Loughrigg Fell

Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace

A classic Lake District walk, offering fabulous views over Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Park at Old Moss Common Quarry Car Park (the second car park on the A591 north of Ambleside), Cross the road and join the path, keeping the river on your left. Pass by a bridge across the river, through several gates, until you reach the second bridge, Cross the bridge, and go up the stepped path ahead.

At the first junction, turn left, reaching a stone wall, Then turn right up the hill and follow the path as it winds back and forth across the hillside towards the summit. If you'd prefer a less energetic option, a level path known as Loughrigg Terrace can be easily reached after only a five-minute climb.

The route is much, much easier to understand when you see it in person rather than reading the preceding directions! All you really have to do is follow the obvious path, and the summit of the hill is always in sight as you ascend. The final section of the path gets moderately steep, and you will need a reasonable degree of fitness to make the climb, but the path obvious the whole way.

The reward for your exertions is a superb view down Grasmere Lake to the village. A short detour off the path gives nice views south to Rydal Water as well.

This is one of the classic Lake District walks, and as a result, it can be crowded on fine weekends or during the peak summer season, so if you walk more of Loughrigg Fell to yourself, try to get an early start.