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
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Mostly on runnable ground, but most runners still walk the steepest climbs.
A 14 km low loop linking Grasmere, the cavernous Rydal Cave and Ambleside, returning on the old Coffin Route. Only 192 m of climbing through classic Wordsworth country.
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.
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 192 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.
Leave No Trace
- Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories.
- Please respect the countryside and all its inhabitants.
- Dogs on leads near livestock, and around ground-nesting birds from March to July.
- Gates as you find them — open or closed, leave it that way for the farmer and the next runner.
- Take it all home — wrappers, peel, tissue, the lot. It doesn't count as biodegradable if you can still see it.
- Stick to the path where the ground either side is wet, planted, or nesting habitat.
Common questions
Run by us· last checked July 2026
Jason Millward has run this route and written it up from the ground. How we check routes
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