A walk in the footsteps of Cumbria's great bard William Wordsworth

The Friends Of the Ullswater Way have collaborated with Wordsworth Grasmere, The Lake District National Park, University of Cumbria, Rydal Mount and Inspired by Lakeland, to create a new 14 mile signed footpath; illuminating the life of our celebrated romantic poet, his family circle and friends; in the lands where they famously lived, strode and strived.

Starting out from the shore of Lake Ullswater at Glenridding, the Wordsworth Way climbs the peaceful Grisedale valley, to reach the Parting Stone at the outflow of Grisedale Tarn. Then descending  toward Grasmere, Allan Bank, St Oswald’s Church and Cemetery and the famous Dove Cottage - from where some of his finest poetry was crafted and finely honed. From Dove Cottage, the Way follows that of the Coffin Route to Rydal Mount - residence of their later years. Finally over the Pelter Bridge, along Under Loughrigg to Ambleside, ending at the Cumbria Universities Campus. Or starting here, as the walk may be undertaken in the opposite direction.

An attendant guide book is nearing publication. The guide, composed by Jade Louise Cookson and map by artist Mark Richards, highlights many of the locations that were important and inspirational to the Wordsworth Circle. Within its pages are extracts from many of his well known poems, identifying situations upon the walk, which incited mind and pen to their creation. The prose of sister Dorothy and writings from Samuel Taylor Coleridge are also to be savoured.

The guide is illustrated throughout with carefully chosen period paintings, which convey the reader back through the passage of time, to view each panorama as the Wordsworths beheld them.

Whilst it is possible to undertake the entire walk within a day, this will not allow sufficient time to fully absorb the landscape, or to appreciate how it altered the course of English Literature. Thus the Way has been thoughtfully devised to be enjoyed in five distinct segments. Each segment themed to emphasise key moments and influences within and upon Wordsworthian plain living and high thinking. 

Our grateful thanks to all partners and to S-Cape for their support for signage.

The Wordsworth Way is due to be officially opened in April, the month of William Wordsworth's 255th birthday.