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’ (I know it’s a mere! haha). The second is a longer route taking in Grasmere but also the old and fabled  “Coffin Route” and one I really recommend doing if you have the time as you also get to see Rydal Water too!

GRASMERE WALK #1:
SHORT CIRCULAR AROUND GRASMERE ‘LAKE’

Map route of thE short Grasmere Circular Walk:

This short, circular (clockwise) walk of 3.6 miles around Grasmere lake itself. I’ve featured the route that starts off from White Moss Car Park (in between Rydal Water and Grasmere) as there is plenty of parking here for this driving to the area. This walk can of course be started anywhere on the route including from Grasmere Village itself if that’s where you are based. On this route from the Car Park at White Moss, we head up hill to Loughrigg Terrace for some of the best views of Grasmere – the best vantage point to admire Grasmere. Then it’s down to the Grasmere lake shore through some lovely woodland, and then you have to walk on a quiet minor road for 15 mins or so into Grasmere village itself which makes for a good place to stop at the half way point for a bite to eat/drink in one of the many pubs or cafes. After here we return to the start via a route past Dove Cottage (where Wordsworth lived) and up into into White Moss Common. It’s a relatively easy walk and can be done in 2 hours including a half hour stop off in Grasmere. You can view the full interactive map on the link above.

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:

The path leading along Loughrigg Terrace – where you will see some of the best views of Grasmere. There’s not much uphill required and no need to go higher left to the top of Loughrigg Fell as the views on Loughrigg Terrace are better in my opinion

The best view of Grasmere lake is from Loughrigg Terrace in my humble opinion and it’s quite an easy walk to get up to this viewpoint. Even if you don’t do the full walk – make sure you visit Loughrigg Terrace. The walk route then dips down to lake shore level pictured on the left, through some nice woodland.

This walk towards Grasmere 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!

Just after half way through this particular walk you will come to Grasmere Village and it’s the perfect place to stop off for a bite to eat or drink in one of the many pubs and cafes and just have a wander around this lovely Lake District village. Allow plenty of time for an explore around Grasmere.

WILLIAM WORDSWORTH & GRASMERE

William Wordsworth’s deep connection to Grasmere played a pivotal role in shaping his poetry. Wordsworth moved to Dove Cottage in Grasmere in 1799, a decision that would influence much of his work. Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Grasmere and the Lake District, with its rugged hills, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery, Wordsworth found inspiration for his most famous poems. It was in this serene environment that he wrote much of his collection Lyrical Ballads alongside his sister Dorothy, who also had a profound impact on his creative life. Grasmere’s landscapes became an integral part of Wordsworth’s poetic vision, fueling his belief in nature’s power to nourish the soul and elevate the human spirit.

The town of Grasmere, and the wider Lake District, left a lasting imprint on Wordsworth’s work, both thematically and personally. Wordsworth’s reverence for nature and the rural life is evident in his poetry, particularly in poems like “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” where he celebrates the beauty of daffodils by Grasmere Lake. His connection to the Lake District also extended beyond his writing—he was a public figure, a poet laureate, and even held local office in the area. Grasmere, with its scenic charm and quiet beauty, was more than just a home for Wordsworth; it was the heart of his creative world, and its influence is felt in the timeless power of his poetry.

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 also Rydal water is an excellent walk to do. Rydal Water is a picturesque, untouched lake that holds a special place in the heart of many visitors, especially those with an interest in William Wordsworth. Rydal Water was a place of inspiration for Wordsworth, who lived nearby in Rydal Mount from 1813 until his death in 1850. The serene, tranquil waters and surrounding hills, particularly the distinctive peaks of Nab Scar and Loughrigg Fell, are reflected in the still surface of the lake, creating an idyllic landscape that often appears in his poems. 

The coffin route

This longer walk takes in the fabled “Coffin Route” a historic and atmospheric walking path that connects the village of Grasmere to Rydal. The route gets its name from the practice of carrying coffins along the path to the churchyard in Grasmere, particularly when the weather or terrain made other routes impassable. Historically, it was the main route used by villagers to transport the dead to the church for burial. The Coffin Route might sound a bit spooky, but don’t worry—it’s not as morbid as it sounds! Today, you’re more likely to find hikers and certainly no hearses, but the name certainly adds a bit of drama to the walk. The Coffin Route remains a quirky, scenic reminder of how even the most practical paths have a story to tell.

This longer walk also allows you to visit Rydal Caves – to add another bit of intrigue to the walk – which are great for exploring for young (and old) kids!

Grasmere & Rydal Water Walk Overview:

This Grasmere walk again takes you on Loughrigg Terrace where you will get the best views of Grasmere in my humble opinion.

The magnificent cave at Rydal Water. The main cave is a result of slate quarrying and is well worth an explore. Stepping stones leads you through a shallow pool at the entrance – where you may even see some small fish. A torch may be useful to see deeper into the cave but it’s not a necessity. Rydal Caves are 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 – let me know how you get on in the comments below and if you found this blog post useful!