The Lake District | Grasmere and Rydal Water Circuit

Walk description:

This 6.5 mile walk from Grasmere village around Grasmere Water and Rydal Water is an absolute classic and is lovely come rain or shine.

We kick things off from the car park on the edge of the village, walking west into the village for a coupe of hundred metres before following a small lane around the shores of Grasmere Water. This lane can be busy at times so we will need to walk with care. There is also the option for us to climb 100m or so onto the edge of Silver How whereby we will gain views over Grasmere and the surrounding fells.

After a mile we will reach a gravelled path leading down to the shores of Grasmere and the walk following is some of the best for the day - the sound of the waters lapping gently against the shore, birds singing in the trees around, and the crunch of slate beneath our feet.

Near the end of the lake we will follow the path winding this way and that through a small cops of ancient woodland, alive with bluebells and other stunning wildflowers, later emerging on the shores of Rydal Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District National Park. We’ll be able to see out over Heron Island, and across to the Coffin Path which we will soon be on ourselves.

Reaching the end of the lake we will cross a small footbridge and enter the estate of Rydal Hall, a large house built in the 16th century and home to many acres of beautiful pastoral land and gardens. It is here that we will pick up the coffin path, so called as it was the route taken by those needing to bury their dead from the Rydal region - the only churchyard in the area was in Grasmere so a pilgrimage was required. Nowadays it is a lovely walk undertaken in lighter circumstances, though it still has a very spiritual vibe.

The views from this path are rewarding, looking over Rydal and Grasmere and the peaks and summits that guard the valley too. After a couple of miles we will find ourselves descending back into Grasmere where we will wrap up our walk.

Currently we are considering booking a pub for a meal before we all depart ways. If you would like to join us please let us know when booking and we will add you to the list. We will let you know nearer the time whether we will go ahead with this plan.

Whether you attend alone or with friends/family, you'll soon get to know everyone in the group and enjoy a stress-free day.

Places are always limited on our walks, so do book on as soon as you can!

Walk length: 

6.5 miles

We consider this walk to be suitable for beginners, although you should be comfortable wlaking this distance. We expect this walk to take 3.5 hours to allow time to get to the cafe/pub afterwards.

Date and time: 

Sunday 14th May 2023. Meet at 09:45am, start walking at 10.00am

Start/finish location: 

Car Park just off A591 on the edge of Grasmere. 

 Stock Ln, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SJ

Getting to car park: 

The car park is on the right about 50 metres after turning off the A591, if coming from Ambleside or Keswick. If coming from Grasmere, the car park is on the left just after the Post Office.

The car park is pay and display. 3 hours: £4.20 | 4 hours: £5.40 | 5 hours: £6.60 | 9 hours: £8.00

Cars are left at owners own risk.

Toilet stops: 

There are public toilets at the car park. They cost 50p to use. Otherwise wild wees are required!

Media:

By signing up to a walk with us you are giving us permission to take photos for promotional use across our website and social media pages. If you specifically do not want media taken with you in it, please do feel able to get in touch. We encourage you to take photos during your walk but ask you to be sensitive to other members. Also, we'd love to have a copy of any you are particularly proud of so we share them too!

Accidents and Incidents:

Abbie and our walk leaders are all qualified first aiders and will always carry an appropriate first aid kit. Should you be involved in an accident or become injured during the walk it is important that you notify Abbie or other walk leaders as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Should you feel unwell or require first aid please let them know. Please use the booking form and the paper disclaimer you will be given on the day as an opportunity to raise anything you feel the walk leader should know about. Abbie is also a qualified and insured Hill and Moorland Leader. 

Due to the nature of walking in an outdoor area there is often a level of risk. You will need to take responsibility for your own actions, health and involvement during the walk and will be expected to exercise judgement based on your fitness levels as to whether you can complete the walk. Any queries please get in touch. You will also be expected to abide by any safety instructions and decisions made by us and have a duty to exercise judgement regarding your own personal safety and that of other members of the group. If you choose to ignore safety instructions we cannot be held responsible for the consequences.

Cars are left at the owner's own risk.

Weather:

Our walks are weather dependant. The weather can play a major role in our enjoyment of a day's walking and in some cases can present a real danger. We always review the weather forecast in detail the day before and will send you an email if we have to change any plans. This is however only likely if we feel heading out will put us at real risk. Please check the forecast for yourself and come prepared for whatever the weather! You should come fully kitted out for a full day's hike in the walking area.

Food and Drink:

We will not be providing any food or drink on this walk except emergency rations. Please ensure you have adequate food and drink for the day. If you have any questions or need any help/advice with what food to bring, please feel able to get in touch.

No Drug and Alcohol Policy:

Spend More Time In The WILD has been set up in order to inspire and motivate followers to head outside for the benefit of mental and physical health. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure space for anyone walking out a journey of freedom from addiction and substance abuse and as such have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on our walks and camping events.

Cancellations:

By Us: In the rare case that we have to cancel an event, you will be notified by email and offered a full refund. We may cancel up to 12 hours ahead of an event due to personal injury or safety concerns re the weather and will notify you by email.

By You: We require 30 days cancellation notice prior to your scheduled arrival, otherwise we will charge you cancellation fee as below.

- 75% of your total amount will be charged if you notify us about your cancellation or any changes by 30 days to 7 days before your scheduled arrival.

- 100% of your total amount will be charged if you do not notify us about your cancellation or any changes within 7 days.

If you have any questions regarding the walk or booking, please get in touch via admin@spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk. You will be supplied with a contact number for emergency use on the day of the walk in your booking package.