Lake District Walks: Ambleside to Loughrigg
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- Опубліковано 25 жов 2024
- A walk from Ambleside, in the English Lake District, to the summit of Loughrigg Fell, (pronounced Luff Rigg) via the Old Ambleside Golf course, a 9 hole course set on one quarter of the lower reaches of Loughrigg Fell, which went out of use in the 1950s. The walk shows the unique quality of Loughrigg, and gives an indication of why it is held in such high esteem by tourists, locals and fell walkers. As Alfred Wainwright wrote, everyone likes Loughrigg.
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Hi Eric. I had been up Loughrigg twice in 1983 and 1984. - From the Elterwater direction, but can't remember the details. I watched your video last week before heading down to Ambleside from Stirling last Monday for some walking. Enjoyed your video so much that I went up Loughrigg by your route last Tuesday. Funnily enough it seemed a lot harder in my 70s than it was in my 30s. Anyway, walk didn't disappoint and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks.
Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Like you, I have found that the older you get, the steeper the hills get!
I visited the UK around the year 2002, when I was thirteen years old, together with my dad. I like to remember this time. Just recently I discovered your UA-cam channel. You create stunning videos, I like to watch your journeys through the countrysides. As a creative person for myself, I know how much work and time you invest into making these clips. Keep up the good work, you hava a beautiful country. I'm looking forward for a visit and a walk through the district again. Greetings from Germany!
Thank you Robin. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit in 2002, and that my videos help you remember the time you were here with your dad. I can relate to that comment, as my first ever visit to the Lake District was as a teenager, with my parents, and my love of the area stems from that time. You are perfectly correct about the time and energy that goes into making each video. Unfortunately, the one thing I cannot control is the weather, which at the moment is certainly not good for film making. But I am ready to go again when the skies clear. I hope that when you next visit you are able to enjoy it as much, if not more, than the last time, and also to discover new places to go and see.
Thanks for your answer, Jonathan. I wish you good look for the next recordings. I subscribed to your channel and I'm excited for the new films that come up. :)
We walked this today and thank you for your detailed guidance to the trip point. We then continued down to wards Grassmere and on towards Rydal water excellent walk thank you so very muchp
I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Loughrigg may be small in height, but I've always thought it big in pleasure.
I've only recently discovered your videos and every one of them is an absolute gem!
Thank you. Your comment really is appreciated, and makes the work involved in making them worthwhile.
Classic Eric great coverage of the surrounding fells , great memories for me.. 😊. ATB Kenny 🙏🏼
Thank you Kenny. I have to say that I am continually drawn back to Loughrigg. Have been known to do it up to 20 times a year, and have never once grown tired of either the ascent, or the stunning views it offers.
Great video very informative thank you. Thumbs up.
Thank you.
Brilliant Jonathan 👍
Thank you.
Sat on top of laughrigg and a spitfire and huricane flew down the rydale vally by the time i got my phone out they were gone so turned it off then the lancaster bomber , gone before phone powered up phone off again , four of the red arrows same gone before phone powered up , you would think i would have learned but no phone off just as the other three red arrows screamed down the vally, ten planes fly down a vally below me and not one photo or video , i felt like that geezer on the kit kat advert with the pandas dancing behind him, the reason i kept my phone off was to save battery as i was on a weeks wild camping , camped at rosi tarn i think it was called then up over loughrigg ended up at langdale pikes via seargent man to finish at langdale camp site , brilliant week and this video was the reason for starting at ambleside and going over laughrigg so thank you.
Thank you. Sounds like you had a fabulous week. Loved your story about the aircraft. You are in good company. I have lost count of the number of times I have missed getting a shot of an aircraft due to not being prepared. The Langdales is one of my favourite places. I still remember my first ever Lake District Fell, Pike O'Blisco, July 1970. I was blown away by the views. Been going back regularly ever since.
Love your presentation.
Thank you.
Thanks Eric for another epic video.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
wonderful! I loved this video a gem! Thank you!
Thank you.
Well I would love to think I was walking up there on 1st May but I somehow doubt it. Nice to know I can always come back to this and see it, even if I cannot physically walk it, due to this awful virus. Keep safe buddy, cheers Alan
My thoughts exactly Alan. The fells look so inviting from my back garden, but they won 't be going anywhere. At least we've a bit of sunshine and the thought of warm spring weather to enjoy.
