“Of the lesser heights of Lakeland, Loughrigg Fell is pre-eminent”
A Wainwright
Loughrigg is one of the more popular lower fells in the Lake District, sitting above both Ambleside and Grasmere with stunning views over Windermere, Rydal and Grasmere and to the higher fells beyond you can see why it is so well liked.
Our route takes in some of the less frequented parts of the fell as we climb to the summit before returning to Ambleside by some of the more famous viewpoints, many of which were made famous by Wordsworth.
“No ascent is more repaying for the small labour involved in visiting it's many cairns.”
A Wainwright
It's hard to find a lower level fellwalk that can give such varied views throughout the walk, from the beauty of Lilly Tarn and the views over Windermere from Ivy Crag to the stunning mountain scenery of the high fells surrounding Loughrigg this walk really has something for everyone, and when you add in the idyllic views over Grasmere and Rydal water and Rydal Cave on the way back to Ambleside it's hard to fault this walk.
We start from Ambleside, heading over the park to meet the path climbing from the Underloughrigg road, turning off from the main path to climb by Ivy Crag to Lilly Tarn, the views from this southern end of the Loughrigg ridge give great views south over Windermere and east to the best view of the Fairfield Horseshoe.
We follow the ridge north across the rambling fellside, craggy tops and hidden tarns cover this bracken clad fellside as we approach the summit of Loughrigg.
The 360 degree view from the summif is phenomenal, high mountains and lakes all around.
From the summit we descend to the north towards Grasmere, dropping down onto the Loughrigg Terrace path and following this down above Grasmere and Rydal Water to Rydal Cave, an old quarry now disused.
From the cave the track continues down to the Underloughrigg road and back to Ambleside.
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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