We spent a week in the little village of Chapel Stile while rewalking Walks Grasmere – the book centred on the northern end of Windermere, Rydal Water (the home of William Wordsworth) and Grasmere, and spreading west to Great Langdale and east to Kentmere.  This is one of the most popular centres in the Lake District and the walking is superb.  Our personal favourites were the climbs up Fairfield and Helm Crag, from the village of Grasmere, and the loop linking Ambleside and Troutbeck.  Other highlights were the circuit from Tilberthwaite to Little Langdale (don’t miss the Andy Goldsworthy sheepfold artwork near the car park) and the low level circuit from Elterwater (see bottom left).

      Few major changes were needed to the routes – all of which have been established for many years.  The one exception was on Walk 7 (Pike of Blisco), where the bridge over the Oxendale Beck is currently missing.  The structure was washed away when the beck was in spate, and we were amazed to see how far it had been carried by the water.  In case the bridge has not been replaced, walkers should plan for a possible alternative ending to the route.

      This is a beautiful part of the country, and for that reason it can be very busy during peak periods of the year.  If you have the option, it might be best to visit in spring or autumn, when the paths are quieter.

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