Excellent video, very informative.
Thank you. Was up there today for a short while. Got a bit wet!
Very enjoyable video. Thank you.
Thank you Matt. It's a very enjoyable walk, in fact, if I had not been working away I might have been tempted to do it this morning.
Very informative thanks Jonathan 👍👍
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Eric, inspired by your videos, Andrea and I climbed Loughrigg Fell today in glorious sunshine. We started from White Moss Car Park, up to the top, then down to Loughrigg Tarn, around the side of the Fell until we got back to Rydal, past the caves, and finally back to the car park. Just over 11k, tough for fell walking rookies like us. Watch out for my video when I get back home. Looking forward to more classics from yourself. Regards, Ashley
Wow! That's a good walk on a hot day. Stunning views all around though, and the beauty is that they are varied. I was on the top last Tuesday and the wind almost blew me away, although it has to be said that off the top there was just a gentle breeze. That descent from the top to Loughrigg Tarn is brilliant, (I'm perhaps wrongly assuming your route here, apologies if that is the case) and never seems to be as busy as the other routes. Really glad you enjoyed it, and I shall view your video with interest. Take care, Eric
great video very well done, me and the wife will be doing this walk on Friday afternoon when we get to Ambleside looking forward to it now thanx
Thank you Rodger. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It is far better in real life when you are there, so I hope you have the kind of weather we had today, and on the day we did the video. Whatever the weather, I hope you have a great time.
You were right the video does not do the views justice we didn't head up till 18.00 so got the sun just making its way down and the all round views we got were awesome.
Glad you enjoyed it. All I can ever do with a camera is give people an idea of what they are likely to see, and try to capture something of the beauty. Nowadays there are lots of really expensive cameras, and various techniques are used to make the pictures special, but they can never ever beat the real thing. It is truly superb in the evening at any time of year, but especially now as you get the light for longer.
wow... my auntie lives there and i go almost every year its just beautiful
Have to agree with you there. Loughrigg may not be big, but it is incredibly beautiful, and there are so many routes up and over the fell, each of which has wonderful views. One of my favourites.
A great video....will be trying this one out when next in Ambleside although it will be in Feb !! Just hope the weather is good enough to venture out.... Followed your route whilst looking at the OS map....think I have figured out your route although it seems there are many paths to the summit. The point at which you cross the stream appears to be at OS Grid Ref: NY 356 043 ??
Thank you Dave. I actually did my first foray of this year onto Loughrigg at the end of January, and not only were the paths clear, but the air was too, with views that seemed to go on for ever. Magical. By contrast, I once went up from Loughrigg Terrace, at the Grasmere end, on a nice day in mid May, and had to tread carefully at the top because of ice! I think that in winter fells like Loughrigg offer good walking as long as there is no snow. The other thing to be aware of is the danger of heavy mist, which can effect Loughrigg at any time of year. For some reason it can get quite dense on the fell, and that can lead to navigation problems. With regard to the point at which the stream crosses the path, you are spot on with your Grid Ref. The path you need then appears on the O/S map as a permitted Bridleway which runs to the top, sharing much of its route with a footpath, making it easier to read on the map. I hope the weather is kind to you on your visit, and that you have a great day on the fell.
jonathancraigguides Thanks for the reply....mist does not worry me for fell walking...used to teach map reading and navigation....!! Never got lost yet....and helped others who were....
Super walk again, and incredible how many different view points.. I was wondering if you had ever come across any old golf balls.. ;)
Thank you. It is glorious. Loughrigg Fell is a wonderful place to explore, with great views in every direction. Regarding the golf balls, a friend of mine claimed to have found one close to Lily Tarn, which is on the other side of the fell. Wether is was from the days of the golf course is open to question. I'm told that when the mist descended golfers ended up well away from where they should be!! I went up one spring day about 20 years ago and saw two teenage boys practising shots in one corner of the golf course. Whether they knew it's history or not I have no idea, but the length of the grass that day gave me the impression that losing a golf ball would not be the hardest thing to do!
What a great vid, well done
Thank you.
