Loughrigg Fell - Ambleside

There is a quiet road which runs along the side of the river Rothay where there are a few parking spaces.

The road is accessed from the A593 just outside of Ambleside.

This section of the walk runs along well the well walked bidleway to Loughrigg Tarn. It starts with steep hard surfaced track but after about 500m levels out with some great views.

Half way along the bridleway there are some magnificent views over Loughrigg Tarn which can be equally as magnifcent on both clear sunny days and early morning misty days.

The tarn itself is of outstanding beauty with striking views north-west towards the Langdale Pikes, and with a variety of aquatic plants around its margins. It was described by Wordsworth as being a 'most beautiful example'.

The tarn itself is of outstanding beauty with striking views north-west towards the Langdale Pikes, and with a variety of aquatic plants around its shore lines. It was described by Wordsworth as being a 'most beautiful example'.

It is well worth breaking off the main route at this point and following the well defined steep climb to the summit of Loughrigg.

Loughrigg Fell stands on the end of the long ridge coming down from High Raise over Silver How towards Ambleside, and is separated from its neighbours by the depression of Red Bank.

The fell is surrounded by a significant amount of open water with the Lakes Grasmere and Rydal Water to north and the River Brathay running from Elterwater on the south.

Loughrigg Terrace provides stunning views over Grassmere and Rydal Water.

Grasmere is one the smaller Lakes in the Lake District at 1 mile long, half a mile wide and 75 feet deep, it is also one of the prettiest. Described by Wordsworth as “The most loveliest spot than man hath found".

There is a small island in the middle of the lake which was the poet’s favourite destination while he was staying at nearby Dove Cottage. The island is now privately owned, and visitors are nolonger allowed the land on it.