Ambleside to Grasmere
This walk starts in Ambleside, before passing through the grounds of Rydal Hall. It then crosses over to Rydal Water, before following the shores past the lake of Grasmere and into the village of Grasmere. There are a wide variety of cafes and pubs in the village, and the 555 or 599 will return back to the starting place.
Click the image to open the Outdoor Active Route Card
Key Details:
Distance: 5.4 miles / 8.7km
Elevation gain: 180ft / 55m
Terrain: Maintained footpaths and country lanes.
Start: Ambleside bus station.
Finish: Grasmere bus stop (opposite Heaton Cooper Studio)
Public Transport:
service: 555 connects Kendal with Keswick, serving all villages along the route. The 599 is an additional service that runs along this route between Windermere and Grasmere.
Route notes:
1. Start: From the bus stop interchange at Ambleside, walk up to the main road and turn left. Follow the A591, on the pedestrian walkway, out of Ambleside.
2. 0.8 miles: Cross the main road, and cross into Rydal Hall estate through the iron gate. Follow the gravel track until approaching Rydal Hall.
3. 1.7 miles: Stay on the gravel track, passing over a bridge and continuing below the Hall until reaching the road. Turn left and lead down towards the A591.
The stream at Rydal Beck
4. 1.9 miles: At the A591 turn right, and after approximately 100m leave the road and cross the River Rothay to come to the bottom of Rydal Water.
5. 2.0 miles: Turn right, and follow the shores of Rydal Water.
6. 2.6 miles: The path will bend away from Rydal Water, following the contours around the bottom of Loughrigg Terrace Stay on this path as heads around the shores of Grasmere.
7. 4.1 miles: The path will now bend back in itself as it rises up to Redbank Road. At the road turn right, and stay on this road all the way into Grasmere.
8. 5.3 miles: The road will lead into Grasmere with the garden centre on the right. After a potter around Grasmere, the bus stops by the Heaton Cooper Studio, for both connections to Keswick and Ambleside/Kendal.