Stock Ghyll

A tributary of the river Rothay, Stock Ghyll rises in the fells surrounding Kirkstone Pass, above Ambleside, and drops down through the town before joining the Rothay for the final run into Windermere.

('Ghyll' is a word used in the Lake District to describe a stream or smaller river.)

At this point in its journey through Ambleside, Stock Ghyll once powered a large mill known as the bobbin mill. The weir was constructed for the mill.

There is still a water wheel belonging to the old corn mill. There was a mill on this site from 1335. The current building dates from 1680 and was constructed by the Braithwaite family. Now the premises are a tea rooms.

Moving through the town, the ghyll passes under Bridge House; the smallest house in England. Originally built as an apple store (fruit, not technology!) for the nearby Ambleside Hall, it is believed the location for this house was an attempt to avoid land tax! It has just two rooms; fine for an apple store, but a bit cramped for the family with six children who once lived here!

Now, the house belongs to the National Trust. Having served as their first ever information centre it is currently a small Trust shop.