The British Trip
September 16, 2022: Ambleside, England. Loughrigg Fell, with fells, meadows, lakes, caves, and pubs may make the “Top-10-MnJ-Hikes” list. Outstanding!
“So wondrous wild, the whole might seem the scenery of a fairy dream.”
― Sir Walter Scott
Yes, I posted about the brilliant Catbells and Maiden Moor Hike just yesterday. But the Loughrigg Fell circular was even better. In no small part as we finished at a pub!
Ambleside
Our trailhead was just outside the charming little town of Ambleside on Lake Windermere. We started up and up and up on a gravel bridal path, along mossy dry-stack stone walls. Finally, we reached a crest, with views over Windermere lake. After a few pictures, we headed down the backside.
Loughrigg Fell
We traced along pastoral lowland scenes on a packed chat lane, with views of horses, sheep, lakes, geese and green grass beneath white puffy clouds. Then the path became stones like stairs, ascending to 1,110-foot Loughrigg Fell. It is far from the tallest summit in the area, but we had views east to the Irish Sean and north to near Scotland, as well as over Windermere to the south and Rydal Water below.
On the way down, we chanced upon Rydal Cave – man made by slate quarrying, but fascinating nonetheless. Minnows darted below as we crossed the stepping stones to the back of the cave.
After descending, we found a paved, traffic-free lane leading the last few miles back to our car (no parking ticket this time). We then ambled through the city park into Ambleside to the Royal Oak Pub for an excellent steak and ale pie and a pint. That’s the proper way to finish a 7-mile hike!
