A Loughrigg Fell walk is extremely rewarding, despite it being one of the smallest of the Wainwright Fells, given the excellent views that greet hikers making the trip to the summit. Located in the Central Fells near Grasmere, it is also a relatively easy and entertaining walk to take for people basing themselves in the village. Loughrigg Fell gives Wainwright walkers a good idea of why the region is known as the Lake District, surrounded as it is by Grasmere, Rydal Water, Loughrigg Tarn and Elter Water, while there are also good views of Windermere.
Completing Loughrigg Fell from a Wainwright Tick List is relatively easy, particularly when taking the path from the White Moss car park between Rydal Water and Grasmere, which cuts out some of its already modest height. If in the Grasmere region and wanting to complete more than one Wainwright in a day, Loughrigg Fell can be combined with Silver How in a long, pleasantly undulating circular walk from Grasmere Village.
Climbing Loughrigg Fell's wooded slopes is a pleasure in itself, though Wainwright walkers will be treated to great views at the top, including the Fairfield Range, Langdale Pikes and the Coniston Fells. To the east, Wainwright's Far Eastern Fells can also be seen.
The Loughrigg Fell walk and others in the vicinity of Grasmere can be explored in more detail in Book Three: The Central Fells, by A. Wainwright, part of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.
The summit of Loughrigg Fell in autumn - Photograph by Stewart Smith Photography
Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District