walking | Loughrigg Fell & Rydal Falls
What and where is Loughrigg Fell?
Loughrigg Fell is a small hill (or 'fell') in the Lake District just outside of Ambleside on the north side of Windemere. Whilst nowhere near as tall as some of the surrounding fells, it has fantastic views on all sides across each of the surrounding valleys, looking out across Windemere, Grasmere and Rydal Water. And if anyone is interested in caves, on the eastern end of Loughrigg Terrace are a series of small caves formed by mining (although they are normally full of water).
​
The fell is easily accessible from all sides and is surrounded by some great transport links so it is easy to get to.
Remember The Rules and have fun!
3 hours
6.1 miles
Lake District
Get this route
Download our route and follow this yourself from either OS Maps or ViewRanger. OS Maps requires a subscription, which luckily you can get 10% off with Northern Stroll on any 12 month subscription. Check out our blog post for the code.
​
ViewRanger is free and much like OS Maps doesn't require any data to work. All you need is a GPS signal, especially if you have downloaded your maps beforehand. It also has OS Maps available as a layer inside the app.
​
Don't have ViewRanger on your phone yet? See our guide, or download it in your app store.
Before you go...
The weather can change often in this area and phone batteries can struggle to hold charge in the cold. In addition, a sudden onset of fog can mean you lose your sense of direction. Always carry a paper map (find yours here), make sure you know how to use it and note down the number for mountain rescue. Better safe than sorry.
Route overview
A long and (relatively) flat circular walk from Ambleside taking in Rydal falls before climbing Loughrigg and descending back to the start.
Not too challenging compared with some of the larger climbs available around Ambleside and beyond, and fantastic views of the surrounding valleys on all sides.
​
This route starts in Rydal Road car park on the north side of Ambleside and takes you quickly off the road and through the grounds of Rydal Hall. Quickly admire the falls on your way through, then its on to The Coffin Route across the north side of Rydal Water before descending back across the main road into the Loughrigg park. Head through the woods to the main ascent, turning right and heading across Loughrigg Terrace before ascending to the top of the Fell.
​
Once at the trig point, walkers can continue down through the various trails back to the south east before rejoining a main track back down to Ambleside where refreshments and rest await!
​
A full route description is available on our Viewranger trail.
Key things to know:
​
Time: About 3-4 hours depending on your speed. Take your time, as there is plenty to see so don't miss out!
​
Distance: 6.14 miles there and back. The second half is much more vertical than the first but not for long.
​
Elevation: 1,354 feet
​
Calorie burning opportunity: Not bad. A solid 1,200 on a good day.
​
Photo opportunities rating: 10/10 if the weather is right. Simply stunning.
​
Nearby pubs: Plenty in Ambleside! Make sure you sample at least one before you leave.
​
Safety: PLEASE take the time to read this leaflet from Mountain Rescue and also note down the important contact numbers.
​
How to get here:
​
Postcode: LA22 9AN
​
​
We parked at the Rydal Road cark park in Ambleside and paid £6 for 6 hours.