6.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8A former slate quarry has become a cavern above Rydal Water. Stepping stones cross a shallow pool at its entrance, leading into the drier interior.
Rydal Cave turns an industrial remnant into a striking little destination: a broad cavern, a watery threshold and a memorable stop on the walks above Rydal Water. Its appeal is in the contrast between quarry-made space and Lakeland scenery.
Atmospheric · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapRydal, near Ambleside, Cumbria
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The experience
Visit the former slate quarry on foot, cross the stepping stones at the entrance and explore the dry interior. It can be combined with a walk around Rydal Water or towards Loughrigg Fell; check route conditions and access before setting out.
Things to do
Cross the stepping stones into the cave
Reach the cave entrance via the stepping stones across a shallow pool, then explore the drier interior. Take care on the rocky approach and check conditions first.
Combine the cave with a local walk
Rydal Cave is commonly visited on walks around Rydal Water and Loughrigg Fell. Check a current route source for distance, terrain and access before choosing a circuit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Check before visiting; duration is not established by the supplied sources.
Quick Escape: cross the stepping stones
- 01
Walk to the cave above Rydal Water, allowing for rocky ground on the approach.
- 02
Cross the stepping stones at the entrance and explore the drier interior.
- 03
Return by your approach route; check access and conditions before setting out.
Half day · Check before visiting; no itinerary duration is established by the supplied sources.
Make a half day of it: cave and Rydal Water
- 01
Visit Rydal Cave as part of a walk in the area above Rydal Water.
- 02
Continue with a walk around Rydal Water or towards Loughrigg Fell, choosing a route appropriate to current conditions.
- 03
Check route details, access and facilities before departure.
Verified history
Rydal Cave is a man-made hollow created by former slate quarrying. Slate from the cave was used in the nineteenth century, according to the supplied Facebook post; the supplied sources do not establish further dates or details.
Hidden details
The cave is quarry-made — The cavern is a former slate quarry rather than a natural cave. Look for the change from the shallow pool and stepping-stone entrance to the drier interior.
When to go
· Not established by the supplied sources; check conditions before visiting.
The supplied sources do not identify a preferred season. Approach conditions may affect the visit, so check locally before setting out.
The approach is described as rocky and includes stepping stones across a shallow pool. Check weather and ground conditions before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Rydal Water
The cave is above Rydal Water and is commonly visited on walks around the lake.
Loughrigg Fell
The cave is commonly included in walks in the Loughrigg Fell area; check current route information before planning a longer walk.
What to look for
Notice the contrast between the shallow pool and stepping stones at the entrance and the drier cavern beyond. The cave is a former slate quarry, not a natural cavern.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Check local conditions before visiting; no specific best season is established by the supplied sources.
No particular time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check weather and ground conditions before visiting.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A man-made former slate quarry above Rydal Water, reached on foot. The approach includes stepping stones and rocky ground; check current access and conditions before setting out.
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Parking
Check before visiting; parking details are not established by the supplied sources.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance. The described approach includes stepping stones and rocky ground; check current conditions and access suitability before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
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Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Rydal Cave
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
