The Beauty of the Lake District Revealed on the Loughrigg Fell Walk from Ambleside
Embark on a delightful 8-mile journey in the Lake District, beginning in Ambleside. Proceed westward across Rothay Park towards Brow Head Farm as part of your Loughrigg Fell walk. Begin your ascent uphill along Miller Brow, advancing to Black Mire, and then across the hill to reach the summit of Loughrigg Fell. Savour the captivating view from the top before preparing for your descent.
Take a generally north-east route downhill from the summit, moving towards the impressive Rydal Cave, a former slate quarry. From there, head westward along Loughrigg Terrace until you reach the minor road on Red Bank. Veer south-east, passing beneath Intake Wood, until you arrive at Loughrigg Tarn. Follow an eastbound track hugging the base of Ivy Crag, a noteworthy feature of your Loughrigg Fell walk. Finally, return east via Miller Brow to Brow Head Farm. From this point, trace your path back through Rothay Park, ending your journey in Ambleside.
Loughrigg Fell Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Loughrigg Fell Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 7¾ miles
Distance: 12½ kilometres
Duration: 4 hours
Ascent: 1810 feet
Ascent: 552 metres
Type: Circular walk
About Loughrigg Fell
Loughrigg Fell, standing at a height of 335 metres, is located in the heart of the English Lake District. This hill is part of a long ridge that descends from High Raise over Silver How towards Ambleside, and is separated from neighbouring hills by a lowland area known as Red Bank.
Interestingly, Loughrigg Fell is encircled by an impressive amount of open water. The River Rothay, which runs through Grasmere and Rydal Water, borders the fell to the north, while the River Brathay, originating from Elter Water, forms the southern border. These two rivers converge at a place named Clappersgate before flowing into Windermere. The western boundary of the fell is defined by Red Bank, which links it to Silver How.
The fell features two subsidiary ridges on its eastern side: Lanty Scar, the prominent pathway from Rydal, and a spur over Todd Crag, which leads up from Clappersgate. Lower slopes are cloaked in woodland, transitioning into a broad area of fern-covered knolls and small ponds at the summit.
Access to Loughrigg Fell is facilitated by surrounding roads, making nearby settlements including Ambleside, Skelwith Bridge, Elterwater, Grasmere, and Rydal readily accessible. A well-known pathway, the Loughrigg Terrace, featured on this Loughrigg Fell walk, offers stunning views of Grasmere, Helm Crag and the Fairfield mountain range.
The fell is a geological marvel, featuring dacitic welded lapilli-tuff and volcaniclastic sandstone from the Lincomb Tarns Formation on its south-eastern slopes, while rhyolite intrusions and basaltic andesite sills are found near the summit.
The highest point of the fell is marked by an Ordnance Survey triangulation column next to a large cairn. From here, one can take in the splendid views of the Langdale Pikes, the fells around Grasmere, and the Coniston Fells. Panoramic views of Elter Water, Grasmere, and a substantial portion of Windermere can also be enjoyed.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District South-Eastern Area, reference OS Explorer OL7, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Loughrigg Fell Walk: My Photos
Looking down upon Loughrigg Tarn from the path between Black Mire and the Loughrigg Fell summit.
The view south-west towards Elter Water from Loughrigg Fell’s Lad Crag. Lingmoor Fell is to the right of the lake and Wetherlam is in the background.
Windermere as seen from the Loughrigg Fell summit. At this point we’re about one-third of the way round our Loughrigg Fell walk.
Looking over towards Elterwater (the village) and Great Langdale.
Kevin and I at the triangulation pillar on Loughrigg Fell summit, height 335 metres (1099 feet).
One of the paths off Loughrigg Fell on the east side of Ewe Crag. The lake at the bottom is Rydal Water, home to Heron Island (left) and Little Isle (right).
The mountain behind Rydal Water is Heron Pike, and the two high points on the ridge to the right are Low Pike and High Pike. Together they form part of the Fairfield Horseshoe loop. To the far right in the distance is Red Screes.
The sun’s rays break through the clouds and light up Low Pike.
Rydal Cave
A man-made cave on the site of a former slate quarry, with stepping stones leading to a partially dry interior. One of the many highlights of this Loughrigg Fell walk.
