Whilst in the Lake District last month – time flies – we did a couple of lakeside walks. One, around the pretty picture postcard village of Grasmere is about 3 miles long which is long enough for me, especially as on this day, rain threatened. The lake is one of the smallest and a full circuit should not take long unless, like me, you stop to take dozens of photographs. The start and end of the walk is on the road, but it is fairly level once you reach the lake shore and there is a lovely lakeside beach at the southern end.
After wandering around the lovely village for half an hour or so, we headed off along Red Bank at the west of the village (near the church) and up hill where stunning homes nestle amongst the woodland filled with vibrant pinks and mauves of rhododendrons. 
Where fayries wander
and bright yellow Welsh poppies huddle alongside the hedgerows. In fact I am reminded of Wales here. Though it feels lighter somehow.
One, the wooden Garden House, appealed to me, but I dare say the price is high as well as the terraced garden, but oh, what a view.
The road continued meandering around bends, with no sight of a lake.
Then, a glimpse, through the trees and not long after we found the rough track leading down to the shoreline.
The views once we reached the shore were amazing. Lush green fells rearing up all the way around the lake, the village now shrouded in cloud and to the south, just a glimpse of the beach we were heading to.
And neat wooden boardwalks to help us safely over the streams that feed into the lake.
The path follows the shoreline until you reach the southern end, where you head up slightly into woodland, before coming out onto the beach. This must be a lovely place for a picnic in the summer months. It was, however, a little drizzly today.
But with beautiful reflections in the mirror-like surface
We found more people at this end of the lake (and discovered later that there is a car-park not too far away), some sitting admiring the view, others walking their dogs, and other fit people climbing up the fell behind us.
Now we had to decide which way to go. There was no obvious sign, so we headed over the wooden bridge and into the woodland. Only to get lost. Later we realised that we should have simply followed the path alongside the river as that led to the road and car-park. It was awfully wet though.
Into the wood
Finally, after doubling back on ourselves a couple of times, we found a way out of the wood and onto the very busy A591 road which leads to Windermere. Fortunately we only had a few metres to walk before hitting the pavement which took us back into Grasmere. Can you spot that lovely house overlooking the lake?
A last view of the lake at the northern end.
If you enjoy a walk, short or long, then you may enjoy visiting Jo’s Monday Walk where you are in for a treat.
TRAVEL WORDS 
Thank you. A piece of peace I need before I begin a last week of twin-wrangling. The colours are calming, the water is calming, the reflections are calming, and your narrative is leisurely. My favourite is that last photo – beautifully composed, in all senses of the word.
Good luck with the twin-wrangling! You know you love it! I really don’t know where you get your energy from. 😀
Do you and I spend all day in the blogosphere? The answer is probably no, since we also ramble in beautiful places. As for energy, an obscene amount of sleep!
Some great shots of an enchanting place Jude. I think I could happily live in one of those lakeview houses. I would even put up with all the rain! (OK, I might moan a bit…)
Regards as always, Pete. x
You? Moan? Never…
How’s Beetley today? Hot, cloudy and still humid here.
Hot and sunny so far. Yesterday was grey and stifling.
At least it isn’t raining! (yet…) x
So lush and green. Beautiful!
That would be down to all the rain they have there Colline 🙂
You were lucky then to take your walk on a rain-free day 🙂
Well, it did rain back in the village and we caught a little drizzle, but nothing much fortunately. When we got back to the village the streets were very wet so it must have been quite heavy. We were very lucky with the weather whilst we were in the Lakes.
Marvelous pictures, and yes, I agree it must be the land of the fairies. I like the crispness of the pictures. The first photo of the house and the weathered wooden house in the middle of the field would make wonderful book covers.
I enjoyed this walk with you. It must have been quiet since there was threat of rain. The birds must have run for cover. 🙂
Hi Tess, nice to have you along. I was blown away by all the rhododendrons along the road to the lake, I hadn’t expected them. We caught the tail-end of a heavy shower over Grasmere village, but it soon blew over. It was very quiet – we passed more people heading in the opposite direction so when we reached the lake there was no-one else until the beach area.
Hmm. The air is fragrant after a rain. 🙂
What a beautiful walk even in the drizzle. I adore the photo of the house with the ivy growing on it. looks right out of a fairy tale.
Not ivy Sue, wisteria,it must look amazing when in flower (I had to look to see which house you meant) and yes it is very pretty, Victorian I imagine with those lovely lace barge-boards. Apart from the Garden House I rather like the big one with the verandah overlooking the lake, but that will be very expensive!
Oh dear I afraid my lack of green thumbs is showing badly in my comment. Beautiful non the less. Yes I imagine the larger home to cost a pretty penny.
Well, I don’t think it really matters – covered in green stuff anyway, and probably lots of spiders hiding in there!
once again, a beautiful walk! Thank you for taking us there!
No worries Aletta, lovely to have you along 🙂
A really lovely place to go walking, Jude. Everywhere is so green and fresh-looking. Love the yellow poppies. 🙂
Who’d a thought it – Welsh poppies in Cumbria? As I have said to others, we were very lucky with the weather. On a holiday with my parents back in the dark ages it rained for an entire week and my mother was desperate to return home!
The village is almost too pretty for me, but the lake, the lake is simply stunning!
I hadn’t realised that the village is not actually on the lake, it is quite a walk to reach the shore. The lake is much quieter though I suspect that beach is busy on a warm summer’s day.
I’ve been there, love the Lake District!
Yay!!! A total contrast to where you live Rider!
Indeed! That is why it is so lovely!
Made it at last, Jude! Sorry- ultra busy day 🙂
You’re right. I’ve done this one. A long while ago though- before those nice helpful boardwalks. Grasmere is a bit too twee and very touristy for me, and that road in Summer! Don’t try it 😦 But the lake and setting is beautiful. I love your last shot.
Many thanks for your lovely walks (and the helpful suggestions). Sorry about the SS link. Funnily enough, I thought I had a memory of directing you to it once before, even as I was posting the link.
Hi Jo. I thought you may have been this way before. I can see why people return to the Lakes, there is some seriously gorgeous scenery!