A Quiet Loop to Loughrigg Fell: Caves, Views, and the Kind of Climb That Calms You

When the Lake District finally gets a blue-sky day, you don’t overthink it — you just go.

I took off with no expectations, just a few essentials packed into my lightweight expandable backpack, and set out for the Loughrigg Fell Circular, a well-loved route on AllTrails.

We chose the gentler 4-hour loop, climbing gradually from Ambleside to the summit and back, with a stop at the beautiful Rydal Cave along the way.

The trail breaks down into three segments:

🔹 Ambleside to Rydal Cave — An easy walk through shaded woodland and along peaceful water edges. The moment you step inside the cave and look out through the natural opening is worth the trip alone.

🔹 Rydal Cave to Loughrigg Fell Summit — The climb begins here. It’s not technical, but it does ask for a bit of breath. Views widen as you go up. Green valleys below, distant fells beyond — and somehow, no pressure to hurry.

🔹 Summit to Ambleside — The return leg loops you down gentle slopes, where you might see sheep lazing in the shade and wildflowers peeking through dry grass.

I didn’t bring much — a windbreaker, water bottle, camera, and a sandwich that didn’t last very long. But that was the point. Carrying less made it easier to notice more.

This trail isn’t about speed or summit selfies.

 It’s the kind of walk that quietly clears your head and gives you space to exhale — step by step, ridge by ridge.

👉 Click here for my extend backpack