White Moss, Rydal Water & Caves to Grasmere

Path Along Rydal Water Shore

There have been extensive efforts in recent years to make more of the Lake District accessible to wheelchair users, and as a result a number of level paths have been created without stiles and steps. These routes are also appealing to pushchair users and much of this route around Rydal Water and Grasmere is accessible to standard pushchairs in addition to the more robust all terrain pushchairs.

This route starts at White Moss Common, travelling through the woodland before reaching Rydal Water. It then follows the shore line before heading up to Rydal Caves, and then continues to Grasmere, finally following the river Rothay back to the car park. Whilst most of the route is accessible for all terrain pushchairs, there is one section that is tricky due to the rocky terrain and two people would be needed to carry the pushchair over some of the rocks. However, this section can be avoided if required.

The Start of the Walk

The Car Park

The route starts at the southern White Moss car park, one of two car parks located just off the A591 between Grasmere village and Ambleside. If you are coming from the direction of Grasmere the car park will be on your right, after you have passed the north White Moss car park (on your left), and is easy to miss as it is not signposted from this direction.

If you are coming from Ambleside the car park is on your left and is clearly signposted. At the opposite end of the car park to the entrance, there are two paths that exit the car park. The path on the right leads up to the toilet block and there is a path leading from there that re-joins the main path. The path on the left is the start of the main path.

Following the River Rothay

Path and River

The path leads away from the car park and follows the River Rothay through woodland. There are a number of picnic benches along here and plenty of paddling opportunities.

At the Bridge – Alternative Shorter Route

Wheelchair Accessible Bridge

You will come to a bridge that has been designed to allow wheelchairs to cross and therefore is also accessible to pushchairs. If you would like a shorter walk (approximately one mile in total) you can walk past the bridge, going through the gate and following the level path to the shores of Grasmere. However, to continue on this route, cross over the bridge and then take the path leading straight on, clearly signposted for “Woodland Walk To Viewpoints On Loughrigg Terrace.”

Through the Woodland

Gate out of Woodland

Follow the path through the woodland. At the fork in the path, take the left fork. You will arrive at a gate in a stone wall. Go through the gate out of the woodland and turn left.

The Path To Rydal Water

Path along Rydal Water Shore

The path leads along the field wall down to Rydal Water. Along the way there are some small, shallow streams to cross. There are stepping stones available but these are unnecessary if you are wearing a good pair of walking boots. The path eventually comes to the lake shore and continues alongside it. Here there are plenty of opportunities for skimming stones or stopping for a picnic.

Away From Rydal Water (Route Not Suitable For All)

Junction in the Path

The path leaves the lake shore and starts to ascend before reaching a junction with a gate on the left and a path leading up to the right. After this point the path is unsuitable for standard pushchairs and those with all terrain pushchairs will need two adults to carry it over some of the rockier sections of the path. You can turn back at this point and retrace your steps if required. To continue on the route, take the path leading up to the right, signposted for Rydal Caves.

The Path up to the Caves

Loose Scree and Boulders on Path

The path rises steeply and there are sections with loose scree and boulders that make it tricky for all terrain pushchairs and some lifting may be required. You will pass a tree trunk that is being used as a wishing tree and you can leave a coin here for luck. The path levels out and you will pass some small caves on the left hand side. Young children may enjoy shouting from the path to try and create an echo in these caves.

Rydal Cave

Looking into the Cave

The path begins to rise up again, and a mound covered in loose rock is visible on your right. At the top of this section you will come to a crossroads. Go straight over to reach the cave, a vast, eerie space that is lined with a pool in which small fish can be seen. Be aware that rocks have fallen from the cave ceiling in the past and that it is not advised to go in, despite the presence of stepping stones.

Leaving the Cave

Path Overlooking Rydal Water

Turn back out of the cave and at the crossroads take the left turning. After a short section of level path, it becomes steep and rocky again, and once more you may need to carry an all terrain pushchair over some parts. At the fork in the path take the right hand fork.

The Path to Grasmere – Alternative Route

Gate at the End of the Path

At the end of this path you will come to a junction. There is a gate opposite that you can go through to take a short, direct walk back to the car park. However, to continue on to Grasmere, turn left.

Junction for Loughrigg Fell

Junction in Path

Just beyond the gate, you will come to a fork in the path. Turning left will take you up to Loughrigg Fell summit if you are looking for something slightly more challenging but young children may struggle with the climb. To go to Grasmere, take the right hand fork.

Descending to Grasmere

The Path Down to Grasmere

Grasmere comes into view. You will see a bridge over the river and just above this your path forks again. Both paths lead down to the lake shore but the left fork is more manageable for all terrain pushchairs. The shore provides ample picnic spots and opportunities for skimming stones and paddling.

Returning to the Car Park

The Bridge over the River Rothay

After exploring the lake, double back towards the path that you arrived on, but this time, stay on the main path along the river and head towards the bridge over the river, just beyond the weir. Cross the bridge and at the other side turn right to head back to the car park. This route involves 5 stone steps. To avoid these steps, turn left for a slightly longer route that winds through the woods before re-joining the main path.

The Final Stretch

The Woodland Path and Gate

Follow the track through the woods and you will arrive at a gate that takes you into a small field. Keep following the path and you will arrive at a second gate. Go through the gate and you will be back at the wheelchair accessible bridge that you encountered near the start of the walk. Continue straight past the bridge and you will shortly arrive at the car park.