Rydal Cave
Rydal Cave Walk
Looking for an easy and exciting Lake District walk with a real wow factor? The Rydal Cave walk from White Moss Car Park is one of our favourite short adventures — fun for all ages, dog-friendly, and packed with views, echoes, and even a secret cave (if you can find it!).
Parking
Parking at White Moss Car Park – LA22 9SE
Start your adventure at White Moss Car Park, perfectly located between Ambleside and Grasmere. It's a pay & display car park, with both card and coin options, and there are toilets nearby, making it ideal for families and those planning a relaxed day out.
From the car park, you’ll follow well-trodden woodland trails alongside Rydal Water, gradually heading uphill towards the caves. It’s a fairly easy and well-marked route, but we’d recommend good footwear, especially after rain — the path can be a little uneven and muddy in places.
About the Walk to Rydal Cave
This is a short, family-friendly walk that takes around 25–30 minutes each way. You’ll pass through lovely woodland, open views over the lake, and maybe even spot a red squirrel if you're lucky!
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the dramatic mouth of Rydal Cave, perched on the lower slopes of Loughrigg Fell. It looks like something from a fantasy film – and when you step inside across the stepping stones, you’ll see why everyone talks about the echo. Give a shout… and wait for the reply!
Did You Know Rydal Cave Is Man-Made?
Rydal Cave might look natural, but it’s actually a former slate quarry, once known as Loughrigg Quarry. Nature has slowly taken over, making it one of the Lake District’s most photogenic and mysterious places.
And here’s a little insider tip: there’s a second, smaller cave hidden nearby. We won’t give away the exact location as that would spoil the fun, but if you explore carefully, you might just stumble across it. Let us know if you do!
⛰️ Want to Make More of Your Day? Summit Loughrigg Fell!
If you're feeling up for a bit more of an adventure, why not take the path a little higher and tick off a Wainwright while you're at it?
Loughrigg Fell stands proudly above Rydal Cave and offers breathtaking views over Grasmere, Windermere. It’s not too tough just a bit of a steady climb and reaching the summit gives a real sense of achievement.
The full Rydal Cave to Loughrigg Fell circular route is a fantastic way to turn your cave visit into a proper mini mountain day. Ideal for older kids, fit dogs, and anyone who wants a little more out of their walk.
It’s one of our favourite Wainwrights because it packs so much into a relatively short walk – caves, lakes, woodland, and a summit view you’ll never forget.
🐾 Dog-Friendly & Family-Approved
Dogs love this walk, and so do children! There’s space to paddle by the lake, plenty of places to stop for a snack, and loads to explore along the way. Just remember to keep dogs on a lead near livestock and other walkers.
Top Tip: Bring a torch or use your phone light to explore the darker parts of the cave – and don’t forget your camera!
Why We Love It
We’ve done this walk time and time again — and it never loses its magic. From peaceful lake views to echoing cave walls, it’s a Lake District classic that doesn’t take all day but still feels like a proper little adventure.
Whether you’re visiting from Ambleside, Grasmere, or further afield, the Rydal Cave walk from White Moss Car Park is a must-do for families, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who just loves being outdoors.
📍 Quick Summary
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Start point: White Moss Car Park, LA22 9SE
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Route: Circular or out-and-back to Rydal Cave (option to continue to Loughrigg Fell)
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Time: Approx. 1–1.5 hours for the cave, 2–2.5 hours with the summit
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Dog-friendly: Yes (on lead)
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Toilets: Available near the car park
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Footwear: Strongly recommended (can be uneven/slippery)
Ready to explore Rydal Cave and maybe bag a Wainwright? Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and let us know if you found the hidden cave! 🌄🔍