~Rydal Water~
24th September 2010
Booked out of the B&B and time for one more walk, the second of the week from Ambleside....
away above the chimney pots ...
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk
Wansfell
An early morning rainbow was visible from the guest house window. We moved the car to the road behind the park and set off to Rydal, along the road. We did a Grasmere and Rydal round in early August, so I wanted to make this walk as different as possible. So, this first section was in the opposite direction to last time.
Low Pike
River Rothay
Swelled by a deluge the day before, the stepping stones were underwater.
Rydal Hall Tearoom
We had a snack here within the grounds of Rydal Hall, not to be confused with Rydal Mount.
Rydal Water and Nab Scar
We took the higher path, which leads to Rydal Cave.
Rydal Water
Rydal Cave
Walkers are politely requested not to enter the cave due to recent rockfalls and the danger they present. It's flooded, the water level's much higher than last time I saw this scene - that must be at least 10 years ago.
Helm Crag
The Walkers
We walked down to the river through White Moss woods. The walkers are happy that the rain of yesterday has gone off elsewhere, leaving swollen rivers and a few puddles. The path crosses the road and leads us up to the path above Rydal Water and under Nab Scar.
Bendy Tree
This resourceful tree has found a way to the light. There's a smaller version of this behaviour in the garden of the Coledale Inn, Braithwaite.
Rydal Water and a bit of Loughrigg Fell
Rydal Water
The Grot
The Grot, in Rydal Hall's grounds allows visitors to watch the waterfall, only you can't get to it because the "Quiet Garden" is closed due to "dangerous trees" and you need access through there to get to the river.
Rydal Park
Consistent with my plan, we are walking the other way round and here I'm looking back to take the photo. We crossed the main road and walked into Ambleside.
The Glass House, Ambleside
A special mention here for The Glass House, Ambleside. Once harangued by Gordon Ramsay, this restaurant was our choice on Thursday evening and we thought everything about the place was spot on. The welcome, the service, the menu, the food and the atmosphere - all excellent. I suggest you give it a try if you get the chance.
Miller Bridge
Back to the car, having walked through the park.
Walkers: Karen and Me
Time taken: 3hrs 50 mins over a distance of approx. 6.5miles.
Route: Up the back road, up to Rydal Hall tearoom and then back over Pelter Bridge and around Rydal Water in a clockwise direction, arriving back in Ambleside through Rydal Park and along the main road.
Weather and conditions: Decreasing wind and increasing sunshine throughout the walk.
Greetings Count: Loads of folk, many of whom we saw twice as they were doing the same walk the other way round.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Tea and cake at The Old School Room, Tea Shop, Rydal Hall. Great facility for the walker, reasonable prices and good service.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©
Take me back to the start ....