I enjoyed your video well done.Last time we attempted the walk it was very misty and we had to abandon it.When we are in ambleside next we shall do it weather permitting.
Thank you. Loughrigg is not good when it is misty, so wise move. I hope that when you do finally get there you thoroughly enjoy it.
very professional video well done
Thank you. It's always a wonderful walk that seems to be higher than it actually is. Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video , thanks 👍 hope you’re still walking the Lakes ?
Thank you. Yes, was out and about at the weekend. Lower hills nowadays, lazy strolls beside the lake shore. All very relaxing.
The very route I took back in November 2017... There was a bit of construction @ house renovation I would say, going on just after the first gate if I can recall correctly... Thank you for sharing this... Reminds me of the beautiful place called Ambleside...
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Ambleside certainly did look beautiful as I drove through early this morning. Not a cloud in the sky and barely a ripple on the lake. There was a stunning clarity to the scenery, so it was a real shame that I was off to work, and not out with my camera. Evidently, the building you mentioned has been totally refubished/rebuilt. It certainly is in a beautiful location.
Thank you for your reply... Pardon me for asking, does people actually do a walk there in the winter? Like is December to February? Just thought of flying there to experience proper winter/Christmas/new year, may be...
I have done the round of Loughrigg on Boxing Day and it was very busy. Mind you, it was also very mild. I've been to the top of Loughrigg in every month of the year. In January this year it was bitterly cold, but no snow, and there were plenty of people coming up from Grasmere. On any Winter day it can be bright, with blue sky and sunshine, although cold, however, it can also be snowy, or wet and drizzly. That is the problem with our weather, there is no certainty so you have to take a chance.
jonathancraigguides Agreed on the weather, when I was in Manchester the days before I took a train to Windermere, it was raining & the average temperature is at 0 degree with occasional sun every now & then... But when I was in Lake District, it was sunny as long as I can remember...
The weather allow me to enjoy 2 good walks... 1) a climb to Laughrigg Fell and end the day with watching Thor Ragnarok at Zeffirellis and later walk back to Waterhead... 2) took a ferry to the other side of the lake & start my walk from Wray Castle through the forest & take 5 at Cafe in the court yard before taking another ferry back to the other side & continue walking to Bowness & take the last ferry back to Waterhead...
Pretty much the highlights of my trip last year... Been dreaming of coming back there again & explore different part of the area...
Sounds like you had a great trip, with a couple of days out that I have enjoyed myself, (except the cinema bit, I never go!). Grasmere is wonderful, and I think you would really like Keswick and Derwentwater, although the boats on Derwentwater only run occasionally in the winter. Hope you get good weather for your next visit, and have a really good time.
You mentioned in another video a book which I think was called HIDEAWAY WALKS - Could you please advise as to how I could obtain a copy ?
Many thanks,David
Hi. It was a book produced for the Hideaways self catering agency in Hawkshead. My understanding is that the agency was sold before the pandemic, and ceased to exist in it's original form, and that the book is no longer available.
Very good video.
Thank you Gary. Had great fun shooting this one. The house that used to be the golf course club house has just been demolished. A new one being built apparently.
Nice video! We've been there with my partner, but the weather was not very nice, it was a bit snowy, so we turned back around halfway I think. We started from White Moss car park. We would like to return in the close future. I just wondered, how long would it take to reach the top from White Moss car park? It looks like it is about 2.5 miles?! What should we expect? We dont want to rush. It is a beautiful area amd it would be a shame not to spend some time at the top.
It really depends upon which route you want to take, as there are a couple of good options from White Moss Car Park, and also how you feel about steep climbs, since the fell is at it's highest at the Grasmere side, and the slopes are therefore steeper. The shortest route up from White Moss Car Park is via Loughrigg Terrace, then up the steep slope to the top. The total route to the top this way is just under one and a half miles. The steep part is just under half a mile of rocky steps, and a couple of short and well eroded sections where hands may need to be used. It also has a false summit close to the top. Having said that, it is easy enough for most able bodied people, and navigation is not a problem, as this is a well used route. Even on a cold winter day you are unlikely to be alone. Another route from White Moss takes you along the fell-side above Rydal Water to the caves, then immediately after the higher cave turning right to climb the fell on a path that is not as easy to see. When the old cave spoil tips are reached you bear right again to follow the narrow path up the fell. This can be boggy in the lower reaches and rocky and eroded as you climb, but it is not as steep as the path up from the terrace. Total distance this way from the car park to the top is two miles. I have done a circular from White Moss on more than one occasion, usually by going up via the terrace and the steep path and returning via the Caves. Total distance is 3.5 miles. Whichever way you choose, take care and stay safe.
