Rydal Water and Loughrigg Terrace

The route

Start from White Moss between Grasmere and Rydal Water and make a 13.1km loop taking in Loughrigg Terrace, the shores of both lakes and the woods and paths that link them. It is low, gentle country by Lakeland standards, with little sustained climbing, so it stays runnable and suits a relaxed rather than a hard day. The scenery does the heavy lifting: reflections, terraces and one very large cave.

The terrace and the cave

Loughrigg Terrace is one of the most famous paths in the Lakes, a broad green shelf along the flank of Loughrigg Fell with the classic view straight down Grasmere to the Central Fells. Nearby, Rydal Cave is a vast worked cavern in the old slate quarries above Rydal Water, its mouth reflected in a shallow pool, a favourite stop and shelter. Between them the paths thread woodland and lakeshore, with Rydal Water and Grasmere both close enough to touch. It is Wordsworth country, and the paths have been trodden for two centuries.

Why it works

This is a route for a scenic, sociable outing. The surface is mostly good path, the climbing modest, and the navigation straightforward on popular, well-used trails, so it suits families, beginners or an easy long run. These are honeypot paths, busy in season, so an early start pays off for quiet and for parking. The lakeshore holds mud after rain, the terrace can be slick, and Rydal Cave has uneven ground and standing water, so take care exploring. Ambleside and Grasmere at either side give you all the cafes you could want. For all its popularity, get here at first light and you can have Loughrigg Terrace and its famous view almost to yourself.