Today’s Walks
Strenuous Leader: Rowland Nock Distance: 10 miles, 16 kilometres
Height Gain 700 metres.
From the car park we head out of Grasmere past the Youth Hostel trending round to the east via Easedale Beck. We then cross over the main A591 picking up the path to Stone Arthur and on to Great Rigg. Please bear in mind this is a continuous ascent of 700 metres. From the summit of Great Rigg wen the follow the ridge south to Heron Pike, taking in the spectactular views of Windermere and Grasmere Water. We then descend to Rydal via Rydal Mount which was the home of Wordsworth. From Rydal we follow the south banks of both Rydal Water and Grasmere Water via Loughrigg terrace back to Grasmere, hopefully in time for some well-earned tea and tiffin.
Moderate Leader: Chris Cox Distance: 7.7 miles
Circular route around Grasmere and Rydal Water lakes (hard moderate).
A walk to make your heart beat faster, but it won’t be for romantic reasons!
The route takes us north of Grasmere, and then we have a steep climb to Butter Crag and Alcock Tarn, a height gain of 1000ft. We should be rewarded with nice views over Grasmere and the valley below, and an early lunch (it would be a good idea to same some food for the return leg alongside Rydal Water). Paths are quite rocky, and can be difficult in places, so please take your time. Our walk then continues with a slow descent joining the coffin trail to Rydal Mount. After crossing the A591, we follow the Rydal Water and Grasmere Lake shoreline paths. However, the last stretch does involve a section of road walking into the village, where we can all enjoy a liquid refreshment!
Leisurely Leader: Sully Adam Distance :
A walk starting at grasmere village. This is a nice walk, some climbing, and some waterfalls. Nice views. When we get to the top there is a big lake and as we are coming down it’s a bit muddy and there are some stepping stones. Should take us roughly 3 hours.
Additional Leisurely, Leader: Derek Lee Distance: 6.5 miles
We will leave amblesude through Rothay Park and follow the minor road to the west of the River Rothay to Rydal. After crossing the river, we will follow the old coffin road along the hillside on the north side of Rydal Water before dropping down to cross the river again between Rydal Water and Grasmere. We can follow the western shore of Grasmere for a time before the last stretch of road walking into Grasmere. Around 600 ft of climbing, including a couple of short steep climbs, and some rough uneven paths. Please be ready to leave the coach at Ambleside.
Easy Leader: Margery Howe Distance: 5.5 miles
Ambleside to Grasmere via Rydal Hall (possibility of a cup of coffee here) through Dora’s Field over the River Rothay. A waterside path to Rydal Water, Red Bank and Grasmere Lake to Grasmere. A lovely low level walk through parkland and by lakeside with good views. No stiles. Please be ready to leave the coach at Ambleside, where we will stop for a few moments only to collect our rucksacks.