Wondering what’s on over the summer holidays for families? Check out our What’s On guide.
This easy-going Loughrigg Terrace walk near Grasmere offers lovely views without the effort of a full fell climb. Part of Loughrigg Fell, which sits between Grasmere and Ambleside, the terrace follows a path along the side of the fell, staying relatively low while opening up lovely views across Grasmere Lake and the surrounding fells.
This circular route loops along the terrace, through Deerbolts Wood, before returning via the lakeshore. It’s a brilliant walk for kids, with gentle slopes, a couple of steeper sections, plenty of rocks for climbing, and the chance to stop by the water for paddling, swimming, or skimming stones before heading back.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission.
When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.
PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.
Loughrigg Terrace walk map
On all Lake District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 (English Lakes South-eastern Area). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 3.1km / 2.1 miles
TERRAIN: Woodland trails, rocky paths.
PARKING: White Moss Car Park. Click here for Google Map point on your phone. Postcode is: LA22 9SE.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: fantastic views over Grasmere and woodland to play in.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Allow 1.5 hours for this walk.
TOTAL ASCENT: 113 metres
FACILITIES: Public toilets at the carpark. No eateries or shops along the walk.
The route
START: White Moss Car Park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: NY 3487 0674
Post code: LA22 9SE
what3words: ///richer.snowmen.birthing
Route follows a clockwise direction.
1. Walk through the car park away from the main road, towards the wooded area. You’ll pick up some footpath signs along the way.
2. Cross the footbridge over the stream. Then follow the arrow pointing to ‘woodland walk to viewpoints on Loughrigg Terrace’. Continue along this windy path as it leads through the woods.
3. When you reach the signpost to ‘Rydal Caves’, take this footpath as it leads you uphill.
4. When you meet a gate, walk through and turn immediately right. You’ll see a stone sign on the ground leaning against the wall. Follow the obvious path as it climbs steeply uphill (this is the steepest bit!).
5. Continue to follow the path as it opens out and starts to skim along the side of Loughrigg Fell. Soon you’ll notice Grasmere Lake to your right, and eventually you’ll see right across to Grasmere village and beyond.
6. Keep going until the path reaches the woodland. Walk through a gate, and then the path splits. Take the main path to your right, through another wooden gate. You’ll see a sign saying ‘Deerbolt Woods’. Follow the path as it leads you down the hill, through the woods.
7. Walk past a cottage on your left, and you’ll see a sign post. Take a sharp right, following the sign to Grasmere Lake. Continue along this path, where you’ll also see another sign for Deerbolts Wood.
8. As the path gets close to the lake, look for the gate leading onto Grasmere ‘beach’. Go through here, and walk along the edge of the lake, towards the bridge up ahead. You’ll probably want to stop and play here for a while.
9. Cross the wooden bridge, and turn right at the other side. Follow this path as it winds down the side of the river, leading you back to White Moss car park.
Lake District Kids is a free online resource. If you have found this website useful for planning your family adventures, you can show your support by buying us a coffee. Thanks so much!
Also, feel free to share your walk photos in our Lake District Kids Facebook Group or on Instagram using by tagging @lakedistrictkidsuk in your caption so we can share with our wider community.