Rydal - Alcock Tarn

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.5km loop from Rydal is a quintessential Lake District fell run, packing 373m of vertical gain into a compact, high-intensity circuit. Starting from the historic village of Rydal, runners face a demanding ascent on steep, technical terrain where rocky steps and uneven paths test both strength and agility. Reaching Alcock Tarn provides a brief, serene plateau with panoramic views over Grasmere and the silhouette of Helm Crag. The descent transitions from rugged fell-side tracks to the iconic Coffin Route, providing a smoother, faster finish that allows you to open up your stride through ancient woodland and past rolling Lakeland pastures.

Steeped in Romantic history, this route traverses the very landscapes that inspired William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The "Coffin Route"—the final leg of your run—was the traditional path used to carry the deceased from Ambleside to the consecrated ground at St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere. Running here feels like moving through a living museum; between the majestic Rydal Hall and the quiet shores of the tarn, you are treading the same fells that have defined Cumbrian fell-running culture for generations. It is a challenging short course that perfectly captures the dramatic beauty and heritage of the Lake District National Park.