2 OF THE BEST WALKS AROUND GRASMERE (& RYDAL WATER)
Grasmere is a charming little village nestled in the heart of England’s Lake District, and it’s the kind of place that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a storybook. Surrounded by rolling hills and serene waters, Grasmere is best known for its stunning natural beauty and its ties to the famous poet William Wordsworth, who called it “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” Whether you’re into hiking, poetry, or just soaking up peaceful vibes, Grasmere has something for everyone. It’s the perfect little escape where nature and history come together in the most delightful way.
Below is 2 of my favourite walks in and around Grasmere. the first being a shorter route around Grasmere ‘Lake’. The second is a longer route taking in the “old coffin route” and one I really recommend doing if you hav ethe time as you also get to see Rydal Water.
GRASMERE WALK ROUTE 1
WALK OVERVIEW:
DISTANCE: 3.6 miles
TIME: 2 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 200ft
DIFFICULTY: EASY

Map route of this short Grasmere Circular Walk:
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This is a superb, must-do walk around Grasmere – read on to discover what to expect on this walk. |
Photos of this Grasmere circular walk:
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Looking back along Loughrigg Terrace – it’s not that much of an uphill walk to get here really for the fine views of Grasmere – and there’s even a seat to admire view and soak it all up, which I recommend doing. |
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This walk does include a little bit of walking on quieter roads as you come into Grasmere Village and you will pass lots of quaint cottages – it’s all classic Lake District stuff! |
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Upon leaving Grasmere village the route heads up past Dove Cottage where Wordsworth once lived. If you have the time you can explore the Wordsworth connection to this place even further in the museum here. From here it’s maybe 45 mins back to the car park at White Moss. |
Grasmere walk #2. A LONGER ROUTE that includes Rydal Water & Rydal Caves via ‘The old Coffin Route’
If you have the time then a walk around Grasmere and Rydal water is an excellent walk to do. Rydale Wayter is even quieter than Grasmere with no buildings at all around it and you can explore Rydale Caves – which are pretty spectacular and great for kids young (and old!)
Grasmere & Rydal Water Walk Overview:
WALK OVERVIEW:
DISTANCE: 7.6 miles
TIME: 3 hours
TOTAL ASCENT: 800ft
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

Grasmere & Rydal Water Walk Map, via The Old Coffin Route:
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Similar to the above walk – this route starts and finishes at White Moss Car Park and goes in a clockwise direction heading for Loughrigg Terrace with fine views of Grasmere and then onto Grasmere Village. From there we return along the famed “old Coffin Route” to Rydal via Dove Cottage. Once at Rydal village we head along the shores of Rydal Water via Rydal Caves on it’s southern shore. It’s a classic Lake District Walk. You can modify it how you like from wherever you start – but be sure to visit Loughrigg Terrace for the Grasmere views, walk along the ‘old coffin route’ and visit Rydale Caves!
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The magnificent caves at Rydal Water. One of the reasons it’s worth extending your your Grasmere walk to include a visit to Rydal Water. |
As ever I hope you have enjoyed this little write up and photos and it inspires you to want to visit the area and give the route a go.
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