Rydal Cave walk from Ambleside

4 miles (6.5 km)

This walk climbs to the former quarry at Rydal Cave from Ambleside. It's a short, fairly easy walk from the town following a country lane along the River Rothay to Rydal Water.
Walk Report October 13th 2026 By Emma Wilson:
We left Ambleside and followed the country lane beside the River Rothay, enjoying the sound of the water as we headed towards Rydal Water.... It was a lovely stretch to begin with, away from the busy town centre, and the scenery gradually opened up as we approached the lake. We stopped to admire the views across the water towards Loughrigg Fell, with the wooded slopes reflected on the surface whenever the breeze dropped. There are picnic benches and grassy areas around White Moss too, making this a good place to pause if you're setting out with children or want to make a longer day of it.
From the lakeside, we climbed through the woodland towards Rydal Cave. The path rises steadily, with rocky sections and little cascades adding interest along the way. It is not a particularly long ascent, but the uneven ground makes sturdy footwear worthwhile. We passed a few families enjoying the walk, and it was easy to see why the cave is such a favourite with children: there is a sense of adventure about approaching a huge opening in the hillside after walking through the trees.
Rydal Cave was the highlight. This large former slate quarry has a dramatic entrance, with a shallow pool inside and a line of stepping stones leading across the water. We carefully picked our way over the stones and looked back towards the entrance, where the bright green woodland framed the darker interior. The contrast between the shadowy cavern and the landscape outside was striking, and we spent time looking at the old quarry walls before heading back out. The stones and rock can be wet and slippery, so it pays to take your time rather than rushing across for a photograph.
We also noticed small fish moving through the water, another detail that makes the cave more interesting than simply a place to take pictures. It can get busy here, particularly at weekends and during school holidays, as people gather around the entrance and stepping stones. Visiting earlier in the day would give you a better chance of enjoying the cave without having to wait for others to cross. Although the route is suitable for many families, the uphill path and slippery ground inside mean it is worth judging conditions carefully, especially after rain.
After exploring the cave, we retraced our steps towards Rydal Water, enjoying the lake views again from a different angle. There is an option to extend the outing along the Rydal Water Walk or climb higher onto Loughrigg Fell if you want a more strenuous day. We were happy with the shorter outing, which offered plenty of scenery without needing a long hike.
Back towards Ambleside, the River Rothay provided a peaceful finish to the walk. Rydal Cave is a memorable destination because it combines the area's slate-quarrying history with the natural beauty of the Lake District. The stepping stones make the visit feel like a small adventure, while the views over Rydal Water are rewarding in their own right. Allow time to explore, wear shoes with a good grip and keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly in the surrounding fells.
There's nice views down to the lake and the option of extending your walking by continuing along our Rydal Water Walk or climbing to the nearby Loughrigg Fell.