Starting from Grasmere this Lake District walk includes a circuit of Rydal water and Grasmere. The route includes some wonderful views especially from Loughrigg Terrace.
Technical sheet
n°293074
A Lakes walk
posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 26/01/22
(S)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 past the church to the main road.
(1)Cross the main road and turn right walking towards Grasmere. Take the signed path on your left and cross the bridge over the River Rothay. Once across the bridge take the path on your right. This leads through woodland to the shores of Rydal Water with Nab Scar providing a scenic backdrop. The path soon leaves the shores of the lake and climbs gently to reach a path junction (grid ref. NY347060). Here ignore the path leading down to the shores of Grasmere instead taking the clear path across the fellside. This is Loughrigg Terrace and offers fine views over Grasmere on your right.
(2)Reaching an area of woodland at the end of the Terrace path, ignore the path descending through the trees on your right and continue straight ahead to reach a lane - Red Bank (grid ref. NY340056). Turn right down Red Bank and take the first signed footpath on your left. This leads through Red Bank Wood to join a walled track. Bear right down this track to the road near the Wyke. Turn left along this road and follow into the centre of Grasmere. Reaching a junction, turn right in front of the church and you will find the car park a short way on your left.(E)
Waypoints
S/E : km 0 - alt. 68 m - Start: Grasmere pay and display car park - Grasmere
1 : km 3.22 - alt. 66 m - Rydal
2 : km 5.08 - alt. 97 m - Turn left along Loughrigg Terrace
S/E : km 8.65 - alt. 67 m - Finish: Grasmere pay and display car park
Useful Information
The Lake District has a wide variety of low level walks which are often reserved for the days when clouds lie low over the fells. 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 during the walk and can be visited on payment of an admission fee.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Date of walk : 09/04/24 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Directions straightforward, clear paths with way markers unfortunately some road walking which was busy probably because it was Easter holiday time.
Our Lake District Escapades
Overall rating :
4.7 / 5
Date of walk : 10/11/23 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Gorgeous walk especially in autumn. The view of the lakes and surrounding peaks are incredible. It is possible to extend the walk by visiting the famous Rydal cave.
JEBD
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 19/01/22 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
A most delightful walk in the winter sunshine. The description doesn't really do it justice as there are so many points of interest and gentle changes in elevation to provide some most stunning viewpoints. Halfway along the Coffin Route it opens up to provide views over Rydal Water and there are a number of benches where you can sit and enjoy a break/picnic. The same applies along Loughrigg Terrace where again you can sit and drink in the view of Grasmere. It said 3 hours and we didn't rush and took just over 3 so those wanting to walk at a more vigorous pace could probably do it in 2, but don't rush this, just enjoy it.
Paul123456
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 19/10/20 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Perfect for a low cloud day. Also several options to vary the route and add a peak or two if desired.
Route description/map; one minor discrepancy between the description and the map. The description describes using a stony path (Public Footpath) but the map shows the route following the lane. Both links join back up so either is fine.
ansbnks
Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 23/09/19 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Lovely walk. Can also be accessed from the car park by Rydal water by crossing the road and climbing the well marked path.
Note that from the Ambleside car park you walk along the road for 10 minutes before you cross over at the roundabout to Dove Cottage. Then at the top of the lane bare left and look for the sign to the Coffin way to Rydal.
pamonks
Overall rating :
4.3 / 5
Date of walk : 23/02/19 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
A very pleasant walk made better by the exceptional February weather. The view from Loughrigg Terrace is unforgettable
lizandray2
Overall rating :
5 / 5
Date of walk : 28/10/18 Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good
It turned out to be a lovely walk on a pleasant day in mid October. Easy to follow and adapt using the is map. Great web site.
timsrea
Overall rating :
4 / 5
Date of walk : 21/09/17 Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
A nice leisurely walk around these two lakes, with great views and plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat and a cuppa.
