Top Ten Hikes in the Lake District: Grasmere

Grasmere and Rydal Water Circular with Tweedies Bar and Lodge, Grasmere

Setting off from Ambleside, a must-visit town that dates back to Roman times, this scenic circular loop in the Lake District National Park offers an immersive journey through stunning landscapes, with two picturesque lakes, Grasmere and Rydal Water, forming the heart of the adventure. As you walk along the shores of these lakes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views, with the surrounding fells and lush greenery adding to the serene atmosphere. 

The trail also takes in the historic Coffin Route, a relatively flat section of the walk and an ancient path once used to carry coffins from the village of Grasmere to the church in Rydal. The route has a fascinating history and walking along it gives you a real sense of the past, with stone bridges and rugged terrain along the way. 

Keep an eye out for Rydal Cave, a dramatic limestone cave located near the village of Rydal. The cave, once used by quarrymen, is a great spot to pause, explore and admire the impressive natural rock formations. This walk takes you close to the delightful village of Grasmere, once home to the famous poet William Wordsworth, making it a lovely spot to explore. 

Be sure to visit the iconic Grasmere Gingerbread Shop to sample some tasty treats and visit Dove Cottage, the poet’s former residence. Before continuing your hike, you can also stop by Tweedies Bar, a laid-back spot offering delicious seasonal dishes.

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Ambleside: Start your journey from this popular town, home to the Armitt Museum which showcases a collection of works by Beatrix Potter
• Grasmere Village: Known for its literary connections and stunning surroundings
• Lake Views: Enjoy beautiful vistas over Grasmere and Rydal Water as you meander along the shores of these famous lakes

KEY INFORMATION:

• Distance: 8.8 miles
• Walking time: 4 - 4.5 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Starting point:Ambleside 
• Pub: Tweedies Bar and Lodge ///tributes.mentioned.readily
• AllTrails: Route link