Tucked on the rugged slopes of Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Cave shows how humans can shape the landscape in dramatic ways 🌄
Although it looks like a natural wonder at first, Rydal Cave is actually the remains of a 19th-century Lake District slate mine.
Now long abandoned and open to visitors, Rydal Cave has become a buzzing spot, attracting thousands each year who explore the old quarry and soak in the stunning views of its rugged surroundings 🌿
Rydal Cave’s fame has soared recently after Netflix’s fantasy drama ‘The Witcher’ filmed scenes there! 🌟
The round trip to Rydal Cave is just about two miles, making it an easy walk for all skill levels.
On your way, you can enjoy Rydal Water and White Moss Woods, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Lake District.
How do you get to Rydal Cave?
Perched on the hills above Rydal Water, the only way to reach Rydal Cave is by foot. The most popular routes begin at White Moss Carpark in Ambleside or from Rydal Village. 🚶♂️
These are the closest starting points to the caves, and both trails are clearly marked and easy to follow, so finding your way is simple and stress-free.
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?
The walk from Rydal Village to Rydal Cave is just 0.8 miles, while from White Moss Carpark it’s slightly longer at around 1 mile. ⛰️
For most walkers, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the cave from either route, depending on your pace.
You can easily return the same way, or take the chance to explore more if you want to extend your adventure. 🌿
Top tip – make time to wander down to Rydal Water; the peace and views are truly magical.
Rydal Cave walk from White Moss Carpark…
Rydal Cave walk from White Moss Carpark
The Rydal Cave walk from White Moss Carpark is a chilled stroll through White Moss woodland and open countryside before you reach the old quarry. 🌲
Most walkers get to the cavern in about 30 minutes, then another 30 minutes on the way back.
To keep things smooth and easy, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step picture guide below to keep you on the right path 👍
1. Start your walk from the carpark, follow the trail ahead, and pass the public toilet on your right.
2. Stay on the trail with confidence until you cross the bridge over River Rothay 🌊
3. Carry on through the woods and follow the sign marked ‘Woodland Walk’ 🌿
4. Stay on the footpath, and when you reach the fork, take the right path uphill following the signs for ‘Rydal Caves’ ⛰️
5. Climb the hill, pass through the gate, and follow the sign pointing straight ahead toward Rydal Caves 🚶♂️
6. Stay on the trail across the open fell land, and you’ll soon arrive at Rydal Cave ready for the adventure 🌄
Rydal Cave walk from Rydal Village
The walk from Rydal Village is another smooth and easy trail to follow. 🚶♀️
Just stay on the marked footpath all the way to Rydal Cave, and when you reach the fork, take the left path uphill instead of the right one that leads down to Rydal Water.
Warning – along this route, you’ll first spot some caves like the ones shown below, but these are not the main Rydal Cave! ⚠️
Online, you’ll see that some visitors thought that first spot was the real cave and ended their walk there.
Keep going up the path and you’ll soon reach the true location, and trust me, it’s far more scenic. 🌄 You’ll recognise Rydal Caves straight away by its lake entrance and those iconic stepping stones.
Rydal Cave history
With the Lake District full of stunning natural slate, it’s no surprise the area became one of Britain’s top slate mining spots in the 1800s. ⛏️
Originally called Loughrigg Quarry, Rydal Caves was one of many busy mines nearby, with the slate mainly used for roofs, floors, gravestones, and memorial tablets.
Rydal Cave – Witcher season 2 filming location
Rydal Cave has drawn a fresh wave of visitors after being used as a filming location for season 2 of Netflix’s hit fantasy ‘The Witcher’ 🌟
Fans flock to see the magical spot, which appears in episode 7 (‘Voleth Meir’) when Jaskier takes a dip in its waters.
The show also filmed key scenes nearby at Hodge Close Quarry and Blea Tarn, making the Lake District a hotspot for fans.
For diehard enthusiasts, all three locations can actually be visited in a single day trip!
Can you swim in Rydal Cave?
Yes! Wild swimmers love taking a dip in Rydal Cave’s waters, and the spot is highly praised by many. 🏊♂️
During a recent visit, I noticed the cave was full of fish, which was a pleasant surprise.
But how did they get there? The pool is stagnant with no streams feeding into it.
It’s genuinely baffling!
Is Rydal Cave safe?
While the cave looks solid, reports say that several large stones fell from the roof back in 2009. ⚠️
Don’t let that put you off, but it’s worth keeping in mind during your visit.
Stay safe and use your judgment—don’t enter if it feels unsafe on the day.
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