Ambleside sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere surrounded by high fells, making it a perfect base for serious walkers tackling the Lake District's most challenging peaks. The village has a long outdoor heritage with numerous gear shops, climbing instructors, and mountain guides. Stock Ghyll Force waterfall tumbles through woodland just above the village, while the tiny Bridge House spanning Stock Ghyll Beck is one of the Lake District's most photographed buildings. Wainwright's Fairfield Horseshoe walk starts and ends in Ambleside.