BIG North Christmas: Rydal Water and Grasmere
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This event is part of the OutdoorLads BIG North Christmas 2025 Weekend and is intended for those attending this event.
Join us on a walk around Rydal Water and along part of the shoreline of Grasmere! The walk starts from and returns to YHA Langdale (High Close). It is 6 miles / 10 kilometres in length, with 332 metres of ascent.
Rydal Water and Grasmere are two of the smaller lakes of the English Lake District and attractive features in this area of lowland landscape. The two lakes are joined by the River Rother, which flows into Grasmere from the west and out of Rydal Water to the east, ultimately flowing down to Windermere.
The two lakes both have islands in them, and the one in Grasmere is significant because it was the sale of this island to a private bidder in 1893 that prompted the founding of the National Trust. Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley – a local Anglican priest – felt that such a location should be in public ownership and soon afterwards, with Octavia Hill and Robert Hunter, founded the National Trust. The good news is that in 2017 this island was acquired by the National Trust.
Today’s route is easy-going walking along paths, tracks and a short length of tarmac road. The terrain is a mix of a variety of open grassland and woodlands. There are great views all around, featuring the Langdales Pikes, Helm Crag (405 metres) and Heron Pike (605 metres).
Another interesting feature we’ll see is the impressive Rydal Cave, which is actually a large cavern created by slate quarrying. It has a shallow pool of water at its entrance. About half way around the walk we’ll pass Rydal Mount, which was William Wordsworth’s family home for the greater part of his life, from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80.
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Geograph All photos © Copyright Oscar Taylor and reused under this Creative Commons Licence.
What to bring
Boots: your most important piece of kit: comfortable, waterproof, breathable and designed for hiking. Trainers may be OK, depending on how rough the ground is and if its dry. Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters. Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and to body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Trousers: avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. On warm days shorts may be OK.
Waterproof jacket: carry one in your rucksack when walking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: useful for staying warm in winter and shaded in summer. Gloves: essential in winter and ideally waterproof.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, this should be comfortable to wear and allow you to move your arms freely.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter. Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days.
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated. Snacks: a range of biscuits, energy bars, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit (for example) are always good to have. Put them in your rucksack where they are easy to find.
Water and other fluid: bring between one and two litres, depending on season of the year and temperature. A combination of water, fruit juice, energy drinks and a hot drink is a good idea.
Medicines: essential if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments, etc. A personal first aid kit with bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen (for your own use only) is a good idea.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe.
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink. Depending on the weather, having something hot to drink is recommended.