Walk Three - Loughrigg Fell

Now, please don't feel disgust or disappointment that on our third day in the Lake District, we only tackled one fell. And a baby fell at that. We had a very good reason because we had reservations at the rather wonderful Holbeck Ghyll later in the day for spa treatments and afternoon tea. So, we opted for a little walk in the morning rather than tackling anything too dramatic.

But my goodness, Loughrigg Fell really is a beauty of a walk.

The fell sits about the incredibly picturesque Rydal Water with views onto the high Helvellyn ridge, into Grasmere and up to Helm Crag. I was expecting prettiness and maybe a few oooohs and aaaaahs but I fell a lot more in love with the Lakes on this walk.

Again, we were up and out early and to the Silver Moss car park well before 9am. The path initially snakes through some pretty woodland and over (or through in Storm's case) a couple of streams. But then, the pretty started with woodlands full of bluebells and for once, I was thanking goodness for the late spring because seeing this was stunning. But there was better to come.

When we came out of the wood, blinking in the light, there, upholstering the hillside were more bluebells. Thousands and thousands over the stretching upwards and downwards in all directions. It was simply gorgeous.

After skirting around the fell on Loughrigg Terrace, we then took a steep path upwards and soon, we were on the flat fell top and were ticking another Wainwright off our list. The views were fabulous - not high but spectacular.

We danced back down the steep path but then turned in another direction and walked above Rydal Water to the huge flooded cave and yes, Storm had a little swim here too. Following the path down to the water's edge, we doubled back on ourselves and skirted the shore back to the car. Storm darted in and out of the water, porpoising happily in the beautiful water.

Loughrigg Fell is gorgeous and the paths around the base of it are very accessible for everyone - we saw buggies and wheelchairs taking the low level footpaths. For a snapshot of the beauty the Lakes have to offer, this is perfect.

And it was perfect to work up an appetite for Holbeck Ghyll's truly delectable afternoon tea too...

Love the sheep seats by the fire at Holbeck Ghyll