Loughrigg – seen from Grasmere

Loughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig point you would hardy guess this. The reason it packs such a punch for its size is down to its prominent and isolated position. It sits right at the junction of five major valley systems and with no neighbouring peaks to block the views it affords unrivaled panoramas of every corner of the central Fells.

From Ambleside (where we began) you can step straight out of the town centre and within minutes be heading up its eastern flanks. It is worth getting the hardwork out of the way first so you can get into the views as soon as possible. 

As ever, we were climbing the lower slopes a little after 9am. Get out early and avoid the crowds is our motto when hiking, especially in the time of Covid. The friend-who-is-like-my-brother is well versed in the ways of Lakeland hikes and climbs, so he was in charge of navigation. I was in charge of photography. 🙂

Looking back to Lake Windermere on the left, Coniston Water on the right

Going over the top of Loughrigg from Ambleside to Grasmere is approximately five miles, but it’s a tough five miles and took us around 4 hours.

Loughrigg isn’t a hike I would recommend to a novice hill walker, but if you have some navigation skills, wear or carry the correct kit and respect the environment, you’ll be fine.

You should note that once in Grasmere, it’s another 40 minutes around the lake before you reach the town.


As Monday is a UK Bank Holiday, the next scheduled post will appear on Tuesday, 31 August.

10 responses to “Northern Road Trip | Hiking Loughrigg”

  1. That sounds like an impressive hike and the views are wonderful. It sounds like you had an expert guide to get you up – and down – safely!

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    1. We are all tired by the end of the hike, but it was so worth it. 🙂

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  2. What magnificent views & vistas. I think this would be a wonderful hike on horseback. 5 miles, up hill is a lot of hiking, I tip my hat to you. Happy long weekend.

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    1. We didn’t see any horses, but that’s not to say that riders don’t go up there.

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  3. We plan to visit the Lake District the next time we’re over. I’ll have to see how this hike might work in to our plans. Hahaha! A blogger taking a holiday!!

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    1. If you do hike Loughrigg, begin on the Ambleside side of the hill and then take the bus back from Grasmere at the end.
      You’re welcome. 🙂

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  4. […] spread, I chose a selfie of me with The-Friend-Who-Is-Like-My-Brother just after we finished hiking Loughrigg. […]

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  5. […] Alt C: The most beautiful landscape photo of the season – looking down on Grasmere from Loughrigg. […]

    Liked by 1 person

  6. […] there were trips (more on those coming soon) and there were drinks at the pub, but there were no hikes or kayaking/paddle boarding this […]

    Liked by 1 person

  7. […] recent years, hikes such as Loughrigg and Gummer’s Howe have been done in decent weather. Not so this year. […]

    Liked by 1 person

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