Loughrigg Fell is one of the most popular destinations for walkers near Grasmere and Ambleside. This route avoids climbing the summit and instead goes around the fell to capture some of the best views in this beautiful area. It’s also a great route for runners, especially if you take time to enjoy the scenery and walk the ascents. Start at Pelter Bridge (GR NY 366 059).

Information

Distance: 6.4 miles, ascent: 950-feet

Time: 3 hours (or about an hour’s run)

Terrain: Quiet lanes, tracks and footpaths.

Map: OS Explorer OL7

Route

1 From Pelter Bridge follow the tarmacked road by the side of the River Rothay for half a mile to the footpath on the right just before the large white house, Fox Ghyll. Fox Ghyll House was built in the 1600s, originally in the style of a typical old Lakeland farmhouse and remained virtually unchanged for more than 200 years. As you walk past the side of the house note its unusual chimneys. Cross the ghyll and follow the path up through the rhododendrons, which continue to flourish despite being cut back at regular intervals. Rhododendrons were introduced to Britain in the late 18th Century but they are now a nuisance because they out-compete many native plants and their spread is hard to control. Follow the path up by the side of the ghyll and at the top turn right onto the wide bridleway. As the track passes Ivy Crag on the right views open over Windermere lake, then Elterwater village to the left and the Langdale Pikes ahead. The track then descends to a gateway (note the unusual latch handle which seems to have been made from a recycled scythe) and twists steeply down through woods; 100 yards after the gateway the path opens out and bends left. Turn right onto the footpath across two meadows and enjoy the splendid view of Loughrigg Tarn ahead. The path joins a well made track near a pollarded ash with a yew tree growing out of it.

2 Cross the track and follow the footpath that goes across the fields around the tarn passing a memorial cross dedicated to John Skelton, who tragically drowned while on a school trip in 1960. Turn right onto the tarmac road, bear left where the road swings right and continue down the road to 50 yards past a turning on the left. Turn right onto a footpath and follow it along the bottom edge of Low Wood. At the footpath waymarker pointing left go right and follow the permissive stepped footpath up through the woods. These woods are part of the 11-acre High Close estate originally planted in the 1860s with exotic conifers from North America and a variety of rhododendrons. At one time, nine gardeners and a full time path sweeper were employed to look after this area.

3 The path steps out onto a tarmac road near High Close YHA. Turn left, go down to the first bend and turn right onto a grassy path. Either of the two paths will do but the higher one to the left is drier and offers better views. Follow the footpath up to the base of Huntingstile Crag where you bear right and descend to a gate. The path descends by the side of a wall to Redbank woods.

4 After passing through the gate at the top of the woods, turn right onto the footpath signed ‘YHA Loughrigg Terrace’ and descend to merge with the tarmacked road. Go up the road for 80 yards and turn left down the first path to the Loughrigg Terrace bridleway. Note the unique slotted slates supporting fence poles above the wall on the left. Loughrigg Terrace affords one of the best views over Grasmere. At the end of the terrace take the higher path on the right that contours high above Rydal Water. You can follow the path by the side of the lake if you prefer but if the water level is high you may need to scramble over a rock to avoid getting wet feet. The higher path offers splendid views over Rydal Water and across to Nab Scar and passes the well known cave which is actually a disused quarry, then descends via a winding (and currently very uneven) stony track. Go through a gate and follow the lane downhill to return to Pelter Bridge.

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.