Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Cave

Distance: 6.5 miles
Time: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Sheep Watch:  None
Parking: Rydal Road Car Park (LA22 9AY) £6.60 for 6 hours
Refreshments: Head to the Copper Pot in Ambleside to warm up by the fire after the walk!

ALLTRAILS ROUTE
os maps route

The route

If there was one walk we could choose to give you a perfect flavour of the Lake District, this jaunt up to Loughrigg Fell and Rydal Cave would be it. With fells, lake views, swimming spots and an impressive cave on the list of things to explore, this varied walk ticks all the boxes for a perfect adventure on four paws.

At 335 metres, Loughrigg Fell is one of the smallest Wainwrights, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in spectacular views over some of its bigger neighbours across the national park. The 6.5 mile route is a brilliant introduction to fell walking and most definitely worth the steep climb at the beginning.

This circular route starts and ends in the bustling walker’s town of Ambleside, one of the most dog friendly towns we’ve visited and certainly worth a wander around before or after your walk. You can’t miss the iconic Bridge House right near the start which makes for an excellent photo opportunity with you and your pooch. This teeny tiny one up one down cottage, now owned by the National Trust, used to sleep 8 people!

You’ll notice the crowds dissipate as you start to walk away from Ambleside – although a popular little fell it never feels too busy on the top. Enjoy breathtaking views over the neighbouring mountains from the summit. Water-loving dogs will adore taking a quick detour for a dip in Rydal Water before exploring Rydal Cave. This popular beauty spot is actually man-made and was used to quarry the slate for the roofs in the surrounding towns and villages two hundred years ago. While it’s a great place to explore, due to a history of falling rocks, please do be careful if you take the stepping stones to the back of the cave.

If you have time, the Copper Pot in Ambleside is well worth a visit. It’s such a lovely cosy little place with an open fire and delicious food.