Start/Finish: Ambleside, Market Cross Total distance: 12.6km (7.8 miles) Time: 1-2 hours Maps: OS Landranger 90: Penrith & Keswick Summary: With stiff climbs on both sides of Loughrigg Fell, you’ll want to ensure you’re well fuelled. The payoff is two equally amusing descents. From the Market Cross, follow signs for Skelwith Bridge and turn right just after the bridge onto Rydal Road. After the first cattle grid, turn left and climb to the top of Loughrigg Fell, going straight through the gates. Crest the fell and drop steeply over a river crossing, keeping straight ahead at the junction, then follow the trail all the way to the tarn. Take a right where the trail joins the road and skirt the tarn before climbing to rejoin Grasmere road at Red Bank. Continue to the next junction, leaving the road just before it drops towards Grasmere to pass through a gate. This is the start of Loughrigg Terrace; head down the hill, bearing right to pass through one more gate where the trail narrows to singletrack. Turn right at the T-junction near the bottom. Splash through several water crossings, navigate the end of Rydal Water, then follow the bridleway as it climbs briefl y to the final gate. At the cattle grid, turn right (away from the main road) and follow Rydal Road back along the valley floor until you hit Ambleside.by ocoutts
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