Autumn is the perfect time to explore the Lake District. It’s not too cold yet, but you can still enjoy warming up with a hearty meal at a pub, log fire roaring, after your walk. Plus, as the leaves turn the landscapes light up in oranges and reds – basically, the vibes are immaculate.
A brand new way to enjoy the lakes this autumn has just opened up: a 21 mile ‘literary’ walking trail which the Independent has called ‘the best way to see the Lake District without a car’.
Wordsworth Way, named after the 19th century poet William Wordsworth who lived in and wrote extensively about the Lakes, opened back in April. It was designed by the Friends of Ullswater Way with the carless in mind, so it is accessible via public transport.
The goal is to ‘honour’ the iconic poet by tracing some of his favourite local walking routes. Jade Cookson, who wrote the guidebook, told the Independent that ‘the spirit of the Wordsworth Way is to slow down, read the landscape, and see it through poetry as well as your own eyes’. Her book also provides samples of poetry and diary entries that allow you to learn about the poet and his sister, Dorothy, as you walk.
The route begins in Glenridding, traversing hills and valleys before the first leg, 8 miles long, ends in Grassmere. It passes several notable landmarks from Wordsworth’s life; the place he said goodbye to his brother for the last time, several of his former homes, even the graveyard he is buried in.
The remaining three legs all go on various loops between Grasmere and Ambleside. As you pass through town, you can take time to stop at Dove Cottage, once Wordsworth’s home and now a museum dedicated to him and his work, or grab some famous Grasmere gingerbread.
Stagecoach operates buses which take you pretty much to Glenridding, the beginning of Wordsworth’s Way. You can find out more information about the walk, including the exact walk and GXP files to download the route directly onto your maps app, on the Friends of Ullswater Way’s website now.
You’ll definitely want to break up this walk with at least one night’s sleep – why not stay at one of our favourite hotels in the entire Lake District? To ensure you stay central, book one in Ambleside or Grasmere.
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