Our walks this month are from Grasmere, according to Wordsworth, "the lovliest spot man hath every found". Both walks are circular and led by Kathy and Sheila.

A walk (8 miles)

The A walk is 8 miles long with a total ascent of 1880 feet up to Alcock Tarn which is very pretty. The walk takes us round Rydal Water and Grasmere with spectacular views in every direction on a clear day. The walk has a challenging ascent at the start but once that is conquered there are only gentle inclines and lots of descending
paths. We pass Rydal Caves, Daffodil Cottage and Rydal Hall. An optional ice-cream stop is included. The path is rocky and can be hard going so sticks might help with that!

B walk (6.2 miles)

The B walk is a familiar walk, chosen exactly for that purpose as leaders were in short supply and I came in at the last minute It is 6.2 miles with a total elevation of approximately 500 ft. We leave Stock Lane car park past the Wordsworth Centre climbing to the Coffin Route, so called because the hill villages had to carry coffins down for burial in the only consecrated ground in the area at St. Oswalds Church in Grasmere. We follow that route along to Rydal Hall with it's very pretty gardens and cafe and then return west, climbing to Rydal Caves and along Loughrigg Terrace. We descend to the Lake shore, then return to the road back to Grasmere.
There are beautiful views throughout the walk over Grasmere and Rydal Water.

Post walk, there are plenty of shops, cafes and pubs and a visit to buy Grasmere Gingerbread is always a welcome opportunity. St. Oswalds Church is also worth a visit to view the Wordsworth graves.

View from Loughrigg Terrace, Grasmere. Lake District National Park. (Photo © Adelheid Smitt)