Grasmere, Rydal Caves and the Coffin Route
You run into the huge man made chamber of Rydal Cave and back along the centuries old Coffin Route, all on gentle paths between two lakes.
Effort: Good distance, solid climb
Underfoot: Some uneven or off-path ground
E3·T2 — how we grade routesYou run into the huge man made chamber of Rydal Cave and back along the centuries old Coffin Route, all on gentle paths between two lakes.
A 14 km low loop linking Grasmere, the cavernous Rydal Cave and Ambleside, returning on the old Coffin Route. Only 45 m of climbing through classic Wordsworth country.
The route
This 14 km circuit threads the valley between Grasmere and Ambleside, taking in the dramatic Rydal Cave and returning on the historic Coffin Route. With only 45 m of ascent it stays low throughout, which makes it a relaxed run packed with interest rather than a test of the legs. The going is mostly good underfoot, with a few stony and rooty stretches near the cave.
From Grasmere you head south past Rydal Water, following the shoreline paths beneath the wooded fellside. A short climb leads to Rydal Cave, a vast slate quarry chamber you can run right into, its still pool and echoing roof a genuine highlight.
Towards Ambleside
Continuing south the route drops towards Ambleside through old woodland and field paths, with Wansfell rising beyond the town. This is the busy heart of the southern valley, with plenty of life and the option to break for a cafe stop before turning for home.
The Coffin Route
The return follows the Coffin Route, the old corpse road once used to carry the dead from Rydal to consecrated ground at Grasmere. It traverses the lower flank of Nab Scar on a steady, runnable line with fine views over Rydal Water and across to Loughrigg Fell. It is steeped in history and stays gentle the whole way back to Grasmere.
Why it works
Few low routes pack in this much variety: two lakes, a cave you can run inside, an old burial path and a Wordsworth village at each end. It is ideal in mixed weather when the high fells are out of condition, and a great family friendly distance run. Parking, cafes and toilets are all in Grasmere at the start. It is also a superb route to share with less experienced runners, combining genuine interest and history with safe, easy navigation from start to finish.
The floor and approach to Rydal Cave are wet, rocky and slippery, and the cave interior is dark underfoot. Lakeside paths flood after heavy rain and tree roots are slick when wet.
