A Series of Short Walks ll

Ah yes, an old favourite, a circular walk with variations.

       This one was on a sunny day, now there's a funny thing. A different companion, my regular walking friend and his excitable Labrador. We were able to park on the Under Loughrigg road, just north of Rothay Bridge, after Gilbert Scar, it's free parking, so get here early. We headed off at a gentle, just getting started, early morning pace, up to that famous bridge, known as; Pelter. Up the steep hill upon which Rydal, stands and past Rydal Mount, to the start of the Coffin Trail.
      Whenever I do this walk, I would usually come by way of Rydal Park, much easier, a track through open fields, the grounds of Rydal Hall and suddenly you find yourself almost at Rydal Mount, without noticing the hill.
      Now along the Coffin Trail, it's a wonderful name. I would doubt that there's ever been a coffin down it, at any point in history, more likely a quarry track. Still it's good walking over much trodden ground. There is of course "The Money Tree" a good view of  "The Nab" and Rydal Water, the back of White Moss Common and down into Grasmere, past Dove Cottage.

      It's a short walk into Grasmere and we always like to stop and find somewhere for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake and just about everywhere is Dog Friendly, if you ask nicely. Of course you can always sit upon the green, eat your sandwiches and drink from a flask, though I always like to frequent the cafes and enjoy the traveller's fayre.

      I've always liked Grasmere and often think it would be nice to live here, there is a good selection of properties, though at the higher end of the market.

      We now make the trek from Grasmere up to Red Bank, there are various off shoots along the way, though I always prefer the route up by Nicholas Wood. Really an easy way of bypassing a very steep hill. At the top we cut through to Loughrigg Terrace and it's a good route to follow back to Rydal and Ambleside. Although I always prefer the climb to Loughrigg Fell, just to catch the view of everything that means so much to me. Of course you've still got the march, down to Brow Head Farm, to recover the car. All in all a good ten miles.