Traveller's Guide to the South and Central Lakes

golakestravel.co.uk 25 lifestyle, adding another storey to accommodate his study. Some of his personal effects are on view, including letters relating to his appointment as Poet Laureate. Outside, the four-acre fellside garden, landscaped by Wordsworth, was designed to blend in with the surrounding environment and remains virtually unchanged today. Grasmere is not just the home of Wordsworth, it is also the home of Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread. Discover the tiny Grasmere Gingerbread Shop tucked away near St. Oswald’s Church. This wonderful Lakeland delicacy is freshly baked on the premises, using the traditional recipe which is kept locked away in the NatWest bank in Ambleside. Make sure you grab some to keep you fuelled on your travels. Grasmere Culture Trail Discover Grasmere on foot with the new village map and culture trail. Pick up leaflets in village businesses and enjoy Grasmere at your own pace. Day Out 2 Grasmere Adventure Playground The varied landscape around Grasmere is accommodating to outdoor enthusiasts and intrepid explorers of all levels, be it a relaxing stroll around the shores of Grasmere or a hike to Easedale Tarn. Due to its central location, Grasmere gives you access to a whole host of popular walks, including some of the most stunning mountain routes in the UK. Since it’s so close to the village, it’s worth taking a stroll down to the lake. You can while away the hours on the shore taking in the stunning scenery with a picnic, or in the lake shore tea shop. You can even get out on the tranquillity of the lake by hiring a rowing boat. Travel a little further afield on the 599 open top bus (during good weather) or the regular 555 service. This is a great way to take in the scenery and can be really handy for walking routes. The service runs regularly from Windermere and Ambleside and the Central Lakes Dayrider ticket is not only good value, but allows you unlimited travel around the Central Lakes area. Follow the Coffin Trail (route opposite) from Grasmere to Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s ‘best loved family home’ for 37 years, until his death in 1850. He moved here in 1813 with his wife, three children (two had died the previous year), sister Dorothy and sister-in-law Sara Hutchinson. He adapted the home to suit his Bike Hire Bike hire: Thorney How Independent Hostel offers full & half day bike hire. Contact: 015394 35597 Routes: Access some lovely, fairly easy circular cycle routes, taking in beautiful scenery around Rydal Water and Grasmere. Bus & bike: The 599 service carries bikes. www.stagecoachbus.com Grasmere Grasmere