Loughrigg Tarn Circuit

This is a circular loop of 2.75 km (1.71 miles), measured as the full loop back to the start, and most walkers finish in about an hour. Relief is low, with the route sitting roughly between 94 and 141 m, though a few short steep pitches break up the easy going.

From the lay-by at Tarn Foot, a signposted bridleway leads up between houses, bears right at the fork and passes through a gate. The newly surfaced bridleway then curves around and above Loughrigg Tarn, which is the payoff: open water set below wooded fell, with the Langdale Pikes rising beyond and water lilies carpeting the surface in summer. The path climbs past The How to a minor tarmac road, where a left turn brings you back to the parking area. Two benches beside the tarn make natural pauses.

The opening pull is the steepest part of the walk at around 1 in 10, after which the surfaced bridleway is straightforward, with occasional grass and rock underfoot. The tarmac lane on the return is good walking but includes short sections at about 1 in 7. Unpaved stretches can soften and turn boggy after prolonged rain. The route carries an accessible-route grading described as suitable for many, and only class 2 or 3 mobility scooters are appropriate.

The loop is short and never remote, but the road section has no pavement, so walk facing traffic and keep children and dogs close. The bridleway is used by cyclists as well as walkers, and sheep are often grazing beside the route, so expect to give way and step aside on the narrower stretches.

From Ambleside, follow the A593 toward Coniston for about 2.5 km, then turn right onto the minor road that climbs to the junction and lay-by parking at Tarn Foot (LA22 9HF, grid NY 345039). Spaces are limited and informal, and the lay-by cannot be reserved for disabled parking. There is no public transport or facility at the start, though café and pub toilets can be found at Skelwith Bridge about 0.5 km away. The walk follows public rights of way, so no permit is required.

Dogs are welcome on the rights of way that make up the loop. Keep them under close control or on a short lead wherever livestock are grazing, and note that seasonal short-lead guidance applies on rights of way.