, too.  If you manage to nab a seat outside, you’ll be rewarded with simply gorgeous views over the Lake District – well worth the effort in getting there!

The Welcoming site of the bar

Views from the Drunken Duck Inn, Ambleside

Happy Hiking!

Chloe x

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