Rydal & Grasmere

Many years ago we discovered this walk that involved the circumnavigation of two lakes. The walk became a firm favourite for us, partly due to the fact that there are so many variations to the walk. Then about twenty years ago the walk suddenly became extremely popular, with people doing the two lakes and some people just doing various sections of the walk. Today we decided to do the walk before the tourists return to the area for the summer and the walk gets too busy. We may have left it just a little too late and probably won't do the walk again now until the start of next year.

We parked at Pelter Bridge near Rydal and walked up to Rydal quarry under Loughrigg. The quarry has been closed since the 1950s and makes for some interesting exploration, with the 'cave' being a popular destination.

Taken from near the quarry, the view across Rydal Water to Rydal Nab.

The view from Loughrigg Terraces, down Grasmere to the village and beyond to Dunmail Raise.

From Loughrigg Terraces we entered Deerbolt Woods.

Walking along the shores of Grasmere, there are plenty of seats to enjoy the views. It was a little cold for sitting around this morning!

From Grasmere (after a coffee stop) we took the old road up past Dove Cottage. The route from here to Rydal is known as 'The Coffin Road', but we have always preferred to call it 'Poets Walk'. The route was much used by Wordsworth, Southey, De Quincy and Coleridge and besides, it's a much nicer name. The heron was perched high above a pond alongside the road, carrying come nesting material for some ongoing repairs no doubt.

It was a little surprising to see this beautiful peacock butterfly. The cold wind made it seem like an unlikely day to be spotting butterflies. The peacock is one that can overwinter, with the young not taking flight until much later in the summer.

The sides of the track had lots of violets.

A look back towards Rydal Water as we entered the village near Dora's Field and Rydal Mount.