Whilst writing about Loughrigg Fell, Alfred Wainwright commented on Rydal Cave as follows:
A detour should certainly be made to Loughrigg Quarries, the big upper cave being quite a surprise; there is shelter enough here for the whole population of Ambleside (although, admittedly, many people would be standing in water).
Two of several small slate statues built near the Rydal Cave entrance. Kevin gets a picture from an unusual angle.
The sun illuminates Helm Crag about 1½ miles north-west of Grasmere.
Grasmere (the lake) becomes visible as we head west from Rydal Cave towards Loughrigg Terrace.
Stunning views of Grasmere and the surrounding mountains as we walk along Loughrigg Terrace, roughly the halfway point of this Loughrigg Fell walk.
As we make our way along the road to Loughrigg Tarn, there is a view of Harrison Stickle, Thorn Crag and Loft Crag. At this point we’re about two-thirds of the way round our Loughrigg Fell walk.
Alternating areas of farmland are bathed in sunshine as we look south from the track beneath Loughrigg Fell’s Ivy Crag.
Bridge House, Ambleside
Bridge House is possibly the most photographed building in the Lake District, and a popular subject for many artists including Turner. A tiny building, originally an apple store for nearby Ambleside Hall, was built over Stock Beck to escape land tax. Once five mills were driven by the power of Stock Beck and some can still be seen nearby. It is said that at some time a family with six children lived here in the two rooms.
In 1926 it was purchased by a group of local people who passed it into the care of the National Trust, which 20 years later they turned into their first information and recruitment centre.
Information from https://www.visitcumbria.com/amb/bridge-house
Top Lake District Walking Guides for Exploring the Fells
The Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking walks in the UK. These four guidebooks stand out for their detailed routes and practical advice, covering everything from high-level fell walks to peak bagging the Wainwrights. Whether you’re exploring lesser-known summits or conquering famous peaks, these guides are essential companions for your adventures in the Lake District. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Lake District High Level Mountain and Fell Walks
Discover the Lake District’s highest peaks with Vivienne Crow’s pocket-sized guide. It features 30 of the best walks on the higher fells, covering both lesser-known summits and favourites like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. Each route is circular and ranges from 4 to 15 miles, with walks graded by difficulty. The guide is illustrated with Ordinance Survey mapping and vibrant colour photography, making it both informative and visually appealing. Crow also includes practical notes on parking, public transport links, and nearby refreshment spots. With easy access from popular centres like Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, this guide is an essential companion for your Lake District adventures.
Lake District Classic Lakeland Mountain Routes
Mark Richards’ large-format guidebook showcases 50 classic walks in the Lake District’s mountains. These routes are designed for experienced hillwalkers, with distances ranging from 4 to 13 miles. Richards provides clear route descriptions, accompanied by Harvey mapping and his own hand-drawn illustrations. You’ll find walks covering popular fells such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, as well as lesser-known routes that offer a unique challenge. Optional low-grade scrambling adds an adventurous twist to some walks. Practical details, including parking and post-walk refreshment options, are also included to ensure a well-rounded day out in the fells.
Peak Bagging the Wainwright Fells in 45 Walks
Karen and Dan Parker present 45 carefully crafted routes to help you complete all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s iconic fells in the Lake District. The routes are divided into sections that mirror Wainwright’s original guides. They are designed to be both efficient and enjoyable. Key highlights include the Scafell round and the Glenridding Horseshoe. The Parkers provide detailed maps, elevation profiles, and essential logistics such as parking and transport options. Whether you’re completing the Wainwrights over years or in record time, this guide will be your perfect companion throughout the journey. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone looking to conquer these famous fells.
Climbing the Lakeland Wainwrights in 64 Walks
Graham Uney’s guide offers 64 walks that cover all 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. Uney’s approach ensures flexibility, with some summits featured more than once, allowing you to revisit favourite peaks. While Wainwright’s original guides are invaluable, Uney provides a modern perspective. He helps walkers plan full-day routes that cover multiple fells efficiently. This guidebook is filled with detailed, updated routes and practical advice, making it an excellent companion to the classic Pictorial Guides. Whether you’re aiming to complete the Wainwrights or simply explore the fells, this guide will be invaluable.