@@jonathancraigguides Thank You very much for the quick and detailed answer. If the weather won't be too bad we will go for it on wednesday :) Thank You
@@petercsato6742 Poor forecast for Wednesday, but at the moment Friday looking good. Whichever you choose, enjoy it.
@@jonathancraigguides Unfortunaltely wednesdays are the only options, so if it looks rainy we need to wait another week. We are not bothered about wind or temperature, as long as its not too rainy.
Hi Jonathan! Thank you for this brilliantly informative video! Is it easy to get back down, or do you have to climb down a lot of rocks? Also, if walking at a steady pace, how long would you expect it to take? Many thanks!
Thank you Abi. Loughrigg has lots of paths across the fell, some rockier than others. The short rock scramble in the video can be by-passed by a path that runs slightly to the north east of it, in fact, when I came down the fell after shooting the video that was the route I took. There is also a path from the summit to Loughrigg Caves which is generally free of rocks. One thing to make clear is that all routes have steep sections, and there are also some boggy bits. The very best rule with Loughrigg is to pick a clear, fine day and take a map and compass or GPS. It is not the best of fells to navigate in mist. With regards to time, I walk at a moderately slow pace and it usually takes me no more than a couple of hours from Ambleside. There is a steep route up the fell from Loughrigg Tarn which takes about 30 minutes. From Loughrigg Terrace, which overlooks Grasmere, I usually allow about 45 mins. Both of those last routes are steep and rocky. Hope all of that helps. Have fun and stay safe.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic video, really enjoyed watching this! I am looking at coming to the Lake District with my two daughters aged 9 and 6 and walking up a fell with them. Would you say this is suitable for children to walk up or would you advise another one? Ideally looking for a fell with stunning views of one or more lakes. Thanks very much, Mark
Hello Mark. I have a friend who has a four year old boy and a seven year old girl and they did it earlier this year. In fact, I would say that of all the low fells this is probably the best one for younger children as long as you stick to the main route. The path up from Loughrigg Terrace is quite steep, and rocky, and the path up from Rydal Caves is not the best, but the one from Ambleside on this video should be fine. Although not high, or long, the route is deceptive. It always feels much longer than it actually is. Also, although there is bracken it is not high or extensive on this route. As you can see, the views from the top are superb and the top itself is well worth exploring. A couple of other options for you with children, Hallin Fell, overlooking Ullswater, is good. Although quite steep the climb is short and the views from the top superb. Plus it is a grass track all the way. Another easy one is Sale Fell, overlooking Bassenthwaite, which again has grass tracks and is not too steep. Whichever you choose, I hope you have a great time.
Thanks very much :-) Good to get the thoughts of somebody experienced with hiking and who knows the area. How long do you think it would take the average person to get to the top from Ambleside? I expect with children considerably longer!
I asked my friend how long it took him with his children, and he replied just over 2 hours, which I thought was quite quick. From Ambleside park it takes me a little more than an hour, a bit longer if I saunter of if the weather is warm (or if I meet people and stop to chat!) and on the day I shot the video I was up there all day!
Super thanks very much, sorry one more question! Is there any free parking near to the start at Ambleside? I know there is a pay and display but just worried if it takes longer than planned! Thanks for your help I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge!
It's no problem. There used to be free parking by the bridge leading from the park to the road under Loughrigg, however, notices were placed earlier this year stating that restrictions would be put in place, and last time I was there traffic cones were in place, with cars parked between them! There is seldom a place anyway. There are free spaces down the left hand side of Wansfell Road. There is no restriction there, but as you can imagine there are often no spaces left. Having said that, I have been lucky there on a number of occasions. There are also free spaces near to Loughrigg Tarn, on the road that runs from the A593 near Skelwith Bridge over to Red Bank, Grasmere. You could then walk to the tarn, enjoy the view, then walk up the track that runs over the fell. This is no further than the path up from Ambleside, and no steeper really, it has just one short steep section. You simply turn left at the point where the track crosses the stream. You can get an idea of what it is like as my "Beauty of Loughrigg" video takes that route. Have fun!
