| Wrap up for a breathtaking walk to the top of Lakeland’s Loughrigg Fell. |
There’s nothing quite like a good walk to get away from it all. And what better surroundings in which to unwind and let worries slip away than Britain’s most scenic spot, in the heart of the Lake District?
When we visited the Lakes, the region was still in the grip of the foot-and-mouth outbreak and access to large areas of the upland fells was allowed only at controlled points. Happily, the authorities were recommending a
handful of routes which avoided restricted areas, and we followed one of the most popular of these at the time. Since then, unlimited access to the most popular areas of the Lake District has been restored to walkers and climbers and about 65 percent of the park, around the highest fells, is now open.
1. ASCENDING THE FELL
Park your motorhome at the car park at White Moss Common, just a couple of miles south of the town of Grasmere on the A591 Ambleside-to-Keswick road.
Now on foot, be sure to follow any disinfecting instructions if they are still
in place or have been re-introduced. Follow the path as it leads through woodland, walking more or less alongside the River Rothay which connects the lake at Grasmere and Rydal Water. Cross the river using the wooden bridge at 400 metres.
At the signpost, turn right for Loughrigg Terrace, which is the path to Loughrigg Fell. About half a mile on, go through the gate, turn right and begin to gently ascend the Terrace. Below you to the right as you climb is Grasmere , with the handsome little town of the same name to the north.
After a mile, turn sharp left where you meet the fir trees and begin climbing the steeper, stone-paved ascent. You’ll need regular breaks here - make the most of them and relish the view while you rest.
After about 800 metres of fairly steep ascent, the trail reaches a plateau. There’s a lot of bracken around here, so be sure to stick to the well-trodden path which is marked out by a number of small cairns (mounds of rock) along the way to the summit to the fell.
At 1.75 miles you will reach the summit of Loughrigg Fell, at a height of 335 metres (pictured, below). To the south west are the spectacularly beautiful Langdale Pikes - dramatic and distinctively shaped. The valleys of Great Langdale and Little Langdale were once used by smugglers because of their isolation and their hidden access to the sea.
2. AND DOWN AGAIN!
On your descent from the summit, be sure to stick to the most well-trodden path, marked by cairns, rather than get distracted by the many smaller paths which cross it. Watch out, too, for any marshy patches that could cause trouble in poor weather conditions. As a rule of thumb, keep heading towards Lake Windermere which lies a few miles away to the south east.
After three miles, turn sharp left and follow the track alongside a stream as it descends from the fell plateau. When we did this walk, the path lead to a bridleway which was closed due to foot-and-mouth, so turn left here and follow the path along the stone wall.
Cross the stream when you come to a little concrete bridge and go through the iron gate, entering the wooded area of Fox Ghyll. The path shortly rejoins a surfaced road at the Fox Ghyll stile.
Turn left and go past the Stepping Stones guesthouse.
Continue along the surfaced road, crossing two cattle grids, then turn left past Cote How guesthouse. Rejoin the footpath at the Glen Rothay Hotel and follow it to a footbridge, which you cross, arriving at a gate bearing a National Trust sign for Loughrigg Fell. Go through the gate and when the path forks bear right and descend to Rydal Water. The path hugs this beautiful lake.
At a little over four and a half miles the path returns to White Moss Common through woodland. Go back over the River Rothay on the wooden bridge you first crossed and make your way back to the car park.
3. PUT YOUR FEET UP
After a good hike, you’re bound to have built up a big appetite. It’s well worth making a little detour and going on a bit further to the village of Crosthwaite for a decent nosh-up at the Punch Bowl. This 16th-century inn is situated in a lovely location and is a great place to enjoy a really good pub meal. Choose from a two-course set lunch at a little over £8 or from the range of sandwiches on offer. The inn is open for bar food from 12 noon until 2pm, 6.30-9.30pm every day of the week.
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Distance 5 miles
Time 3-5 hours
Start/finish White Moss Common car park
Terrain Mainly unpaved surface, with some fairly steep hills
REFRESHMENTS
Punch Bowl Inn
Tel 01539 625208
INFORMATION
Ambleside
Tel 01539 432582
TIP
Remember that mountains can be dangerous, particularly in winter. Make sure you have the correct OS map of the area and carry a compass. Be properly equipped (in particular, wear sturdy walking boots and waterproofs and carry
sufficient food and water) and check the weather forecast before setting off
SUGGESTED PARKS
Wild Rose Park, Ormside, Appleby-in-Westmoreland, Cumbria CA16 6EJ
Tel 01678 351077.
Charges: outfit + two persons £7.80-£10.20; extra adult £1.60; child (0-5) free; car £1.90; superpitch supplement £13.50; awning £1.90; electrical hook-up £2; dogs 50p
Abbey Farm Caravan Park
Dark Lane, Ormskirk L40 5TX. Tel 01695 572686.
Charges: outfit + 2 persons £10.75; extra adult £1.75; child £1; electric hook-up £1.50-£2. |
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