Loughrigg Tarn walk elterwater lake district

Loughrigg Tarn is a small, tranquil lake nestled beneath the slopes of Loughrigg Fell in the Lake District, just west of Ambleside. Surrounded by gently rolling hills and lush greenery, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist spots nearby. The tarn’s mirror-like surface beautifully reflects the surrounding fells, especially the distinctive peaks of the Langdale Pikes on a clear day. Popular with walkers and photographers alike, Loughrigg Tarn is an ideal spot for a quiet picnic and place to stop on this walk. Its serene charm and natural beauty capture the essence of the Lake District’s quieter side.

loughrigg-tarn

A SUPERB LAKE DISTRICT WALK TAKING IN LOUGRIGG TARN & ELTERWATER

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WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 3.9 miles
TIME: 1.5 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 400ft
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

LOUGHRIGG TARN & ELTERWATER MAP ROUTE

Map Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
[Click to enlarge] This walk starts at Skelwith Bridge where there is a small car park and onroad, free-parking for 15 cars or so. From Skelwith Bridge the circular walk starts in an anti-clockwise direction, firstly on a minor quiet road to Loughrigg Tarn, then you walk quite close to the Tarn, then on another quiet road towards Elterwater village. From there we take a section of the Cumbrian Way back to Skelwith Bridge.

PHOTOS OF WHAT TO EXPECT

 

From Skelwith Bridge the walk starts on a quiet road uphill towards Tarn Foot farm. It pretty steep for a road, but I’d be surprised if you pass a car on this little narrow road.
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
After passing through Tarn Foot farm you’ll get the best views of Loughrigg Tarn with the Langdale Pikes in the distance
Looking towards Loughrigg Fell – another brilliant walk, but today we’ll keep it low level and head for the tarn edge.
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Loughrigg Tarn is a nice place to stop, and also one of the Lake Districts best spots for wild swimming if that’s you thing !
We’ve leave Loughrigg Tarn here and head for another minor road.
Another glimpse of the iconic Langdael Pikes! I normally don’t like walking on roads, but the ones we visit on on this walk are really quiet
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Another great vantage point looking towards Elterwater Village and the Langdale Pikes. From here make your way down to the village on teh various grassy paths
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Elterwater Village consists of lot’s of quaint Lake Dustrict cottages and plenty of holiday cottages to rent if you would like to stay in the area longer
Bridge over the Over Brathay – we won’t be crossing not – but will now be following the river on the Cumbrian Way back to Skelwith Bridge.
Walking on the Cumbrian Way from Elterwater which is very flat and accessible and great for scooters & wheelchair uses
Loughrigg Tarn walk Elterwater Skelwith Bridge Ambleside map route
Cracking views of Elterwater on this walk!
Skelwith Force waterfall

And finally another great view you will get on this short walk is of Skelwith Force Waterfall!

 

Chesters Skelwith Bridge cafe food shop Ambleside

This walk starts and ends at Skelwith Bridge, and there you will find a nice little cafe and shop at Chesters, or get a nice pint at the Skelwith Bridge Hotel!

As ever I hope you have enjoyed this little write up and photos and it inspires you to want to visit the area and give the route a go. This route is also really special in the Autumn – check out the post below to give you a flavour of this area in the Autumn!

BLOG POST BY STUART HODGSON

THE HIKING PHOTOGRAPHER

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