Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Stock Lane car park in Grasmere. It crosses the main road and passes Dove Cottage, Wordsworth's home from 1799 to 1808, then follows the old Coffin Route along the fellside to Rydal. It crosses the River Rothay by Dipper Bridge, rebuilt after Storm Desmond in 2015, and returns along the south shore of Rydal Water and below Loughrigg Terrace to the shore of Grasmere. A path and Red Bank Road lead back to the village.
It is 9.9 km with 240 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Moderate: on good paths with a few short climbs.
The walk crosses the busy A591 twice. The Coffin Route is rough in places, and the lakeshore paths are busy in summer. The route follows lanes for short stretches, with little traffic.
Stock Lane car park charges a fee. The 555 bus stops in Grasmere. The nearest railway station is Windermere, about 11 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Out by the old Coffin Route past Dove Cottage to Rydal, back by Rydal Water and Grasmere
- Wordsworth lived at Dove Cottage from 1799 to 1808
- Dipper Bridge over the Rothay was rebuilt after Storm Desmond in December 2015
Getting there
Start: Stock Lane car park, Grasmere · Pay and display. 54.45655, -3.02024
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Stock Lane car park: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
