Grasmere and Rydal Water

Weather: Bright and sunny but much colder than of late.
Start: Grasmere village NY336076
Terrain: One stretch on the road, then well established paths, just one awkward section over a rocky outcrop.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Recommended map: OS Explorer OL7, The English Lakes South-eastern area

Another classic walk in superb mountain country. Leaving the centre of Grasmere by the road to Elterwater, this first section climbs gently and curves round the western shore of the lake.

Eventually a handful of steps leads down to a path which reaches the lake shore and then continues around the lake with superb viewpoints back to Grasmere and the surrounding fells all the way along.

At the far end of the lake, the higher path away from the river leads uphill briefly, where Rydal Water comes into view.

This path gradually meanders down to the water's edge and follows the lake shore, eventually leading through trees to Rydal village and the main road. From here, the open-topped bus service regularly runs back to Grasmere, though at £2.50 it isn't cheap! An alternative option for the more energetic is to take the path up to Rydal Mount, where a bridleway leads all the way back to Grasmere via Dove Cottage, making a 7 mile round trip.