Rydal Caves and Grasmere.

So this outing offers a very nice and relatively easy hike around two ot Lakeland's smaller lakes, Rydal Water and Grasmere. we will begin the day at the car parking area beside Rydal Mount (LA22 9LR) where the trail will lead us beside the River Rothay through beautiful deciduous woodland before emerging on the shore of Rydal Water. There are often deer, woodpeckers and cuckoos in this area (depending on the time of year). 

There will be a steepish climb up the hillside where we will follow a nice, easy track up to the spectacular Rydal Caves. The caves are actually man made and a lot of the stone was used to build houses in Ambleside. There is a nice view from here out over the Lake and over to surrounding hills.

Our next stage will lead us along an easy terrace path before dropping down to the shore of Grasmere, We will then change direction head north where views of Helm crag, Seat Sandal and other impressive summits dominate the skyline. The subsequent section is a very easy lakeside stroll into the village of Grasmere.

While at Grasmere, there will be many opportunities to pick up refreshments and food, and the traditional gingerbread shop is a massive "to do" while visiting. We will have a short time to have a look around and have a relaxing llunch break.

But the trekking isn't over yet. A return to Rydal will lead us past Dove Cottage, a former dwelling of William Wordswoth, and up onto the hillside north of Rydal Water beneath the crags of Nab Scar to take in the famous "Coffin Trail" path where there are a whole variety of different viewpoints to enjoy. This path gets its name from people carrying the dead to be buried at St Oswald's church in Grasmere.

Overall, this walk is suitable for most with a basic level of fitness. There are some pasths with uneven or rocky surfaces and a couple of short but veging on steep climbs. Stepping stones must be utilised to gain access to Rydal Caves, but it is not neccesary to go inside. The total length of the walk is 10km, or 6 miles, with less than 150m ascent, and is expected to take up to five hours at a leisurely pace and with sufficient rest or photography stops. If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss this before making a booking.

Places are available on this walk at £33.00 per person.

Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. This is a fairly easy walk but there are some uphill sections and uneven paths. There will also be elongated rest stops at Rydal Cave and in Grasmere village.

It should be mentioned that weather in the hills of Britain can be unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions.

What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.

I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to share my knowlege of each area we visit and engage all participants in interesting conversation. I always make a point of providing a friendlyand welcoming experience for all my clients

While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual accross a section of unever terrain. My promise is to deliver that level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.

As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting.  I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.

Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.

It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear and arrive to the activity with all other items listed under Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements (please click link to view).

Once a place has been booked on any activity...

I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where neccesary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.