Rydal Water and Cave

Starting from the White Moss car park, this 4km circular route offers a fantastic mix of terrain and scenery. Be prepared to pay for the convenience of the start point, as all-day parking here typically costs around £9.00. Before you head out, there are several picnic benches located near the start of the trail by the river, which is a great spot to fuel up.

The walk itself is physically varied. The first quarter involves a significant uphill pull that will definitely get your heart rate up. The second quarter levels out and heads downhill, leading you toward the main attraction. The final 50% of the walk is delightfully flat as it skirts the water, making for a relaxing finish to the trek.

Rydal Cave is the undisputed highlight of the trip. The scale of the cavern and the stepping stones over the internal lake make it an essential stop for any hiker in the area. It is an atmospheric spot that provides some of the best photo opportunities in the Lake District, making the initial steep climb well worth the effort.