LOUGHRIGG WALKING ROUTE

Quick facts

DURATION

2 hours

DISTANCE

5 miles

EXPERIENCE LEVEL

All levels

Loughrigg Fell is a wainwright located between Ambleside, Rydal, and Skelwith bridge. Popular for its many routes but also the views of Windermere Lake to the South East with Grasmere and the remainder of the Northern Fells to the North, North-West. This hill is perfect for those looking to summit a wainwright with a small family or would just rather have something a little less extreme. With the option to summit from Ambleside and Rydal directly with the option of walking alongside both Rydal Water and Grasmere Lake.


HIKING/TRAIL RUNNING ROUTE FROM AMBLESIDE

Starting from the small town of Ambleside there are several Pay and Display car parks located around the one-way system through the town. Some bigger car parks that are available are on Rydal Road, as well as Low Fold which is just across the road from Hayes Garden World. From wherever you park you want to make your way towards Rothay park located behind St Mary’s Parish Church. ...

From the park, you want to stay on the main path as you pass over one metal footbridge and then a stepper stone footbridge taking you over a small river, joining the lane. From here you want to then take a right as you pass over a cattle grid. Then almost immediately you want to pass over a cattle grid on your left that joins a road leading up a steep road.

Follow this road all the way passing by some houses on your left for 100m then on your right as the road turns from tarmac to gravel/stone. As you join this new terrain the gradient will level and take you through two wooden gates. The path will then swing to the right as it leads you to a final wooden gate.

Once passed through this gate a path will divert to your right across a small amount of bog along a wall. As you pass over this the path becomes obvious again. Joining this path will take you over the crest and drops down into a further bit of marsh before climbing out again and a steep loose rock path. As you progress the path will undulate dipping places but remains obvious at one point you will want to hand a left past a small tarn. The path from here is then very obvious taking you gradually to the summit before you get on some stone steps to the summit.

When descending you can pass over the summit and drop onto Loughrigg Terrace where you can follow the path back towards Ambleside passing alongside Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water with the option of taking in Rydal Caves. This path will pass through some houses back to the road where you can follow it back to Ambleside.

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HIKING/TRAIL RUNNING ROUTE FROM RYDAL

When starting from here there are two reasonably sized car parks at white moss. From here you can take the path from the car park to the right as it takes you to a metal footbridge. As you pass over this bridge through the forest as the path climbs slightly. As you emerge from the forest take the path to the right up the hill. The path will then fork, and you will want to take the path to the left which remains above the shore. Follow this path for 0.5 miles and the path will start to climb and come back on yourself. ...

This path climbs quite quickly and is mainly consisted of Large rock steps with some areas of loose stones. This area may be slippery when wet so it is important to take your time in wet conditions. This path climbs for 0.5 miles and after this time you will have reached the summit.

For this route descending is easiest by returning the way you have come following the way you summited. But as stated in the other route you can pass over the summit and descend into Ambleside and then follow the road back to Rydal along the roads or the path alongside the lakes.

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Similar Routes to Loughrigg

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Caution should be taken at all times when running or hiking in the Lake District fells. Only undertake a route if you are adequately prepared and fully equipped for the conditions you might face, ensuring to carry all emergency equipment. Headtorch with spare batteries, a full set of waterproofs, emergency blankets, and whistle. Please also ensure you are confident in the use of a map and compass.

Check mountain weather forecasts before setting off (the weather can change very quickly in the fells, especially higher up) and always let someone else know the route you are planning to take.

Stay on the designated paths, respect the countryside, leave gates as you find them, take all your litter home, and no leave nothing but footprints.

For more advice on safety in the Lake District fells we thoroughly recommend you read these two pages by Mountain Rescue and Lake District National Park.

Kit advice: The highest peaks in England are prone to unpredictable and inhospitable weather, so for this walk, we recommend the Thermoshell Pro Insulated Jacket for extra warmth if the temperate plummets and the Stormshell Waterproof Jacket for maximum waterproofing. 

Walking & Hiking Essentials