The Vale of Rydal Cycle Route

There is a handy layby just out side of Clappersgate on the A593 Coniston Road

This quiet road takes in some lovely scenery with very few cars.

This off road section provides lovely views over Rydal Water

Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes at 3/4 mile long, 1/4 mile wide with a maximum depth of 55 feet. Steps lead up from the western end of the lake to 'Wordsworth's Seat' - reputedly the poet's favourite viewpoint.

Grassmere is accessed from the quiet south road.

Grasmere is one of Cumbria's most popular villages.Mainly down to the close links with William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

Grasmere caters for the tourist industry, with plenty of gift shops, and places to eat and stay.

Most of the buildings date from the 19th or early 20th Century, though the farms around Grasmere are much older. The Church dates from the 13th Century.

Grasmere at 1 mile long, half a mile wide and 75 feet deep, it is a most attractive and popular tourist area even without its Wordsworth connections. 'The most loveliest spot than man hath found' was Wordsworth's famous quote,

The small island in the middle of the lake was his favourite destination while he was staying at nearby Dove Cottage. The island is now privately owned, and visitors should not land there tempting though it is.

Langdale in Cumbria 's central Lakes is a superb corner of a hidden Britain , a favourite of many and home to some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery in the whole of Cumbria . Famous as the home of the Langdale Pikes, Little Langdale, Great Langdale, Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle, Langdale hosts some of the most photogenic scenery in the whole of the Lake District ,especialy along the stunning river Rothay, passing t hrough Skelwith B ridge and the Skelwith falls

Elterwater is popular with tourists, especially in the summer months, who come to see the picturesque village square, dominated by the 17th Century Britannia Inn and the Post Office and Shop.

As the route returns to the starting point the view back towards the Langdales is breathtaking.