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Lake District Walk:‘Lilly Tarn’

Allow 2-3 hours for this walk. The track starts from the (relatively) lively village of Ambleside, which is a good place to buy walking equipment and also to dine out in the evening. The walk takes you across Loughrigg fell, which affords fantastic views over lake Windermere.

WAYPOINT 1: ‘Amble Cp’ (NY 375047) See pictures: 1

Start your journey from Ambleside Main Car Park (‘Amble Cp’). (Ambleside is on all major bus routes in the South lakes). Cross the wooden footbridge from the car park and turn right along Rydal road. You will pass the water wheel and the highly distinctive Bridge House. This tiny 17th Century stone building once housed 6 people. Turn right along Compston Road and right again into Vicarage Road. Enter Rothay Park and follow the main path towards the stone bridge crossing the River Rothay. This is Miller Bridge (see Waypoint ‘Miller Br’, below).

WAYPOINT 2: ‘Miller Br’ See pictures: 1-6
After crossing the bridge, turn right across a cattle grid and then left up a steep road. Continue along this road until you come to the end of the buildings and then take a stone stile on the left. Thereafter, there are several more stiles before you start to climb the hilly countryside. Our track will take you along the left of the hills, where you can see Windermere in the distance. You will climb a couple of rocky outcrops and these offer great views of the valleys and the lake. Finally, you will climb one outcrop and, over the other side, you will see ‘Lilly Tarn’ below.

WAYPOINT 3: ‘Lilly Tarn’ See pictures: 6

Lilly tarn is a small pond in the middle of a slightly marshy valley beneath the rocky knolls. (The lilies can be seen throughout summer). Follow the GPS track around the side of Lilly Tarn and follow the crest of Loughrigg fell. Ascend another rocky outcrop to admire another excellent view. Follow the track downwards, heading east. You will reach the old golf clubhouse on your left (see ‘Club Hse’, below).

WAYPOINT 4: ‘Club Hse’

Continue past the clubhouse to meet up with the outbound track. This will take you back to Miller Bridge and then again through the park and into Ambleside.