a circuit of Grasmere and Rydal Water, Lake District (approx 6 miles)



Map: Sheet OL7 The English Lakes: SE area
Start: Grasmere village(NY339073). There are three car parks in the village, when we arrived the first was full, but before we came to the others we passed the school, which advertised parking at weekend and during school holidays - so we parked in the school grounds.
Route: This circular walk broadly follows the route described (in more detail) at GrabYourBoots.com (We took a slightly different route after crossing the river below Rydal Water). The route is easy, following clear tracks and paths. Stops could be made to visit Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, one time homes of William Wordsworth.
More info: from Grasmere.com
Rydal Water entry from Wikipedia
Refreshments: Wide range of pubs and tea shops in Grasmere and a more limited choice at Rydal.

route profile
White Moss Tarn Leave Grasmere by walking along the B5287 to cross the A591 and follow the unclassified road opposite, past Dove Cottage. Walk past a very small tarn on your left, then where the road turns sharp right, continue ahead on bridlepath (stone sign for Rydal). The track leads up the fell side before levelling off. Pass White Moss Tarn on left. Ignore two paths which join from the right (these lead to car parks at the western end of Rydal Water, which could be alternative starting points for the walk). The path we followed is signed Coffin Route to Rydal. Much of the route is alongside and through woodland. The track descends to Rydal and the A591.
Rydal Water, looking west Cross the main road and turn right, then turn left to cross the footbridge across the River Rothay. We turned right to follow the path by the lake shore. About half way along the lake, the path bears away from the shore. At junction of paths bear left, up the hillside on to Loughrigg Terrace, which offers splendid views across Grasmere.
view across Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace At a junction of paths, bear right to enter woodland. Descend through the woods to meet a minor road. Take path immediately on right to descend further through woodland to lake shore. When lakeside path is reached turn sharp left to follow the shoreline.
view across Grasmere from Loughrigg Terrace Follow the path when it leads away from the lake. When the path meets the road, turn right, to return to Grasmere along the road.

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