On Sunday, we hiked from Ambleside up and around Loughrigg Fell. We started this hike from Ambleside, climbing Loughrigg Brow (360 ft), finally reaching a cairn at 880 ft that we assumed was the peak of Loughrigg Fell. Later, after coming down, we figured out that the peak (at 1102 ft) was 2,500 ft to the northwest. Regardless, we got some amazing views (see additional photos in the post), before making a steep descent on the south side, where we met up with Andreas and Mary at Loughrigg Tarn (500 ft). On the way around Loughrigg Fell on the north side, we stopped by Rydal Cave. The entire hike was 8.2 miles, with 1,111 ft of ascent, and it took us 5 hours and 23 minutes before we were back at our homestay townhouse in Ambleside. After we showered, we had drinks at The Ambleside Inn, followed by dinner at Fellini’s, followed by dessert at The Ambleside Tap Yard. What a day!
Photo Notes:
This is the view looking northwest from the northwest edge of the trail that circles Loughrigg Fell (1102 ft). The body of water is called Grasmere, and the town in the distance at center right is also called Grasmere. Yes, the little figures along the white strip of sand at the bottom of this hill are people, about 2 football fields (600 ft) distant and 200 ft below, having fun on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. The inlet to the right of the beach is actually a continuation of the River Rothay, which flows to a small lake called Rydal Water, and then on to Windermere Lake, entering it at Ambleside. The distinctive gap at the distant right is the valley of the River Rothay, where it forms from Green Burn coming from the left and Tongue Gill from the right. The peak on the left is Helm Crag (1329 ft), and the peak on the right is Stone Arthur (1650 ft). It doesn’t get any prettier than this!