Grasmere Trail
Linear walking and cycling route, 8.7km distance
You can now cycle or walk on the Grasmere Trail which links Ambleside and Grasmere via the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere. This delightful 8.7 km route follows lakeshore paths and minor roads beside Grasmere and Rydal Water. Either catch the bus back or retrace your route (17.4km distance).
Image © Robin Zahler
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
3 hours
Distance
8.7km / 5.4miles
Route
From Grasmere, follow Red Bank Road for just under a mile (1.3km) up the hill to the bridleway signed to the left, National Cycle Network route 6. Down a steep hill (take care if cycling), then follow the lakeside path to the footbridge at the outlet from Grasmere. Cross the footbridge and follow the track through lovely Penny Rock Wood to the next footbridge, which you cross. Follow the bridleway up through the woodlands and turn left when you reach the open fell. Follow this path with great views over Rydal Water, then down to the lake shore for great picnic spots.
Keep right as you reach the wood at Steps End to join the minor road towards Pelter Bridge. Just before the bridge, turn right and follow the under Loughrigg Road, which although a road, is restricted to residents only. This will take you to Ambleside.
Details
Starting point
Ambleside or Grasmere
Getting there
Frequent buses link Ambleside and Grasmere with Windermere, Bowness and beyond. More details are available on the Traveline website.
