Rydal Cave Circular Walk
Rydal Cave Walk from Ambleside (Rydal Water Route).
The Rydal Cave walk is one of the most popular short walks in the Lake District, located between Ambleside and Grasmere above Rydal Water.
This easy circular route takes you directly to Rydal Cave — a large man-made cavern formed during slate mining — with stepping stones leading into the cave and views across Rydal Water towards Nab Scar.
Starting from Rydal village or nearby Ambleside, the walk combines lakeshore paths, woodland trails and elevated viewpoints, making it one of the best short walks in the central Lake District. This short circular route combines lakeshore paths with a gentle climb to Rydal Cave, making it suitable for most walkers.
Rydal Cave circular walk map
This map shows the main Rydal Cave circular walk route, starting from Rydal village and passing Rydal Cave with elevated views over Rydal Water. Alternative routes and variations are available via the downloadable map below.
Download Walk Map (PDF)Distance: 4.1 km (2.5 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Total Ascent: 91 metres
Start point: Rydal Water near Ambleside
Highlights: Rydal Water & Rydal Cave
Route distance and ascent calculated using Ordnance Survey mapping.
Route description
Leave a Rydal car park and head toward Grasmere. Pass through the gap in the stone wall and cross the single-track bridge over the River Rothay. Follow the path to your right. In 100 yards your view over Rydal Water will include the islands and Nab Scar to your right.
At the water's edge, Rydal Water's boat house can be seen through the trees beneath Nab Scar.
Rydal Cave
Follow the path uphill to the wooded area. On exiting the wooded area, take the higher path towards Rydal Cave.
Rydal Cave is a large man-made cavern created during slate quarrying in the 19th century. The cave’s most distinctive feature is the line of stepping stones leading across a shallow pool of water inside the entrance.
Slate stepping stones lead into the cave, where still water often reveals small fish in the clear pool. On calm days, reflections from the cave walls and surrounding fells create one of the most photographed scenes in the Lake District.
On exiting the cave take one of the paths back towards the water's edge away from Rydal and towards Grasmere.
This will bring you to a derelict building with a tree growing from within — a striking example of nature reclaiming the landscape. Follow the track down through woodland along a sometimes muddy path to the river.
Turn right to return to Rydal along Rydal Water's shoreline. On the opposite bank you will see Nab Scar.
If you still have energy to burn after returning to Rydal, cross the bridge and road to reach Dora’s Field, which was planted with daffodils as a memorial to William Wordsworth's daughter. March to May is covered with daffodils, then bluebells followed by wild garlic.
Highlights of the Rydal Cave walk
- Classic Lake District fell terrain
- Rydal Cave easily reached from Rydal Water
- Views across Rydal Water
Other walks near Rydal Cave
This route forms part of a collection of excellent walks around Ambleside and Rydal Water in the central Lake District, ranging from lakeshore paths to short fell climbs with panoramic views.
Loughrigg Terrace walk from Rydal Water – One of the Lake District’s most scenic paths, running high above Rydal Water and Grasmere.
Loughrigg Fell walk from Rydal Water – A rewarding short fell with panoramic summit views over Windermere, Elterwater, Rydal Water and Grasmere.
Grasmere circular walk from Rydal — A rewarding circular route via the Coffin Trail to Grasmere, returning along the lakeshore. Offers a mix of woodland paths, open fell views and time in the village.
Rydal Water circular walk – A classic easy route around the lake, with lakeshore paths, woodland sections and views across Rydal Water and towards Windermere.
Parking at Rydal Water (Best Places to Park for Walks)
Several small car parks provide access to the Loughrigg Fell walk around Rydal Water.
White Moss Car Park – approximately 140 spaces located northwest of Rydal Water between Ambleside and Grasmere.
Pelter Bridge Car Park – around 15 spaces located south of Rydal Water near the bridge crossing the River Rothay.
Rydal Lodge (for guests) — Guests staying at Rydal Lodge can avoid parking altogether, with direct access from the garden onto a network of footpaths leading to Rydal Water, Loughrigg Terrace and beyond. It’s an ideal base for exploring the area on foot.
Where to stay near Rydal Water
Many walkers choose to stay between Ambleside and Grasmere to enjoy direct access to routes like Rydal Water, Loughrigg Terrace and the Coffin Trail without needing to drive each day. Staying in this central area allows you to start walks from the door while still being within easy reach of both villages. Rydal Lodge sits in this position beside the River Rothay, with footpaths leading directly to Rydal Water and surrounding fells.
Stay at Rydal LodgeDownload Walk Map (PDF)Why visit Rydal Cave?
Because it sits within a network of linked paths, it can easily be combined with longer walks such as the Loughrigg Terrace walk or the Rydal Water circular route. Rydal Cave is one of the most accessible and visually striking locations in the Lake District. Unlike higher fells, it can be reached with minimal effort while still offering dramatic scenery.
The combination of stepping stones, reflections inside the cave, and views across Rydal Water make it especially popular with photographers and families.