Rydal - Loughrigg Fell

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A few kilometres from Ambleside, a walk to the top of Loughrigg Fell overlooking the lakes of the National Park Lake District.

Technical sheet

n°119271
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.65 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 283 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 286 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 325 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 58 m
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Description of the walk

Park on the road opposite Rydal Mount chapel (S).

Head west on the road then at the first crossing take the trail to the left. Cross the bridge over Rothay River (1) and continue south. When you get to a large track, take a right. Look over Rydal Water Lake on the forest edge before heading south (2).

Start a pleasant climb uphill then change direction to reach a small lake due west (3) under Ivy Crag.

Continue in the pasture on a well-marked path due north-west along a small lake before climbing to the top of Loughrigg Fell (336 m) (4).

Start a tricky descent to reach a crossroads (5). Take a right on the large trail parallele to Rothay River. Head north-east then (6), head east.

Calmly stroll down the large trail (1) reaching the car park the same way you left.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 65 m - Chapel of Rydal Mount
  2. 1 : km 0.15 - alt. 62 m - Footbridge over River Rothay
  3. 2 : km 1.09 - alt. 106 m - Carrefour orée du bois
  4. 3 : km 2.6 - alt. 273 m - Small lake under Ivy Crag
  5. 4 : km 3.46 - alt. 325 m - Loughrigg Fell
  6. 5 : km 4.22 - alt. 154 m - Carrefour sentier des lacs
  7. 6 : km 4.87 - alt. 95 m - River Rothay Trail
  8. S/E : km 6.65 - alt. 67 m - Chapel of Rydal Mount

Practical information

Hiking gear with the "must bring" windproof jacket because winds blow hard in the region.

In the nearby area

National Park Lake District and its numerous lakes

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Coviaux
Coviaux

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very pretty way to discover the Lake District and its atmosphere, with some great views, particularly of the Langdale valley. Parking, as is often the case, was not easy, as there was no more space at Rydal Mount. We found space in the small car park at the cricket club on the road between Ambleside and Rydal.

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OLIVET
OLIVET

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 05, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Afternoon walk in good weather conditions... In the morning, we had visited Rydal Mount and Gardens... A pleasant walk, with a well-developed path, magnificent views from the top of Loughrigg Fell over the surrounding lakes (Rydal, Grasmere, Elterwater, Windermere, but also Loughrigg Tarn) and all these beautiful glacial valleys that offer us greens of all colours! Superb views over Ambleside...
The path is relatively easy, with the climb really starting halfway up the circuit. The steps are fairly regular and we took our time to appreciate the lovely views. The descent is almost more difficult than the ascent. The final section, with Rydal Water lake on our left, is a very pleasant walk... A lovely walk that can be enjoyed by the whole family in fine weather!
...

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BBVet
BBVet

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 27, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The ascent was great as it was off the main busy tracks and with a degree of challenge with steep areas and streams to cross too. On a busy Sunday in spring the trig point was crowded with walkers from the main two routes. A good walk for a half day .

dannycarter
dannycarter

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 01, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

A good walk with nice views, a one for the family old and young

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