Thank you for the detailed walk recommendations. My husband and I plan to visit in November, would it be too cold then?
The Lake District weather can be very fickle. It can be quite mild, as the weather comes from the west mainly, but it can also turn very cold quite quickly. Generally speaking, lower walks, such as Loughrigg, are better, since the conditions worsen the higher you go. My Helm Crag video was shot at the end of November, and it was a glorious day, but as you can see, snow sat on the fells above 1500 feet. Fells like Loughrigg are perfect for winter as they are not too high, but the views are extensive. You do need good clothing and footwear of course. Beware of wind chill, and also the limited daylight hours. I have actually done Loughrigg on Boxing Day, in glorous weather, but I have also been snowed in at the start of November! I hope we get good weather this year, and you can enjoy it safely.
Just to add to that, I like to use the met office Lake District weather forecast, as it gives freezing levels and so on. www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/national-parks#?tab=nationalParksHome Also, the Lake District Weatherline is very good www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/
Thank you so much for taking time out to reply and for the helpful tips. I will definitely keep that in mind. Thank you! :)
Good Evening to you Sir. I’m ur fan from Malaysia. Was in 2017 for a walk to Lily Tarn & 2020, to Loughrigg Fell.
Will be there again in less than 2 weeks time.
Care for a coffee or a walk?
Good day to you. Yes, I remember having a good chat with you about 4 years ago. I'm pleased that you are able to get back. You clearly love the area. As for your next visit, over the coming weeks I am due to publish a new video, something a little different this time, as well as going to Milton Keynes to help move a canal boat up the country, a lovely job which I am very much looking forward to. If you let me know the dates when you are in the area I can see if they match up with when I am here, or will be away.
@@jonathancraigguides Hi Sir. Apology for taking time to reply to you. I totally forgot about it while preparing for my travel. I'll be in Waterhead area starting tomorrow till Friday morning before travelling to a different location. It's okay if you can't make it as it is my mistake for not replying you accordingly. But if you do, for a walk or for coffee, I'm contactable at @tabrizihussin. Cheers & take care.
@@tabrizihussin4784 I hope you enjoyed your stay in Waterhead, despite the weather, which I am told was pretty wet for the whole week. It was certainly not good where I was, and the wind did not help matters. I'm glad I was not the one actually driving the boat, although having to get out and work the locks in the rain was not great fun.
Climbed it last week was realy nice
Climbed it last week 2018 can't wait to get back there
That makes two of us. I went up with a friend on Monday of last week. A bit soggy in places, but always a joy.
A bit off topic but what kind of weather would I expect to see around the last week of march.
Actually Gary, I'd say it was bang on topic. One thing out of my control in terms of video production is the weather. March, particularly towards the back end, is probably one of the most unpredictable times in the Lakes. It can be full of surprises - Indian summer, or 6 inches of wet snow. It can also get quite windy. This year is no exception. The weather just does not seem to be clearing through. This year we have had a lot of cloudy damp weather, glimpses of blue sky few and far between. The golden rule here is if you want fine weather, or the best on offer, go the opposite side of the lakes to the oncoming wind. So if there is a south westerly, go north east, for a north westerly go south east. If you want misty, atmospheric days, then do the opposite. Always expect rain, and or cloud. Best times in March, early morning, particularly if you are up above a lake, when there is a good chance of seeing an inversion.
Hi, how long did this take you?
From my friends house near the park, to the top of the fell, usually takes me about an hour. Obviously took longer to film, but I take this walk regularly, four or five times a year and it is usually a nice afternoon out. We leave after lunch and are usually back around half four. I do tend to hang around on the summit a bit.
From my friends house near the park, to the top of the fell, usually takes me about an hour. Obviously took longer to film, but I take this walk regularly, four or five times a year and it is usually a nice afternoon out. We leave after lunch and are usually back around half four. I do tend to hang around on the summit a bit.