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Ambleside to Grasmere - 'The Coffin Route'
Type:Walking Route
Ambleside, Cumbria
About
As the A591 winds its way north from Ambleside to Keswick it passes close to the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere offering glimpses of these two beautiful lakes. For car drivers this can be an exasperating experience as walls and trees obscure some of the views. To get the best of this section of road dump the car and take the bus instead. A number of buses work this route but the long-standing and much loved 555 is the best bet. The extra height and more relaxed speed of the bus (in summer open top double-deckers run) allow more of the scenery to be taken in. The A591 however is not the only route that links Ambleside and Grasmere, at a higher-level running through the meadows of Rydal Park and across the slopes of Nab Scar, is a very much older track. It dates back a very long time and is called locally, the Coffin Road, due to the fact that the only consecrated ground for burial in the area was the grave yard at St Oswalds in Grasmere and it was therefore used to convey coffins on their final journey.Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return journey makes an excellent outing. The Coffin Road rises and falls gently along its course and gets you to a whole variety of viewpoints. The scenery in this corner of the Lake District was a strong inspiration for Wordsworth and along the way the route passes two of his homes, Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage. They are both open to the public and with an early start both can easily be visited on the walk. Also crossed and not to be missed is White Moss Common, it was a favourite spot of Wordsworths sister Dorothy and the views down towards Grasmere village are just stunning. Once in Grasmere it is also worth making a detour around the churchyard of St Oswalds, it's a beautiful and peaceful place and makes a perfect end to the walk. Wordsworth and his family are buried here and an interesting time can be had reading the head stones and viewing the church that in parts date back to Norman times.
Facilities
Routes
- Description of route - Ambleside - Grasmere
- Length of route (miles) - 4
- Typical duration of route - 3 - 4 hours
Related
Tour of Loughrigg Fell, AmblesideThe fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to those new to the Lake District.
Troutbeck and Jenkin Crag, AmblesideTroutbeck and Ambleside are linked by an old bridleway that traverses the southern flanks of Wansfell.
Claife Heights, AmblesideClaife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new to mountain biking.
Scandale and Red Screes, AmblesideSecretly tucked away behind Ambleside is the high valley of Scandale.
Fairfield Horseshoe, AmblesideThe Fairfield Horseshoe is probably the most famous of the classic Lake District rounds - this classic walk takes in all the peaks that surround Rydal.
Wansfell Pike, AmblesideThe triangle of fells sandwiched between Ambleside and Troutbeck terminates at the diminutive summit of Wansfell Pike.
Tour of Langdale, AmblesideLangdale is the closest valley to Ambleside which leads you right into the heart of the Lake District's core mountain range.
Lily Tarn and Todd Crag, AmblesideYou don't have to climb to the top of the highest peaks to experience the magical mixture of mountain and water that makes the Lake District so special.
Loughrigg Fell, AmblesideLoughrigg Fell might not be the biggest peak in the Lake District but standing by the summit trig point you would hardy guess this.
High Sweden Bridge, AmblesideCutting deeply into the hills on the northern side of Ambleside, the wild and lonely valley of Scandale is a real surprise.
Tour of Loughrigg Fell, AmblesideThe fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to those new to the Lake District.
Ambleside - Elterwater, AmblesideThe fells just west of Ambleside are gentler than the higher fells and offer a good introduction to those new to the Lake District.
Jennings Adventure Ale Trail - Rydal, AmblesideDiscover the much loved, inspirational scenery of the central lakes with time to sit back and reflect with a pint of Jennings Real Ale!
Day 1: Ambleside to Elterwater, AmblesideThe great peaks of Wetherlam, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the Langdale Pikes rise up like a fortress wall and fill the skyline with dark craggy crests.
Day 2: Ambleside to Elterwater, AmblesideIt's time to leave the Queens Hotel but day two is really quiet and restful taking in the old lanes and bridleways which weave in and out of all the interesting corners of Rydal, Grasmere, Loughrigg, Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater.
Tour of the Langdales, AmblesideGreat Langdale, and its sister valley Little Langdale,sit side by side amongst the high dramatic peaks of the central fells.
The Mountain Road, AmblesideThis ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
Tarn Hows and Tilberthwaite, AmblesideBetween Ambleside and Coniston is an intricate network of low fells and twisting dales.
Tour of Coniston and Hawkshead, AmblesideMaking frequent stops and taking in all the attractions of an area is all part of the fun of being on a bike.
What's Nearby
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