Grasmere
Grasmere is a small lake, around a mile long, resting quietly alongside the
village with which it shares its name. Popularised by
William Wordsworth and his contemporaries in the 19th century,
Grasmere is a pretty, glacial lake with a wooded island adding to its charm (you can visit this island by rowboat, which are available for hire). Wordsworth
composed much of his poetry during long rambles around the lake and up in the surrounding
fells whilst living at nearby Dove Cottage and
Rydal Mount.
Along the southern shore of the lake runs Loughrigg Terrace, a popular walking route with good views over the lake to Dunmail Raise. Around three miles to the north of the lake, along the A591, the small pass of Dunmail Raise was, in 945, the site of a battle between Dunmail (the last independent king of Cumbria) and the Saxon king Edmund. To the east of Grasmere, down the River Rothay, is the similar lake of Rydal Water.
The white mist curls on Grasmere's stream,
Which, like a veil of flowing light,
Hides half the landskip from the sight"