Loughrigg Terrace Walk
Rydal Cave Detour

This easy-going walk from Rydal Lodge follows the elevated path of Loughrigg Terrace, with the option to detour to the impressive Rydal Cave along the way. It’s one of the most rewarding low-effort walks in the area, offering lake views, woodland paths and classic Lakeland scenery.

Overview

This is an easy-going walk with several optional detours that allow you to explore additional scenery and viewpoints. It offers excellent rewards for relatively little effort and can be comfortably completed within a couple of hours. Allow extra time for photography and to enjoy the surroundings — this is a walk best taken at an unhurried pace.

Directions

Leave Rydal Lodge and either walkthrough the garden by the riverside to the wooden bridge, or follow the road west for approximately 60 yards. Take the opening in the stone wall on the leftand cross the wooden bridge over the River Rothay. Turn right and follow the path around the headland. As you pass through the wooded area, the path divides. Take the higher path leading to Rydal Cave.

Rydal Cave (worthwhile detour)

This video shows Rydal Cave, a worthwhile detour on the Loughrigg Terrace Walk

Rydal Cave is a large man-made cavern formed during slate mining over 200 years ago. Slate stepping stones lead into the cave, where still water on the floor often reveals small fish in the clear pool.

On exiting the cave, the elevated position provides striking views across Rydal Water towards Nab Scar and the surrounding fells. Leaving the cave, turn left away from Rydal and towards Grasmere. Continue along Loughrigg Terrace, where Grasmere Beach soon comes into view below on the right. Numerous benches line the path, offering peaceful places to pause and enjoy the outlook. The terrace continues past a junction where steep steps lead off to the left up to Loughrigg Fell.

Optional ascent: Loughrigg Fell

For those with a little more energy, the climb to Loughrigg Fell is well worth the effort. Alfred Wainwright regarded Loughrigg Fell as offering one of the finest returns for effort among the Lakelandfells, with exceptional views gained from a relatively modest ascent.

Steep adventurous hike up Loughrigg Fell with panoramic Lake District scenery

Keep the Walk Easy

If you prefer to keep the walk easy, continue back towards Rydal and descend towards Rydal Water. Along the way, you will pass a derelict building with a tree growing from within — a striking example of nature reclaiming the landscape. Follow the track down through woodland along a sometimes muddy path to the river. Cross the timber bridge and turn right. Several tracks branch left and right, eventually leading towards Rydal Water or White Moss car parks. Continue straight ahead to reach the main road. Cross the road with care and look for two paths on the opposite verge. Both climb gently and lead to the historic Coffin Trail, approaching from slightly different routes.

The Coffin Trail return

Turn left on the Coffin Trail to head towards Grasmere, or right to pass behind Rydal Mount, the former home of William Wordsworth, the Grot, and back towards Rydal Lodge.

This section of the walk undulates gently and includes occasional boggy or rocky stretches. It offers good photographic opportunities, with moss-covered stone walls, bracken, mature trees and shaded woodland. In summer, views across Rydal Water can be more restricted due to tree growth. Historically, this area would have been far more open, offering broader vistas across the lake. The Coffin Trail does, however, provide glimpses across Rydal Water towards Rydal Cave on the far hillside, with the summit of Loughrigg Fell visible to the right. After passing through the final gate, the surface becomes concreted and the trail ends after approximately 40 yards. Turn right and descend the steep road back to Rydal Lodge, visible at the bottom of the hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Loughrigg Terrace an easy walk?

Yes. Loughrigg Terrace is considered an easy walk by Lake District standards. The path is well-defined, mostly level, and follows the flank of the fell without steep climbs or scrambling. It’s a popular choice for walkers who want rewarding views without committing to a full fell ascent.

How long does the Loughrigg Terrace walk take?

The Loughrigg Terrace walk typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace, allowing time to enjoy the views and stop along the way. Walkers staying locally at Rydal Lodge can start the walk directly from the door, making it easy to complete without driving or parking.

Is Rydal Cave worth visiting on the Loughrigg Terrace walk?

Yes. Rydal Cave is one of the highlights of the route and well worth the short detour. The large cavern, stepping stones, and elevated views over Rydal Water make it especially memorable, and many walkers choose to include the cave as part of the terrace walk.

Is Loughrigg Terrace a circular walk?

Yes, Loughrigg Terrace is commonly walked as a circular route. Many walkers return via the historic Coffin Route, creating a varied and satisfying loop rather than retracing their steps. Some walkers, however, prefer to return via the lower lakeside path along the edge of Rydal Water, as this route remains more open and does not pass through wooded sections where trees can partially obscure the views. Both options are easy and well-used, and the choice largely comes down to whether you prefer historic interest or uninterrupted lake scenery.

Do you need to drive or park to walk Loughrigg Terrace?

No. The walk can be started without driving or parking if you are staying nearby. Guests at Rydal Lodge can walk straight onto the route via riverside and woodland paths, avoiding busy car parks and enjoying a quieter start to the day.