Answer

By Country Walking magazine

Ambleside is a terrific base for family adventures on the fells. The walks are great, and the afternoon/evening entertainment options in the town itself are grand too.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:

The Cumbria Way from Skelwith Bridge (2 miles)
The hamlet of Skelwith Bridge lies just west of Ambleside on the A593, which links Ambleside with both Coniston and Great Langdale.
From Skelwith Bridge, follow the waymarked Cumbria Way north-west along the shores of beautiful Elter Water, reaching the village of Elterwater after two miles. Bus services along the B5343 can reconnect you with Skelwith Bridge for the return journey. This one’s a corker – and it can also form part of a circular walk around Loughrigg (see entry on Loughrigg later).
The map you need: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7

Orrest Head (3 miles)
This is regarded as a classic introduction to Lakeland walking because it was here that legendary guidewriter Alfred Wainwright first set eyes on the fells, and knew he’d fallen in love. It’s the easiest of walks – from the railway station in Windermere (six miles south of Ambleside), head north into the woods on Elleray Bank, then follow the path as it turns sharp east to climb Orrest Head. From here, a spectacular panorama unfolds, showcasing the Kentmere fells, the Langdale Pikes, and the vast stretch of Windermere itself. A permissive footpath then returns you through Common Wood to the A591 as it enters Windermere village – turn right and follow the road for half a mile back to the station. It’s short, but it might well be unforgettable.
The map you need: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7

Loughrigg (5 miles)
For a first Lakeland mountain for little legs, Loughrigg is hard to beat - see photo above. This knobbly mass is a real lynchpin for three different Lakeland valleys. But while its height is modest compared to its neighbours (1,099ft), it’s also quite shapeless, so it’s best to stick to the most obvious paths.
Start from the village of Elterwater and head north-east to Red Bank, then veer right to go up and over the western flank of Loughrigg itself (there’s a great little detour to Loughrigg Terrace, a grassy promenade overlooking Grasmere).
Descend the winding path round Ivy Crag at the southern end of Loughrigg, then follow the path down into Skelwith Bridge. From here, take the path north-west along Elterwater, as described in the first suggestion.
Full route: Click here to download Country Walking's ‘Loughrigg’ route
The map you need: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7

Bigland Barrow (3.5 miles)
Twelve miles south of Ambleside, at the bottom end of Windermere, is the village of Newby Bridge, which is the base for this great family walk. Park at Hazelrigg then follow the path west through Hoggarths Plantation, following signs for Backbarrow. Soon the path climbs to the 630ft heights of Bigland Barrow, and an obvious path runs south across the ridge, passing a watchtower. Then head south to Back Reddings Allotment Tarn, before veering north-east to return to Hazelrigg.
Full route: Click here to download Country Walking's ‘Bigland Barrow’ route
The map you need: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7

There are plenty of bigger fells which can be accessed from Ambleside – the Kentmere Round being probably the best-known, along with Scandale and Red Screes. However, these should only be tackled once the young ones have got the taste for it, and taking them on assumes a reasonable experience of navigation and sensible gear for all.
But for now, hopefully these are the kind of starters you’re looking for. Enjoy!