“Of the lesser heights of Lakeland, Loughrigg Fell is pre-eminent”
A Wainwright
The delightful little summit of Loughrigg sits at the head of Windermere, between the valleys of the Rothay and Brathay, giving wonderful views across both valleys to the higher fells beyond.
Although small in height it holds wonderful views over Grasmere to Helvellyn and the Fairfield Horseshoe to the east or across Langdale to the Langdale Pikes, Crinkles, Bowfell and the Coniston Fells to the west.
A great shorter walk for all the family Loughrigg is a great exploration, with it's many summits, tarns and caves there really is something for all!
“No ascent is more repaying for the small labour involved in visiting it's many cairns”
A Wainwright
From Ambleside we will make our way through town and out over Rothay Park to join the track that starts to climb up the fellside. Loughrigg has more tracks to the square mile than any other fell in Lakeland, and these winding tracks that venture around various outcrops and tarns. We will take the track that climbs by the lovely Lily Tarn, and onwards to Ivy Crag, a fantastic viewpoint over Windermere.
Our route continues to climb gently up the hillside before one final climb to the summit of Loughrigg. The summit provides fantastic 360 degree panorama, and many of the big mountain groups such as The Langdales, the Coniston Fells and Bowfell and The Crinkles can be seen.
From the summit we will descend off the fell to the north and make our way to the very impressive man made caves that stand above Rydal Water. After having a bit of time to explore the caves we will join the good track down to Pelter Bridge which then joins the Under Loughrigg Road.
We finish off this fine circular route by following this road back along the River Rothay and back into Ambleside.
This route can be shortened depending on the groups abilities and desires.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: The Bridge House, AmblesidePostcode: LA22 9ANGrid Reference: NY 376 046
Directions
The Bridge House is easily found in Ambleside Village, on the A591 Rydal Road, just north of the centre of the village towards the Rydal Road Car Park and the mini roundabout. The Bridge House will be found on the left of the road, opposite the SR Cunninghams / Jack Wolfskin shop.
The Bridge House, a small house built on a bridge over the beck is now a National Trust gift shop, we will meet outside the shop.
Bus Services
Ambleside is well served by buses, the main bus stop in Ambleside is 5 minutes walk away from the meet point.
- The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing through Windermere and Grasmere
- The 599 runs regularly through the summer months from Bowness, Windermere and Grasmere
- The 516 runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley
- The 505 runs between Coniston and Ambleside, via Hawkshead
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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