Grasmere

Grasmere is a small lake, about 1.5 kilometres long, lying just south of Grasmere village in the valley of the River Rothay. It has a single wooded island in the middle, and its shores are a mix of woods, meadows and a shingle beach at the southern end. The fells rise all around: Loughrigg to the south, Silver How to the west and Helm Crag and Seat Sandal to the north. The lake is fed by the River Rothay, which flows out at the southern end towards Rydal Water.

It is Wordsworth country. The poet lived at Dove Cottage nearby and walked these shores constantly, and the lake and its island appear in his poems. Today the lake is popular for gentle walks, rowing and swimming.

The best walk is the circuit of Grasmere and neighbouring Rydal Water, a few miles long, which includes Loughrigg Terrace, a broad path along the slope of Loughrigg Fell with one of the finest views in the Lake District over the lake to the village and the fells beyond. Rowing boats can be hired from the village end of the lake. Spring, when the daffodils bloom by the shore, and autumn, when the bracken turns, are the best seasons.

The lakeside paths and Loughrigg Terrace are very busy on summer weekends, and parking at White Moss and in the village fills early. Come early in the morning, when the lake is often perfectly still.