Grasmere walk via Rydal from Ambleside
Approx 5 miles
Time 2 - 3 hrs. App.
Height …. Virtually lake level all the way.

This walk can easily be done by any moderately fit person. Ideal for young families. The walk takes in the beautiful village of Grasmere., and as such the timings are approximate.

A short video of the Beautiful village of Grasmere

From the center of Ambleside head for Rothay park. This is located at the end of vicarage road behind Zeffirellis restaurant. Walk through the park and at the bridge cross the river and head to your right. This lane runs alongside the river although not always visible. After approx ¾ of a mile there are some wonderful photo opportunities at a set of stepping stones on your right. Take care with young children as these are often quite slippery. From here continue to walk along the lane until you meet another bridge just before the main road. Don’t cross the bridge but take the lane to the left just before it. Cross over a cattle grid and head up the lane past a row of quaint cottages. This lane narrows to a path before opening out to stunning views across Rydal to Nab Scar.

At this point of the Grasmere walk you have a choice ….Drop down to the waters edge and continue at lake level or take the higher path and visit the old slate caves, either way you will end up at the same point.

The slate caves or Caw Quarry is now disused and entry to them is blocked but it is still worth the visit to see the huge gaping entrance hall , now flooded.

Continue along the path from the caves and drop down to the head of Rydal, this picks up the path from the lake edge. Continue walking with the wooded area to your right and drop down to the river. This short stretch of river links Grasmere with Rydal.
Continue past the bridge and wier and stay at lake level. Follow the lake now for a mile or so along the bottom path.
Eventually your way is blocked and you have to head up a short path to the main road. This links Grasmere with Elterwater and the Langdales. Turn right on this road and head in towards the village.

After 200 yds a small cottage on your right has a very old Victorian Post box … a nice photo opportunity. This cottage was also the subject of a water colour painting by Judy Boyes, a local artist, in her work “Lea cottage post box”. Judy’s work can be seen and bought throughout the Lakes, and she has her own gallery in Elterwater.
From here the lane broadens and gets busier as you finally arrive in Grasmere. Take time out to explore this Lakeland gem. Here can be found Heaton Cooper’s art studio, the world famous Grasmere gingerbread shop, the Church yard with the grave of William Wordsworth and numerous café’s and restaurants. My favourite has to be the award winning Jumble room. A quaint small coffee shop and restaurant situated behind the Red Lion hotel on Langdale Road. Beautiful quirky surroundings and stunning food, this has to be a must in my opinion.

After you have discovered Grasmere village, head back to the church and take the road out over the river.

At the main road cross over and take the lane oposite. As you enter the lane on your right is the new William Wordsworth Museum well worth a visit if you're a lover of the Lakeland poet, and just another 50yds up this road is Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's former home.

Continue on up the hill until you reach a fork in the road, bear right and continue till you reach White Moss Car Park. Cross over the road and through a gap in the fence. Head down to the river. A note:- there are a set of public toilets to your left here set up in the trees. Head upstream for a short distance and cross the wooden footbridge. Head straight up the path in front of you, through the trees until you reach a gap in the wall.

You have now done a full circle of Grasmere lake. Take one of the paths to your left .... down to the lake or up to the caves, either way you will be taken back on to your original route. Retrace your steps back in to Ambleside.

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Please take Care .....

While every effort is made to ensure the walks listed on these pages are accurate, the responsibility lies with you the visitor.

Remember, weather in the lake district can change at very short notice. Take plenty of layered clothing, waterproofs and extra food and drink. Ensure someone at home knows your planned route for the day.

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