Loughrigg Terrace, Loughrigg Tarn, High Close and Loughrigg Fell

Another out of county trip but worth the drive from Preston. Allow about 5 hours for this one. Very rough and steep in parts. Lots of shorter and easier options available though.

We enjoyed a day off today and caught what could be the first of the spring sunshine in the Lake District. I almost feel like I've caught the sun!

We parked at the National Trust car park at Rydal (£4.80 per car per day but all the money goes to support much of the Landscape you'll walk on and view) and made our way towards Rydal Water on the woodland track that leads from the car park. Crossing the wooden bridge, we followed the Loughrigg Terrace path to Rydal Caves. The views from here were wonderful. We didn't go into the caves themselves as signs warned of a recent rockfall (don't they always) and the cave floor was largely under water.

After a quick stop for a coffee we headed up over the tops and down to Loughrigg Tarn. Another wonderful spot. There were some dogs of the lead here but signs did warn owners to keep their dogs on the lead, and we obeyed. After a quick lunch we followed the track to the road leading up to High Close YHA and had a short detour through the woods next to the Youth Hostel where some off lead opportunuities arose.

There followed a really really steep climb to the trig point at the summit of Loughrigg Fell, where once again we enjoyed some great views (still in the sunshine) before descending down the steep fellside back to Rydal Water and Grasmere.

Grasmere proved to be great for paddling which cleaned off any mud accumulated along the way. A few open fields along the path leading back to the car park allowed for a final run around before we got back to the car. The dog was (and still is) dog tired. Bless!

Not the best google map today but, for what it's worth, click here

Doggy rating 7/10 (because of the limited off lead opportunities for a wayward 9 month old). 8/10 for Dogs Dad!