Walk 1565 - Rydal Water & Grasmere from Grasmere village

      
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The Lake District has a wide variety of low level walks. Sadly many walkers reserve these for days when the clouds lie low over the higher fells meaning that they never enjoy them at their best. This walk starts from the regional centre of Grasmere and follows a well walked track to Rydal. From here the route passes the shores of Rydal water before enjoying wide ranging views over Grasmere. As well as the scenic interest the walk passes two of the homes of William Wordsworth, namely Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Both of these are passed by the walk and can be visited with an admission fee.

The start is the large pay and display car park (grid ref. NY339072) just off the A591 Ambleside to Keswick Road. Exit the car park and turn left back to the main road. Cross the A591, and take the lane opposite passing Dove Cottage on your left. Walk along the lane until just before it bends right. Here leave the lane and continue ahead on a stony track. At first the track goes uphill but soon levels off to follow a more undulating course across the fellside all the way to Rydal. Reaching Rydal, turn right down past the church to the main road.

Cross the main road and turn left walking towards Ambleside. At the first road junction, turn right and cross the bridge. Once on the other side of the River Rothay turn right again along a tarmac lane. Continue past some cottages after which the lane becomes a rougher track and exits onto open pastures. The path forks (grid ref. NY358060). Bear left here to join the higher path which leads past caves and old quarries. At the next major junction (grid ref. NY347059) continue along the Loughrigg Terrace path which offers a fine view of Grasmere and the superb backdrop of higher fells.

Just before reaching a plantation of trees turn right and descend very steeply to the shore of Grasmere. Turn left and follow the lakeside path as far as you can (grid ref. NY335064). Here turn away from the lake to reach a lane. Turn right along the lane and walk back into Grasmere village.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet OL7
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 90

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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NOTE - all distances are "as the crow flies"