Walks around Rydal Water
10 routes, from 2 easy, 6 moderate and 2 hard. Each has a route map, the climb worked out from the line, parking, dog and stile notes, and a GPX to download. For things to do, food and where to stay, see our Rydal Water guide.
Easy · 6.8 km · 231 m up
Rydal Water and Rydal Cave from Pelter Bridge
About 1 hour 30 minutes
A full circuit of Rydal Water: the old Coffin Route, the River Rothay to Grasmere, Loughrigg Terrace and the great slate cavern of Rydal Cave.
Moderate · 5.4 km · 312 m up
Alcock Tarn from Grasmere
About 1 hour 30 minutes
A short, steep climb from Grasmere to a quiet fellside tarn, with one of the best views of the vale on the way down past Dove Cottage.
Moderate · 10.2 km · 413 m up
Loughrigg Fell from Ambleside
About 2 hours 30 minutes
Ambleside's own fell: over the knobbly top of Loughrigg, along Loughrigg Terrace above Grasmere, past Rydal Cave and home by the River Rothay.
Hard · 19.5 km · 1018 m up
The Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside
About 5 hours 30 minutes
One of the great Lakeland rounds: from Ambleside up Nab Scar and over eight tops around the Rydal valley, with Fairfield's summit at the head.
Moderate · 8.6 km · 227 m up
Easedale Tarn from Grasmere
About 2 hours
Grasmere's classic tarn walk: up beside the white cascades of Sourmilk Gill to a big mountain tarn, back by Far Easedale.
Moderate · 6.6 km · 326 m up
Helm Crag from Grasmere
About 2 hours
Grasmere's own fell: a short, steep climb from Easedale to the rocky crest known as the Lion and the Lamb, with an exposed summit block for those who want it.
Moderate · 5.8 km · 370 m up
Silver How from Grasmere
About 2 hours
Grasmere's own little fell: a short circuit to a rocky summit with one of the finest views of the vale, the lake and the Langdale Pikes.
Hard · 11.6 km · 602 m up
Wansfell Pike and Troutbeck from Ambleside
About 3 hours 30 minutes
Ambleside's own fell: past Stock Ghyll Force to Wansfell Pike, down Nanny Lane to Troutbeck, home through Skelghyll Woods and Jenkin Crag.
Easy · 5.4 km · 36 m up
Elterwater to Skelwith Force
About 1 hour
A level riverside walk from Elterwater village, past the lake and through meadows to the falls at Skelwith Force. No stiles.
Moderate · 11.6 km · 536 m up
Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike from Elterwater
About 3 hours
A small fell with a huge view: from Elterwater through old slate quarries to Lingmoor's ridge, over Side Pike above Blea Tarn, and back along Great Langdale.