Top Ten Hikes in the Lake District: Ambleside

Loughrigg Fell Circular and the Golden Rule, Ambleside

This scenic circular trail will guide you around Loughrigg Fell, offering stunning views as you wind your way around the slopes, past the tarn and up to the summit. The path combines rougher trails, stone steps and paved roads as you make your way around. 

Starting along the road beside the River Rothay and through Miller Row, you’ll join a bridleway that climbs into the hills, passing over Troughton Gill and reaching Loughrigg Tarn, where you can pause to take in the views over the water. 

The trail then joins the road leading to Deerbolts Wood before taking a steep out-and-back climb to the summit of Loughrigg Fell. This section is rough and includes stone steps and rocky areas that can become slippery in wet or icy conditions, so be extra careful with your footing. 

Once at the summit, enjoy resting against the rocks and admire the views over the surrounding mountains and lakes. On your way back down, the trail continues along Loughrigg Terrace, passing an optional detour to Rydal Cave before joining the road back to the start via Fieldfoot Wood and the River Rothay. 

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Loughrigg Tarn: Pause to take in the views of this picturesque tarn, nestled among the hills
• Miller Row: A small hamlet located in the Lake District near the village of Ambleside
• Troutbeck Village: Known for its traditional stone cottages and stunning setting amid the fells

KEY INFORMATION:

• Distance: 7.5 miles
• Walking time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Starting point: River Rothay
• Pub: Golden Rule ///agreement.retrial.clots
• AllTrails: Route link