Rydal Water — Local services in Lakes

Reflecting winter skies and frozen falls in our homepage image is Rydal Water, one of the smallest but prettiest lakes in England’s Lake District National Park. Rydal Water is one of the two lakes most associated with William Wordsworth, one of England’s greatest poets. (The other is neighbouring Grasmere, to which Rydal is connected by the River Rothay.) Wordsworth lived around these bodies of water, first at Dove Cottage and later at Rydal Mount, between 1799 and 1850, writing some of his best-known works and hosting leading lights of the Romantic movement, including his friend, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. To the western edge of the lake is Wordsworth’s Seat, a rocky outcrop said to be the writer’s favourite spot.

Rydal Water sits in a glacial valley that also contains the town of Ambleside, one of 13 valleys in the Lake District. Partly owned by the National Trust, it sits at the foot of Loughrigg Fell and has been known to freeze over on winter days like this one. You can walk around Rydal Water and take in Wordsworth’s former homes as well as pass by Rydal Cave on the hill above the lake. Grasmere and Rydal Water enjoy a beautiful setting in any season, surrounded by woodland, pasture, and craggy fells, as well as several National Trust-owned properties and beautifully designed landscapes. An inspiring place for aspiring poets, whatever the...

A short walk around Rydal Water near Ambleside in the footsteps of William Wordsworth

Poet and keen walker William Wordsworth described Rydal as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found". In his Guidebook to the Lake District he suggested the best way to appreciate it:

"passing behind Rydal Mount and under Nab Scar…very favourable to views of the lake and the vale…The horse road…under Loughrigg fell, does justice to the beauties of this small mere, of which the traveller who keeps the high road is not at all aware."

This trail around Rydal Water follows Wordsworth's route but has has more to show us than "favourable views". From rocks to reservoirs, burbling becks to bearing the dead, uncover the stories behind the place that he...

Loved our walk here, stunning autumnal colours. We had a lovely walk from white moss car park around to the big cave and back.

We saw a website that said to take or find kindling and roast marshmallows In the cave. The children loved the cave/survival aspect and the sugar hit.

I loved the scenery, the reds, oranges and yellows were very characterful and autumnal. We were also blessed with a rainbow while in the cave looking out.

The low lying land was flooded due to rain and burst river banks. Wellies would be best, waterproof boots second best and wet feet third!

White moss car park is very expensive. I’m sure the owner operator will say it’s to encourage turnover. I say it’s taking advantage and...