Nab Scar and Alcock Tarn

This is a 4.1-mile circular loop from St Mary's Church in Rydal. The distance is the complete loop, including the approach to Nab Scar, the descent to Alcock Tarn, and the return on the Old Coffin Route. It is not the full Fairfield Horseshoe or a longer summit-bagging extension.

The opening climb is the work: a steep, uneven public footpath rises from Rydal through open grazing land to Nab Scar. The reward is a wide view over Windermere, Rydal Water and Grasmere. From the ridge, the route follows a rough upper path toward Heron Pike before dropping to Alcock Tarn, a small, atmospheric sheet of water tucked below the fell. Expect grass, loose rock, muddy patches after wet weather, stiles and several exposed stretches rather than a smooth recreational trail.

The return is gentler but still uneven. Descend from the tarn to the historic Old Coffin Route, then follow the old bridleway east through the valley and back toward Rydal. The route has roughly 450 metres of sampled climbing packed into a short distance, so the grade feels more like a hard moderate walk than an easy tarn stroll. Allow about 3 to 4 hours with ordinary stops.

Dogs may use the public paths, but this is open grazing country. Keep them close around livestock, use the gates and stiles carefully, and expect a small dog tunnel at one wall crossing. The route is public and does not require a special trail permit, but the start is reached through a village and past working properties, so keep access clear and follow local signs. For a shorter, less strenuous tarn outing, the signed walk from Grasmere is a better fit; this Rydal circuit is the one to choose for Nab Scar views and the historic return path.