A Selection Of Lovely Lake District Walks
Recreational walking can be traced back to the famous Romantic Poet Wordsworth’s ‘Guide to the Lakes’ and more recent writers such as Alfred Wainwright and Julia Bradbury. With well over 1900 miles of rights of way, you can walk around the Lake District to your heart’s content and discover the fascination of the fells for yourself.
Here are a few of the best walks near The Forest Side in Grasmere…
Helm Crag – Approx 3.5 miles (6km)
Helm Crag, aka ‘Lion and the Lamb’ as it’s more commonly known, is one of the best known Lake District fells. Despite its seemingly daunting appearance this is the perfect introduction to hiking in the Lakes, and with a little effort you reap the benefit of some awesome views. This walk is a very doable half-day walk, but in our view it’s worth making a day of it and heading out with a picnic and when you reach the summit just sitting atop the fell and taking in the views.
Loughrigg – Approx 5 miles (8km)
Loughrigg is a must for anyone visiting this part of the Lakes for their first visit. Despite having a slightly dumpy stature, this fell makes for an interesting walk with fantastic panoramic 360-degree views from the summit offer a feast for the eyes. Not to be missed is the permissive footpath to Rydal Cave – a former slate quarry which has a set of stepping stones leading into its interior – don’t forget the camera for this one!
Brackenfell & Alcock Tarn – Approx 3 miles (5km)
This is a wonderful circular walk, starting and finishing at The Forest Side. The well-marked footpath gently climbs uphill through the woods of Brackenfell before meandering up the side of Grey Crag to Alcock Tarn. You get stunning views of the Grasmere valley a 1000ft below, as well as across to Helm Crag, if the weather holds, you can also bag a few lakes along the way too, with glimpses of Windermere, Coniston, Rydal and Grasmere.
Silver How – Approx 2.8 miles (4.5km)
Silver How is part of the Blea Rigg ridge – the spiny bumpy backbone that separates Grasmere from Langdale. Again a relatively easy walk, perfect for all the family with well-defined footpaths and one that is big on natural beauty, with some interesting stop-offs along the way, including one of Wordsworth’s former homes Allan Bank, you can even take a little jaunt along the way to take in the falls at Wray Gill and their stand of Juniper trees – handy if you like a drop of Gin! Once you crest the summit Grasmere unfolds beneath you – you might even get a glimpse into Langdale too if you know where to look…
Easedale Tarn – Approx 5 miles (8km)
The walk from Grasmere to Easedale Tarn is fabulous adventure to be enjoyed by all. The gentle climb through rolling meadows takes you gently upwards alongside Sour Milk Gyhll, giving you a chance to take in the foaming cascades of this dramatic waterfall as you meander up to the Tarn.
The Tarn itself is in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable, a place that feels remote and where you can savour peace and tranquillity surrounded by lofty fells. If you’re looking for a longer, more strenuous outing, you can easily access the higher fells from Easedale, including Sergeant Man with its breath-taking views of the Langdales.
Grasmere Lakeshore – Approx 4 miles (6.5km)
This picturesque mere was once a particular favourite of Wordsworth, who was inspired by its beauty composing many a poem, whilst walking along its shore.
The walk, itself is an easy going wander along the lakeshore taking in spectacular views across. Along the way you will pass Penny Rock Beach – a great place to hone your stone skimming skills before you make your wat back to Grasmere village through Deer Bolt Woods.
Grasmere & Rydal Water – Approx 5.3 miles (8.5km)
Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, but it makes up for this in spades with the sheer beauty of its setting glistening away at the foot of Loughrigg. There’s plenty to see in Rydal too including Dora’s Field, the beautiful gardens of Rydal Hall and Rydal Falls, and not forgetting Rydal Mount, Wordsworth’s last home. We think the best way to enjoy this lake is to combine it with a circular walk from Grasmere village taking in Grasmere’s lakeshore along the way and some of the attractions of Rydal village along the way.
We have maps and routes for walks that are easy strolls to climbs that will challenge you! Just ask our reception team.