Miles Without Stiles
Grid reference: 337076
Distance of route: 3.2 km (2 miles)
Surface: Tarmac
Gradient: Level, gradients up to 1 in 12
Parking: Broadgate Meadow
Toilets: Moss Parrock, opposite Heaton Cooper Gallery (RADAR)
Special features: Views of surrounding fells, historic village
This route follows tarmaced surfaces and a specially constructed tarmac path with tapping rail for the visually impaired through the heart of one of the Lake District’s most popular and historic villages. Broadgate Car Park has two disabled spaces on the far side opposite the entrance and parking is free to orange badge holders.
The route starts by crossing the footbridge leading from the car park and follows the riverside path. The views of the fells are spectacular. Looking north towards the glaciated mountain pass of Dunmail Raise, you can see Helm Crag with the Lion and Lamb rock shapes on the summit, and on your right the sweeping fells of Seat Sandal. This riverside path was constructed by the National Park Authority to enable wheelchair users and the visually impaired to explore the Grasmere village whilst avoiding the congestion of the village streets during the peak holiday season. The pathway leads into the very heart of the village finishing at the historic St. Oswald’s church.
Turning left you pass Sarah Nelson’s celebrated Gingerbread shop and passing through the lychgate into the churchyard turn immediately left and follow the sign for Wordsworth’s grave. Here lie William and Dorothy Wordsworth plus numerous others members of their family. Leave the churchyard by the gate near the church and crossing the road turn right to enter the grounds of Grasmere Garden Centre. Turn left and follow the Red Bank road past the Gold Rill Hotel until you come to a small cafe situated on the shore of Grasmere Lake. This provides an opportunity for a snack or even the hire of a rowing boat and good views over the lake towards Loughrigg. (Please note access to the cafe is down two small steps).
Return to Grasmere village by the same road and on reaching the Information Centre turn left passing Tweedie's Bar. Follow this short road into the centre of the village and continue past the Heaten Cooper Gallery opposite which is a disabled persons toilet accessible with a RADAR key. Follow the pavement back to Broadgate Car Park entrance and the public park which provides a route back to your car by following the perimeter path around the park.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
