Loughrigg Terrace - Rydal Caves - Loughrigg Terrace

Joe Jackson

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For a short walk that involves no significant hill-walking or ascent, this route offers so much, including caves, spectacular views and beautiful lakeside walking.

Starting off a the pay-and-display car park at White Moss, the route begins by following a path through woodland towards Grasmere Lake. The woodlands here explode with colour during spring and are famous for their bluebell display. Part of the lakeshore is followed, offering lovely views across its rippling waters to The Lion and the Lamb (Helm Crag) before the path enters more woodland. It is here that a majority of the ascent is completed as you follow a well-defined path up through the woods to join Loughrigg Terrace.

The terrace path contours the fellside and offers some of the best views along the entire route. Grasmere Lake is framed perfectly between the towering peaks of Fairfield, Seat Sandal and Helm Crag.

About a mile further along the terrace path the route passes Rydal Caves (aka Loughrigg Caves). These caves are actually mine workings from long ago, but you can go in and explore the cavern (you probably won't be alone!) which is exciting and completely different from most other walks.

The route then begins a descent to the lakeshore of Rydal Water before returning to White Moss.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East