9 miles (15km) with 3600ft (1100m ) Total Ascent.
Starting from Rydal we head for Fairfield (873m/2863ft) along the western arm of the classic Fairfield ‘Horseshoe’ walk, initially climbing Nab Scar before traversing the broad ridge from Heron Pike along Rydal Fell and over Great Rigg. Following the steep plunge to Grisedale Hause, an easy scramble leads to the flat-topped summit of Seat Sandal (737m/2417ft), from where we descend by way of its south-west ridge and Little Tongue Gill to Mill Bridge and the road to Grasmere.
8.8 miles (14.2km) with 2450ft (747m) Total Ascent.
A good high level B+ walk today taking in part of the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Starting from Grasmere we head through the village and across the A591 to head up to Stone Arthur and on to Great Rigg (2513ft/766m). From here we descend for a short while before a gentle climb back up to Heron Pike (2008ft/612m). From here it's all down hill all the way to Rydal via the scenic Wainwright viewing point of Nab Scar (1476ft/450m). Once down at Rydal Hall we cross back over the A591 for a nice easy walk along the water side path around Rydal Water under Loughrigg Fell and on past Grasmere 'Lake' all the way back in to Grasmere Village and the coach.
7 miles (11.4km) with 1700ft (518m) Total Ascent.
As we leave Grasmere we pass the 13th century church of St Oswald, named after a 7th century king of Northumberland. We then follow the driveway to Allan Bank, home of William Wordsworth in 1808 for two years. From here we start the ascent to the summit of Silver How. With most of the serious climbing out of the way we drop down over Dow Bank to Loughrigg Terrace. We then walk round Rydal Water passing the man made Rydal Cave where slate was quarried for roof tiles, then passing Dora's Field by St Mary's church Rydal. We go by Rydal Mount, another of Wordsworth's homes from 1830 until his death in 1850. We then follow the coffin route, probably Wordsworth's last journey, then passing the most famous of Wordsworth's home Dove Cottage. He must have been a big fan of Homes Under The Hammer, arriving back at Grasmere.
5 miles (8km) with 394ft (120m) Total Ascent.
We start from the main car park at Ambleside (toilets) and take the lane at the mini roundabout leading to Low Sweden Bridge. Shortly we join the track up to Rydal Hall. Leaving here, we make our way down to the A591 where we cross over by the Badger Hotel. Passing through Steps End Woodland and Jobson Close by the side of Rydal water, we have a short climb on to Loughrigg Terrace and Redbank wood to meet the lane at the Wyke leading to Grasmere. From here you can join me on an extra walk around Grasmere village if you like.