Rydal Cave should be on everyone’s bucket list! And if you are ticking off the Wainwright’s like myself, then Loughrigg Fell is an added bonus.
The walk is a short 3.6 mile-long route, with incredible views over Rydal and Grasmere. To see Rydal Cave at its best, be prepared to head into the cave across stepping stones. Your feet may get a little wet depending on how much rain there’s been. So best to wear waterproof shoes/boots!
Please note: The path isn’t always very well marked from the summit of Loughrigg Fell to Rydal Cave. So please keep a close eye on the map, to make sure you stay on route. We went a little off course a few times!
Location
Rydal Cave and Loughrigg Fell are located in the Rothay Valley. A beautiful part of the Lake District National Park. Roughly 5 miles north from Windermere.
Parking
There are a few different car parks to choose from. However, they do get full quickly, during busy times. So best to try and get there early. We parked at Rydal Water Car Park, and this is where my route starts from. If this car park is full, you can try White Moss Car Park.
The Route
Follow this map, as you walk the route, you shouldnât get lost! Make sure your location is turned on and you should be able to see exactly where you are, on this map. Or if you prefer, download the GPX file and use it on your choice of route tracker.
1.
Starting at Rydal Water Car Park, take the footpath heading east out of the car park. The path will lead you down to the road. Cross over the road and follow the path leading you southwest along the river to a foot bridge.
2.
Head across the bridge, and take the footpath going off to your right-hand side, through White Moss Woods. Follow the path up through the woods, until you reach a footpath sign at the edge of the woods. Take the footpath going off to your right-hand side. Eventually, you will reach a footpath going off to your left-hand side, steeping uphill, to the summit of Loughrigg Fell.
3.
Take the footpath and head to the summit of Loughrigg Fell. There is a trig point at the summit.
4.
From here to Rydal Cave, the path isn’t always very well marked. So please keep a close eye on the map, to make sure you stay on route. We went a little off course a few times!
Follow a footpath leading you east, off the summit of Loughrigg Fell. It will slowly lead you off the summit of Loughrigg Fell. As you head down, your path should reach a path junction. Take the path going off to your left-hand side, towards Rydal Cave.
5.
As you reach Rydal Cave, step inside along the stepping stones. You will be greeted with one magical view!
6.
Once you finished admiring the cave and taking all the photos needed, head back out along the stepping stones and turn towards your left-hand side, and take the footpath. The footpath travels west, leading you back towards White Moss Woods. Re-track your steps from the beginning of the walk through the woods, over the bridge, turning towards your right-hand side. Then follow the footpath, cross over the road, and follow the footpath west, back to the car park, where you started the walk from.
Enjoyed this walk and would like to do another walk in the Lake District National Park, please check out some of my other walk guides:
For more information about the Lake District National Park, where to stay and eat, please check out their website:
https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/
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