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The Coffin Route – Grasmere Lake loop from Grasmere

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Hiking trails & Routes

The Coffin Route – Grasmere Lake loop from Grasmere

Moderate

4.8

(233)

1,807

hikers

The Coffin Route – Grasmere Lake loop from Grasmere

03:13

11.8km

170m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.82 km

Lady Wood

Forest

2.42 km

The Coffin Route

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

The Rydal Coffin Route is a historic walking route in the Lake District. The route takes its name from the fact that it was the traditional route used to carry the coffins of the deceased for burial to St Oswald's Church in Grasmere, as there were no burial places at Rydal and Ambleside. It is a popular route, known for its magnificent views over Rydal Water and the surrounding mountains, and also passes famous places such as Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage, former home of the poet William Wordsworth.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.49 km

View of Rydal Water

Highlight • Lake

Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District. It is only 3/4 mile long by 1/4 mile at its widest point, that is a pretty small 1.2 kilometres by 400 metres in metric terms. However, it is a very popular place because of the connection to William Wordsworth. The views out over Rydal are great from any vantage point, but particularly from here, where you can get a close-up view of the island.

Tip by

5.71 km

Rydal Water Beach

Highlight • Beach

Easy trail- just watch out for the walkers!

Tip by

5.96 km

View of Rydal Water from Rydal Cave

Highlight • Cave

This deep calm lake is great for swimming, with two little islands to reach.

Tip by

6.83 km

White Moss Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The bridge at White Moss was installed in July 2014 to replace the previous wooden footbridge and form part of a network of cycle paths and improved access across the Lake District. The bridge was commissioned by the Lake District National Park.

The design of the bridge is inspired by the existing features on site: the three triangular stone pillars that support the bridge and the natural flow of the water. Within the new deck, the three triangular pillars are depicted with Corten steel panels. The movement of the water around the pillars and the swirling eddies that this creates are emphasised in the handrail supports at these locations.

Although the bridge’s handrails are based on traditional estate gates, they are heavier sections and hand-forged and punched holes provide a crafted, tactile finish. The steelwork is galvanised with a patinated finish and an oak deck with Corten steel inlays adds to the harmony of the structure with the rural environment.
(CB Arts)

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.59 km

Beach

7.89 km

Grasmere Lake

Highlight • Lake

Just sit back, relax,have some snacks and enjoy the views

Tip by

8.46 km

View of Grasmere Island

Highlight • Viewpoint

9.97 km

View of Grasmere Lake

Highlight • Lake

Romantic Grasmere is seen beautifully from the village, with the charming Loughrigg Fell rising beyond. It is easy to see why Wordsworth loved it here.

Tip by

11.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.87 km

1.78 km

1.67 km

337 m

121 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.86 km

2.23 km

2.17 km

1.80 km

1.37 km

380 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (60 m)

Weather

Monday 29 June

19°C

12°C

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Comments

January 19, 2023,Grasmere & Rydal Water with Becky and Liz

A beautiful sunny (but chilly) day ☀️ - Becky, Liz and I started in Grasmere and walked along the terrace (Coffin Route) towards Rydal and back along the water on the other side back to Grasmere. A fantastic afternoon of winter fun in the sun.

July 23, 2023,The Coffin route and loop around Rydal waters to Grasmere

The Coffin trail, up to Rydal Hall where there is a coffee shop waterfall and gardens. After leaving Rydal Hall, head towards the Badgers bar cross the road towards the lake. Walk part around the lake the head up towards Rydal waters or Grasmerel cave's. There are lots of options of paths for either a low view of the lake …

June 19, 2022,Rydal & Grasmere Loop

Out from Grasmere and onto Rydal.
Back via the coffin route.
Cheeky coffee in Grasmere to finish.

June 19, 2022,Coffin Trail, Rydal Water, Rydal Cave, Grasmere

Our last tour in the Lake District this year. Well-known routes, first the Coffin Trail to Rydal, past Rydal Mount where Wordsworth lived after Dove Cottage. At the old church on the lake side and up to Rydal Cave. Coffee and cake today at Faeryland Café, right on the lake. Something in front of the place and therefore not so …

Showing Translation

December 31, 2022,The Coffin trail, Rydal hall, rydal caves then back to Grasmere Hike

The Coffin trail, up to Rydal Hall where there is a coffee shop waterfall and gardens. After leaving Rydal Hall head towards the Badgers bar cross the road towards the lake. Walk part around the lake the head up towards Rydal cave's. There are lots of options of paths for either a low view of the lake or much higher. …

April 21, 2024,Ambleside to Grasmere circular via the Coffin route and back via Rydal water

Nice walk with plenty of great views. Cafe at Rydal Hall is nice.

March 1, 2025,Grasmere and Rydal circuit from Grasmere

Although I am trying to slowly conquer the Wainwrights, today called for a low level walk with a friend who doesn't do hills. It was lovely to stroll without strenuousness for once!!! But I will get her up a hill eventually 😁

May 15, 2024,Double Date around Rydal and Grasmere with Anna and Jordan

James and I had an active catch-up/double date with Anna and Jordan this evening after work. We walked around Rydal and Grasmere then went for pizza/burgers at the Tap Yard in Ambleside.

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The Coffin Route – Grasmere Lake loop from Grasmere

The Coffin Route

View of Rydal Water

Rydal Water Beach

View of Rydal Water from Rydal Cave

White Moss Bridge

Grasmere Lake

View of Grasmere Island

View of Grasmere Lake

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