Grasmere
Named after its closest lake, Grasmere, Grasmere village is nestled at the foot of some spectacular fells in the central Lake District.
Picturesque pebbledash cottages, slate roofs and Victorian villas give Grasmere a classic Cumbrian charm, described by poet William Wordsworth as “The most loveliest spot that man hath found.”
Grasmere lake is great for swimming and rowing as motor boats are prohibited. There are routes to enjoy along the lake shore or up a surrounding fell.
Grasmere Village
Grasmere is a hive of activity all year round, and visitors love to try the legendry Grasmere Gingerbread. Famous writers and poets, William and Dorothy Wordsworth, lived in Grasmere for 14 years at Dove Cottage. They are buried in St Oswald’s Churchyard in Grasmere and their graves can be visited today.
Image credit: Adam Ormston
Grasmere lake
With no motor boats, this quieter lake is great for swimming and rowing, and in the summer you can hire rowing boats on the lake. You may spot Grasmere’s single island, simply known as The Island.
Rydal
Located in the heart of the Lake District, Rydal Water is a similar sized lake to its connecting neighbour, Grasmere, on the right.
Close to the road between Grasmere and Ambleside, Rydal Water is accessible by public transport. This tranquil spot is ideal for a gentle stroll, climb up the overlooking Loughrigg Fell, or a swim.
Rydal Water
This small lake often has beautiful reflections to the west of Loughrigg fell. Dora’s Field, named after Wordsworth’s daughter, is next to the church and is covered in daffodils in springtime.
Rydal Water is another of the smaller, quiet lakes that’s increasingly popular for wild swimming. Read our top tips on swimming in the Lake District, how to keep safe with the Swim Safe Code.
Image credit: Andrew Locking
Rydal Cave
On the western side of the lake is a footpath up to Loughrigg Terrace and its huge Rydal Cave, formed by quarrying.
Image credit: Nicky Beeson
Loughrigg
Loughrigg Fell is a 335 m fell surrounded by open water, providing spectacular views from the central Lake District. Walking routes take visitors along the shores of Rydal Water, to Loughrigg Tarn or the fell summit.
Routes
Routes around Grasmere and Rydal take you across the lakeshores, through woodland and villages, with optional elevation.
Find one of our accessible Miles Without Stiles routes, join a free guided walk or discover a route to walk, run or cycle.
Accessible Miles without Stiles routes
The Grasmere and Rydal area has 4 easy-access routes suitable for those with limited mobility, wheelchairs, trampers, pushchairs, visual impairments, young children and legs that need care. The routes have no stiles and are graded for some, many or all with descriptions on length, terrain, path type and facilities.
Getting to and around Grasmere and Rydal
Due to their location in the centre of the Lake District, Grasmere and Rydal are well connected by public transport and by foot.
It also means they are a popular spot year round. Take in the incredible scenery on the bus or check out our cycling, walking and Miles Without Stiles routes above to make travel an exciting part of your day.
Bus service
Bus service 599 runs between Bowness, Windermere, Rydal and Grasmere. In summer it runs up to every 20 minutes with an open top service. Service 555 runs from Lancaster and Kendal to Keswick via Grasmere and Rydal. Visit Stagecoach or Traveline to plan your journey.
