Some paths just seem like they were created for leisurely strolls and healthful urban hikes. I'm particularly fond of the long loop covering the stretch between downtown Seattle, the University District and Capitol Hill. It has some beautiful views and even a few subtle challenges to get your heart pumping and give your legs a good workout.

Just like last week's walk to Fremont, we'll be following our mascot, Amble, as he makes his way from the central business district to his destination, but this time he'll be rounding back to Westlake Center halfway through the trip. This walk is longer and a little bit tougher, but I just couldn't bring myself to leave so much of it out.

Starting at his usual place on the corner of 4th and Pine by the Westlake Park arch, Amble heads north on Westlake Avenue until he gets to the Denny Play Field, then he turns east on Denny Way until he reaches Fairview Avenue North. This first stretch of Fairview is a tight collection of businesses and non-profit organizations, including a state-of-the-art branch of the University of Washington medical facilities.

Things get a little dicey for Amble when Fairview intersects with Valley Street. The auto traffic can get a bit heavy thanks to the off-ramp of Interstate Highway 5, otherwise hidden a few blocks away. After negotiating that exchange, it's clear and quiet all the way up the stretch of Fairview that wraps around the southern edge of Lake Union.

At E. Galer Street, Fairview splits off in to Fairview Avenue East and Eastlake Avenue. Amble takes Eastlake where a series of bright, modern businesses and residential blocks have sprung up around a locals-first community. Soon, Amble comes to the Eastlake Avenue Bridge over Portage Bay, enjoying the calming sight of that narrow stretch of water that connects Lake Washington to the mighty Puget Sound.

Now Amble is in the University District, a good place to rest and grab a cold drink, maybe a light snack. A city unto itself, the U-District bustles with students and professionals enjoying the thriving micropolis of UW. When Amble's ready, he cuts through the university grounds, marveling at the stunning architecture and the one-of-a-kind view of Mt. Rainier from the flower-lined path of Rainier Vista Road.

Now it's just a matter of taking Pacific Place to Montlake Boulevard to the Montlake Bridge and crossing back into central Seattle. Montlake is one of Seattle's many homey corners, a lived-in neighborhood with classic houses and lots of green space. Montlake turns into 24th Avenue and then into 23rd, a slow incline up Capitol Hill. If Amble feels like doing the full (sorta intense) walk, he'll follow this mostly residential leg of the hike until he comes to E. Madison Street, which will take him all the way back downtown.

The UW/Montlake walk is a long one best done with a rest at the halfway point. It's easily 8 miles and can take anywhere from 2.5-4 hours in pure walking. On the plus side, a significant portion of it is quiet but not uneventful and it gives walkers a good sense of Seattle's unique mix of neighborhoods.

Thanks for joining me (and Amble) on another long walk. I hope you'll be back next week for a new Seattle path.