Lily Tarn Walk from Ambleside
If you are looking for an easy walk from Ambleside that feels properly outdoors without being long or demanding, this short out and back route to Lily Tarn is a lovely choice.
Starting near Miller Bridge car park, the walk passes straight through Rothay Park, making it perfect for families who want to mix a play park visit with a peaceful fellside walk. From there, the route gently climbs into open countryside, with wide views back over Ambleside and across the surrounding fells.
It is one of those Lake District walks where you do not have to go far or high to feel connected to nature. Lily Tarn itself is a calm, tucked away spot, ideal for a quiet pause, a snack, or simply sitting and taking in the views.
This is a great short adventure for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a relaxed walk with rewarding scenery. At an easy pace with plenty of stops, allow around a couple of hours.
Quick facts
Distance: 2.1 miles there and back
Time: Around 2 hours at a relaxed pace
Route type: Out and back
Elevation gain: Approximately 465 ft
Terrain: Park paths, quiet road, and open moorland trails
Difficulty: Easy with a gentle uphill section
Dog friendly: Yes, but keep dogs under control on open fell
Start point: Miller Bridge car park, Ambleside, LA22 0EE
OS map: Explorer OL7 The English Lakes South Eastern Area
Digital route: View the full route on Hiiker
Parking and access
We start from Miller Bridge car park in Ambleside (postcode LA22 0EE). We have found this to be one of the easiest places to get a space, especially compared to some of the smaller central car parks.
Right next to the car park is Rothay Park, which has a large children’s play area and plenty of open space. At the top of the park you will also find public toilets, making this a really practical starting point for families.
The walk uses a mix of surfaced paths, quiet road, and open fell trails. The climb is steady but gentle, and suitable for most abilities.
Route description
From Miller Bridge car park, walk into Rothay Park and head through the park towards the river.
Take a right and cross the bridge over the River Rothay. Once over the bridge, turn right and follow the road for a couple of minutes.
You will then turn left onto a narrow uphill lane. This is where the walk begins to feel more rural. After a short climb, you leave the built up area behind and emerge onto open fell, with lovely views back over Ambleside.
Continue uphill at an easy pace. The path is clear and the gradient stays gentle, making this a family friendly climb. As you gain height, the views open out all around, and you can look back across the town and surrounding hills.
Eventually you will reach Lily Tarn, sitting quietly in the open landscape. It is a peaceful place to stop, especially on calmer days when the water reflects the sky and fells.
If you would like even bigger views, you can continue for a few more minutes towards Todd Crag. From here you get a full outlook down over Windermere. Look out for the distinctive pointy rocks near the viewpoint, you will know them when you see them.
Return the same way back to Miller Bridge.
What you will see on this walk
This short Lily Tarn walk may be gentle, but it packs in a surprising amount of variety. From creative touches in Ambleside to wide open fell views and a peaceful tarn, each section of the route feels slightly different, keeping the walk interesting from start to finish.
Turning Point sculpture in Ambleside
A striking stacked stone sculpture hidden among the trees near the start of the walk. It is a lovely unexpected feature and a great spot to pause before leaving town behind, adding a creative moment to your journey into nature.
The view slowly leaving Ambleside behind
As you climb away from the park and roads, the town begins to drop away below you. This is where the walk starts to feel more peaceful, with rooftops giving way to greenery and the surrounding hills opening up ahead.
The gate leading onto the open fells
Passing through this wooden gate marks a clear change in atmosphere. You step fully into open countryside here, with rougher paths underfoot and wider skies above, a simple moment that signals the start of proper fell walking.
The view across the fells
Open slopes and winding paths stretch out in front of you, with layered hills rising in the distance. This section gives you that classic Lake District feeling, where space and scenery combine to create a real sense of freedom.
Lily Tarn
A quiet tarn sitting gently in the landscape, perfect for a calm stop. On still days the water reflects the sky, and even when breezy it feels peaceful. It is a lovely place to sit, have a snack, and enjoy being outdoors.
The view from Todd Crag looking down Windermere
If you continue a little further, this viewpoint rewards you with a sweeping outlook over Windermere. It is only a short extra walk, but the view feels dramatic, with fields, water, and distant hills all laid out below.
A moment of calm
This walk is a reminder that you do not need a long hike to feel the benefits of being outside. Within a short distance you move from town, to parkland, to open fell, finishing at a quiet tarn.
It is the kind of walk that gives your mind space to breathe. Perfect for families, short adventures, or anyone needing a gentle connection with nature.
At Outdoor Exploring Family, we believe these smaller walks matter just as much as the big summit days. They are often the ones you return to again and again.
About this walking guide
This guide is part of Outdoor Exploring Family and our Lake District walks collection. The route has been walked by us and includes real landmarks, practical parking advice, and clear directions to help you explore Lily Tarn and Ambleside with confidence.
It is designed for anyone looking for an easy Lake District walk with open views, a peaceful tarn, and a family friendly start point.
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