Tucked away on the rugged slopes of Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Cave is a dramatic showcase of just how much influence man can have on the appearance of the landscape.
While the cavern may first look like a natural wonder, it is in fact the remnants of an old Lake District slate mine dating back to the 19th Century.
Long disused and open to the public, Rydal Cave today is a rambling hotspot, with thousands of visitors making the journey each year to explore the old quarry and admire the gorgeous views of its surrounding craggy landscape.
The cavern has recently grown even more popular after Netflix’s fantasy drama ‘The Witcher’ used it as a filming location! (More on that later)
With the walk to-and-from Rydal Cave coming in at only around 2 miles in length, the stroll is an easy one and suitable for pretty much all abilities.
Along the way to Rydal Cave, you’ll also get the chance to check out Rydal Water and White Moss woods – all while being surrounded by picture perfect Lake District scenery.
So, just how do you get to Rydal Cave? Let’s get to it 👇👇
How do you get to Rydal Cave?
Hiding on the hills above Rydal Water in the Lakes, the only way to reach Rydal Cave is on foot, with the most popular walking routes tending to be from either White Moss Carpark in Ambleside or alternatively from Rydal Village.
These are the closest starting points possible to the caves and both trails are easy to follow & well-signposted throughout, so you shouldn’t have much issue navigating your way around.
Where do you park for Rydal Cave?
White Moss Carpark address: White Moss Carpark, Ambleside, LA22 9SE
Rydal Village address: Rydal, Ambleside LA22 9LR
How long is the Rydal Cave walk?
Walking to Rydal Cave from Rydal Village is only 0.8 miles in length, while starting from White Moss Carpark is ever so slightly longer at around 1 mile.
Depending on your pace, for most walkers it shouldn’t take much longer than 30 minutes to reach the cave from either of these trails.
You can then simply head back the same way – although there’s also plenty of opportunity to explore further if you’d like to extend your ramble.
Top tip – Its certainly worth making your way down to Rydal Water if you’ve time; the tranquility is really something else.
Rydal Cave walk from White Moss Carpark
The Rydal Cave walk from White Moss Carpark is a relaxing stroll through White Moss woodland and open countryside before arriving at the quarry.
It should take most walkers no longer than 30 minutes to reach the cavern, plus another 30 minutes heading back the same way afterwards.
To make navigating your way to the cave stress-free, we’ve compiled a step-by-step picture guide below to help steer you on track 👍
- Start the trail from the carpark, following the path and passing the public toilet to your right.
- Keep to the trail until you head across the bridge over River Rothay
- Continue ahead through the woods, following the sign for ‘Woodland walk’.
- Stick to the footpath and turn right up the hill once you reach the fork, following signs for ‘Rydal Caves’.
- Head up the hill and pass through the gate, following the sign pointing straight ahead for Rydal Caves.
- Keep to the trail through the open fell land until you arrive at Rydal Cave!
Rydal Cave walk from Rydal Village
The walk from Rydal Village is another super easy trail to follow.
Simply stick to the designated footpath all the way up to Rydal Cave, remembering to take the left turning up the hill once you reach the fork (rather than the path to your right which leads down to Rydal Water).
Warning – When you walk this route, you’ll first come across the caves pictured below. Please note, this isn’t the proper Rydal Cave!
Looking online it seems several visitors have mistakenly assumed this was the correct spot and left their ramble at that.
Make sure you continue up the path and you’ll soon come to the correct location which is much more picturesque! You’ll instantly recognise Rydal Caves due to its lake entrance and stepping stones.
Rydal Cave history
With the Lake District being home to a wealth of stunning natural slate scenery, it’s unsurprising that the region became one of Britain’s major slate mining spots in the 1800s.
Originally named Loughrigg Quarry, Rydal Caves was one of many busy working mines scattered all around the area, with the the excavated slate being largely used for essentials such as roofing material, flooring, gravestones and memorial tablets.
Rydal Cave – Witcher season 2 filming location
Attracting a new demographic of visitors, Rydal Cave was recently used as a filming location for season 2 of Netflix’s hit fantasy ‘The Witcher’.
With a number of fans making the journey to check out the magical spot for themselves, the cavern can be spotted in episode 7 (‘Voleth Meir’) when Jaskier takes a dip in its waters.
One of various filming locations dotted around the Lake District, the show also filmed ‘pivotal scenes’ at the neighbouring sites of Hodge Close Quarry and Blea Tarn.
For diehard fanatics, it’s actually possible to view all three of these locations in a one day trip!
Interested? Check out our ‘Guide To Visiting The Witcher Filming Locations In The Lake District’.
Can you swim in Rydal Cave?
Yes! Wild swimmers often take a dip in the waters of Rydal Cave and have been known to hold the spot in quite high regard.
Speaking of swimmers – taking a closer look into the water during my recent visit, I was pleasantly surprised to see an abundance of fish inside the cave.
Just how did these fish get here though? The pool is stagnant and has no water flowing in from any other source.
Truly baffling!
Top tip – For those who enjoy a paddle, also be sure to check out our list of the ‘BEST Wild Swimming Spots In The Lake District’ 👈
Is Rydal Cave safe?
While the cave seems sturdy enough, it was reported that several large chunks of stone fell from the roof back in 2009.
Don’t let this deter you mind you! Just something to keep in mind during your visit.
Keep safe and make an educated judgement on the day – don’t attempt to enter the cave if you don’t think it’s safe to do so.
More resources
While you’re here…
Why not to head on over to our recent post detailing ‘4 Of The BEST Lake District Caves To Visit’ for even more cavern inspiration?
Likewise, for more great walks and wild swimming spots, be sure to trawl through our list of the top Lake District waterfalls here.
Happy walking 🚶🚶