The Most Instagrammable Spots in The Lake District

The Lake District is home to some stunning photo spots beyond the usual tourist hubs. From the unique rock formations at Rydal Caves to the stunning reflections in the Thirlmere Infinity Pools, these locations offer some of the best views for your Instagram feed…especially to make everyone at home jealous! I have visited these destinations, and in this blog, I’ll show you how to find them and what makes each one so special. Check out our TikTok for videos from my visits to these spots!

Rydal Caves

Start your walk at the White Moss car park (Pay and Display); from here, it’s just a short walk to Rydal Caves. Follow the main path, crossing the river at the first bridge you see. Continue along the left path into White Moss Woods, when you reach the end of the woods through the gate, turn left. As you are walking along this path, you will notice a trail leading up to your right, you want to take this path.

This will lead you straight to the caves, which will appear on your right after about half a mile. Be prepared to navigate some stepping stones to explore the caves up close – just be careful not to get your feet wet!

The walk itself takes around 30 minutes each way and offers stunning views of Rydal Water. For a longer trek, take the winding path opposite the caves down to the water’s edge. From there, you can even extend your adventure to the nearby Badger Bar for a well-earned drink.

Alternatively, follow the trail left along the lake’s edge. This route will eventually loop you back to the White Moss woods, completing a circuit through one of the Lake District’s incredibly photogenic spots.

Postcode Carpark: LA22 9SE
W3W Carpark: ///mattress.liked.viewer
W3W Cave: ///owned.spurring.agreeable

Properties Nearby: Ambleside & The Langdales

Thirlmere infinity pools

To visit the Thirlmere Infinity Pool, start by parking at the Legburthwaite car park (Pay and Display). Walk back along Back Lane (B5322) toward the village hall. Once you reach the hall, take the lane to the left, called Stanah Lane, and continue until you reach a signed gate labelled ‘Sticks Pass.’

From here, ascend the hill until the path meets the corner of a wall. Follow the path to the right, along the top of the wall, and continue for about 10 minutes. You’ll come to another gate, where you’ll spot a bridge. Cross the bridge before ascending to the pool, as the near side can be dangerous.

Once across the bridge, take the path to your left, which will lead you to the infinity pool. The pool is small, perfect for a quick dip rather than a full swim. It can get busy on sunny weekends and school holidays, so visiting early or on a quieter day will offer the most peaceful experience. (We also continued up the hill after arriving at the pools; this led to a secluded waterfall and great views!)

Postcode Carpark: CA12 4TQ
W3W carpark: ///centrally.statue.unlocking
W3W Infinity pools: ///agree.butternut.advancing

Properties Nearby: Ambleside & The Langdales | Ullswater

Raven Crag

This viewpoint is one of my favourite spots. It is a relatively short walk (compared to other climbs) but offers a big reward: the view of Thirlmere Lake! We parked in a small layby directly opposite the start of the walk, though this fills up quickly, so it’s a good idea to have a nearby car park as a backup.

If you’re lucky enough to park close by, you’ll start your ascent through a large wooden gate and continue up a gravel track. The first section is a steep incline up the gravel track, leading you through a forest. It eventually opens up, offering a great view of the lake already. There’s also an alternate, steadier route about 300 meters to the right of the gate, which we used on the way down since it was safer, especially on the rainy day we had.

Once you’ve completed the first section, you’ll cross over a wide forest road and continue up a steep path which will have now opened up from the trees, revealing great views. This winding path gets slightly rocky, so make sure you bring the right footwear! As you continue up this path, you will be greeted by a gate – take a left through the gates and continue up the path! You will shortly meet a set of wooden steps, which will lead you up to the top.

At the top, you’ll find a viewing platform. From here, you get a fantastic view of Thirlmere Lake and the surrounding area, making the effort well worth it.

Postcode Carpark: CA12 4TG
W3W carpark: ///inflamed.variety.slopes
W3W View Point: ///plantings.prefect.geese

Properties Nearby: Ambleside & The Langdales | Ullswater

Wasdale Fairy Pools

To find the Wasdale Emerald Pools, start your journey from the Wasdale Head car park (free parking). This car park fills up quickly as Wasdale is a popular walking hub, so plan your visit accordingly.

From the end of the car park furthest from the lake, there is a farm track which heads towards Great Gable, take this path, which will lead you to a farm. As you approach the farm, follow the signposted route left through the farmyard and continue along the valley. (We then came across some very cute highland cows, which I have added below!) Soon, you’ll cross a long wooden footbridge—stay straight here and do not veer left up the hill – we first thought this was were the pools are, as there is a waterfall, but this was not the case!

As you are walking along this path, the path splits into two – one leading up to Great Gable, and one leading right, down to a river (take the right path). As you follow on, go through the wooden gate ad continue along this path for around 600 meters. One mistake that most people make, is that they come to the first few pools, and stop there – to get to the main pool, continue on up the path… it is worth it!

Postcode Carpark: CA20 1EX
W3W carpark: ///acquaint.remedy.signified
W3W View Point: ///bliss.pigs.sweetener

Properties Nearby: Wasdale & Eskdale