Starting Point: Grasmere Village Green
Meeting Time: 09:45
Start Time:10:00
Finish Time: 15:30 approx
Parking/Transport: Lay By on A591 or pay and display, bus service 599 and 555
Grading: Easy/Leisurely, a few mostly short inclines, much level walking
Miles: 8 approx (not measured)
Ascent: About 300m (not measured)
Terrain: Mostly a mix of quiet roads, and good surfaced paths, some minor rocky less defined paths in places
Route Description:
A low level walk alongside Grasmere, Rydal Water and Elterwater. This walk packs variety combining lakeside and riverside walking, a visit to some caves, waterfalls, woodland, a lovely tarn and a cafe! Ideal for beginners, those who want a taste of Lakeland in miniature.
Leaving Grasmere, we take the road towards Red Bank. After a short while we follow the low level path alongside Grasmere Lake, and cross over the River Rothay at White Moss. We then take the ‘Coffin Route’ towards Rydal, where we cross back over the River Rothay and double back along the high level path overlooking south side of Rydal Water, stopping at Rydal Caves along the way. Having traversed Loughrigg Terrace we follow the Red Bank Road south dropping down to Loughrigg Tarn and eventually reach Skelwith Bridge. Here we will stop at Chesters Cafe for a hot drink. From here we take the low level path to Elterwater Village bypassing Skelwith Force, and Elterwater itself. From Elterwater Village we climb northwards either by Huntingstile Crag or via the road round to High Close Youth Hostel dropping back down to Grasmere Lake. The last leg takes us back on the Red Bank Road we started on, followed by optional drink in one of the pubs.
Food and Drink: We will stop at Chesters Cafe, roughly by about 1pm, for a hot drink. We will stop for lunch beforehand probably Loughrigg Tarn, but feel free to have something to eat at the cafe if you wish.
Health and Safety: Please dress to the weather conditions. Whilst this is a low level walk, sturdy footwear is essential, and waterproofs and warm clothing are advisable. The walk leader has the right to cancel or vary the walk should cirumstances dictate.
If you would like to join this walk, please contact Damian on 07796 654 031 by no later than 10pm Saturday 7 March.