Walk in the Footsteps of Giants: Discovering the New Wordsworth Way in the Lake District
“Come forth into the light of things,” wrote William Wordsworth in his 1798 poem The Tables Turned. These words invite us to step outside, breathe deeply, and connect with nature. Now, you can do just that—right in the landscapes that inspired him.
On April 7, 2025, marking Wordsworth’s 255th birthday, the brand-new 14-mile Wordsworth Way walking route was officially unveiled. This is no ordinary trail. Designed to help you “step away from the hustle and bustle of modern daily life,” the route encourages appreciation for the poems and prose of William and Dorothy Wordsworth—right where their creative spirits soared. Imagine immersing yourself in the same scenery that shaped England’s Romantic poetry!
The New Wordsworth Way: A Literary Journey
The Wordsworth Way stretches 14 miles from Glenridding to Ambleside. While you can undertake the walk as a single, ambitious journey, the official guide thoughtfully breaks it into four stages, accommodating walkers of all abilities:
- Stage 1: Glenridding to Grasmere (8.3 miles)—a bracing ascent toward Grisedale Tarn and the rugged horizons of Helvellyn.
- Stage 2: Grasmere Circular from Dove Cottage (4.8 miles).
- Stage 3: Family Connections Circular from Dove Cottage (4.2 miles).
- Stage 4: Rydal to the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus and back (3.5 miles).
The trail passes breathtaking sites like Grisedale Tarn, Grasmere, and Rydal, offering a delightful mix of fell walking and easy strolls.
Why Walk the Wordsworth Way?
This walk isn’t just about covering ground; it’s about connecting with the spirit of the Lake District. The trail encourages you to slow down, observe the details in the landscape, and reflect on nature’s beauty—seeing the world through Wordsworth’s eyes. The official guidebook, written by University of Cumbria alumnus Jade Cookson, includes excerpts from poems and prose, inviting walkers to spark their own creativity. The route brings to life Wordsworth’s belief in “plain living and high thinking,” connecting you to places linked to his verses, his personal history, and those of his family and friends.
Did you know Wordsworth likely walked an estimated 175,000 miles in his lifetime? He truly understood the joy of exploring these landscapes on foot.
Literary & Historical Highlights
The Lake District is often called “the cradle of the Romantic literature movement,” which was profoundly influenced by Wordsworth and his fellow “Lake Poets” Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Robert Southey. Along the Way, you’ll discover many literary and historical gems:
Key Homes
- Dove Cottage: Wordsworth’s home from 1799 to 1809, now lovingly preserved.
- Rydal Mount: His later residence (1813–1850).
- The Rectory: Another family residence with many memories.
Poignant Landmarks
- The Brothers Parting Stone: A memorial to a heartfelt goodbye with his brother John, which inspired a moving poem.
- St Oswald’s Churchyard, Grasmere: Family graves shaded by yew trees planted by Wordsworth himself.
- Sour Milk Ghyll waterfall: A favourite spot of William and Dorothy.
- Greenhead Gill: A steep climb rewarded with views immortalised in Wordsworth’s poem Michael.
- John’s Grove: A tranquil place of remembrance for the Wordsworth family.
- