Rosthwaite to Grasmere (Low Route)

*** To help you follow the route with confidence we have provided full written turn by turns to aid you on your walk from Rosthwaite to Grasmere (Alternative Low Route) today. Whilst, the Coast to Coast is waymarked, it can be featureless and off the beaten path at some sections so we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day.  The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***

0.00km – Standing between the two bus stops in Rosthwaite, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON down the public bridleway towards the stone bridge crossing a river. This bridleway is signposted towards Stonethwaite. After 100 metres TURN RIGHT onto the stone path running parallel to the river.

0.65km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON through the gatekeeping the moss-covered wall on your right. After 400 metres CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON through another gate so the river is again on your right.

1.40km – At the wooden signpost CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON towards Grasmere, ignoring the path to your right heading towards Stonethwaite. After 300 metres the path forks again; BEAR RIGHT going downhill on the established stony path, ignoring the yellow arrow.

2.40km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON past the dilapidate stone ruins.

2.90km – As the path forks, BEAR LEFT away from the bridge that crosses a stream. This is the start of the climb up to Lining Crag.

3.30km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON using the stepping stones to cross several streams. Take caution as these rocks may be slippery.

3.90km – There is a waterfall to your right, and impressive views behind you, looking back down through the valley.

4.60km – As the path plateaus in a grassy clearing with a big boulder, BEAR LEFT onto the stony path, and head for the steps that climb to the left of the rocky cliffs.

5.10km – Congratulations! You have reached the top of Lining Crag. There are great views from here looking back down the way you climbed.

5.50km – The path becomes vague here. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON on the trodden grassy track, using the regular cairns (pile of stones) as a guide. If visibility is bad, keep searching for the cairns and check the map regularly.

5.90km – At the vague grassy crossroads, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to begin heading downhill. After 50 metres you will pick up the gravel path.

6.70km – As you reach the river, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON, using the stepping stones to cross the river, on the bend again. After 100 metres cross the river again and CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON on the grassy slope heading uphill to the saddle (the low-point between two mountain peaks).

7.10km – On the saddle, by the fence posts, there is a crossroad. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON, heading downhill on the path made with big rocks. 

7.80km – After passing the trees growing out of the small river gorge, BEAR RIGHT to cross the river using the stepping stones, then immediately BEAR LEFT to keep the river on your left.

9.00km – CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON on the gravel path. There are lots of streams to cross. Exercise caution as these can be very slippery.

9.80km – BEAR LEFT to head to the bridge crossing the river, ignoring the path on your right with the yellow arrow. Immediately after crossing the bridge, BEAR RIGHT past farmhouses and the track bordered by high drywalls.

11.20km – At the junction with a wooden signpost, BEAR RIGHT, ignoring the left turn to Helm Crag. After 50 metres, BEAR RIGHT through the gate.

11.30km – Once you reach the road, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON, crossing it to pass the gate on the other side, following the sign to Grasmere. After 100 metres, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON through a second gate and walk towards the bridge in the middle of the field.

11.50km – Immediately after the bridge, TURN LEFT onto the cobbled track. After 300 metres cross two bridges and join the road.

11.80km – As you join the road opposite the red postbox built into the wall, TURN RIGHT. There is no pavement here; walk on the right side facing the oncoming traffic.

12.10km – As you pass the 20mph signs, BEAR RIGHT through the gate to walk on the footpath beside the road. After 400 metres cross the swing gate and, as the path forks, BEAR LEFT.

12.60km – As you join the road, TURN LEFT to cross the cattle grid, and then CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to head into the centre of Grasmere. There is an option to turn right to visit Allan Banks.

13.00km – Finish in the central junction of Grasmere, besides the big hotel and selection of outdoor shops.

*** This is the end of our Rosthwaite to Grasmere (Low) route, use your included documentation to find your overnight accommodation - for those doing one of our shorter walking itineraries you are likely to be walking onward to overnight in Patterdale/Glenridding - please move onto the next route in the Macs App which is Grasmere to Patterdale/Glenridding ***