Wandering in Wor
THE Sunday Coach walks programme for Halton Ramblers continued with a trip to Grasmere in Cumbria on July 21.
Grasmere is a charming village and popular tourist destination in the centre of the English Lake District.
It takes its name from the adjacent lake.
It has associations with the Lake Poets, one of whom, William Wordsworth, lived in Grasmere for 14 years and called it ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’.
He is buried in the churchyard of St Oswald’s, Grasmere, alongside his wife, Mary, their family, and his sister Dorothy.
Before 1974, Grasmere lay in the former county of Westmorland.
It is now part of the county of Cumbria. Grasmere is a busy haven for walkers, visitors and tourists from near and far away.
Their appetites are nourished by the many cafes, bars and restau
rants.
However, no visit to Grasmere is complete without a visit to the Grasmere Gingerbread shop.
Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread in 1854 in the village from where it gets its name.
A unique, spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, its reputation quickly spread and it is now enjoyed by food lovers all over the world.
The walkers from three of the four groups left the two coaches and were greeted by the wonderful aroma of freshly baked Grasmere Gingerbread hanging in the air. This would have to wait. The various groups headed of in several directions to take in the breath taking scenery that the Lake District is renowned for.
The C party had left the coaches at White Moss Common for a linear walk.
They followed a path up to the Loughrigg Terrace, affording fine views of Rydal Water followed the lake of Grasmere.
They dropped to Loughrigg Tarn (a small lake) with good views along the Langdale valley.
Onwards to Skelwith Bridge and the spectacular Skelwith Force waterfall.
The route took them into the small village of Elterwater.
They continued to Oak Howe before changing direction and heading over the fells to drop into Grasmere.
The A party were led by John Nickson.
They headed northwards out of the village along quiet lanes to reach Mill Bridge.
They crossed the A591 and started their ascent, following the path up to Grisedale Tarn.
They continued to Deepdale Hause, changed direction to head south, and ascended to the summit of Fairfield.