This is an easy walk to navigate. From Rydal to Grasmere the
path follows the well trodden bridle path. At the junction shortly
before Grasmere the walk may be shortened by a descent into Grasmere
otherwise a fairly steep and rocky climb to Alcock Tarn is taken.
The return leg from Grasmere to Rydal follows Loughrigg Terrace via
Rydal Cave. Unfortunately there are no traditional pubs in Grasmere, just smart hotels with prices to match.
The walk was undertaken
in March and May;
photo albums are shown for both walks.
photo albums are shown for both walks.
The
homeward route starts along Langdale Road at the back of the
Lamb Inn. Follow the main road to the right for about 1 mile.
The FP to Loughrigg Terrace in seen on the right. The path is
now easy to follow initially through beech woods with beautiful
views of Grasmere. On meeting the road continue for 50 yd; the
Terrace continues on the left. As Grasmere water is left behind
the path diverges. Take the right-hand spur to visit Rydal Cave.
After the Cave the path snakes downhill and descends to skirt
Rydal Water. (The path has been damaged by water and is a little arduous). Continue on to the car park. The Badger Bar is found
on the main road on the right shortly after the church.(100 min)
A
circular walk from Rydal to Grasmere
via Alcock Tarn
Distance 7.66 miles; time about 4 hr 30 min
< previous
walk
walk
3 next
walk >
){kind=small}
March
181012
The
walk starts from the Pelter Bridge car park. After entering
Rydal from Ambleside take the first left over the hump back bridge
and then turn sharp right for the car park. Walk into Rydal. The
NT Dora's Field to the left of the church is worth visiting in
March to see the daffodils or in April/May to see the bluebells.
Walk up by the side of the church to Rydal Mount (the former home
of William Wordsworth); the bridal path to Grasmere starts on the
left just after the house. This is an easy path to follow. Shortly
after Nab Cottage the path becomes a roadway and continues to a
metal seat with views over Grasmere. At this point either continue
downhill into Grasmere or turn right for Alcock Tarn. (50 min)
The
path to the Tarn is well signposted. Initially the path goes
steadily uphill through the beech woods of Bracken Fell but after
the small round pond the path narrows and becomes more arduous.
The path now zigzags its way up to Grey Crag and continues to
Alcock Tarn. (60 min) 
From
the Tarn the path down to Grasmere is straightforward but fairly
steep and rocky in places. At the end of the descent after crossing
the beck at the footbridge take the gate on the left. After the
narrow lane turn left at the road and continue to the main road.
Cross the main road and walk into Grasmere. The Lamb Inn, now called the 1769 Bar, is found
in the center of the town on the right. (40 min) 
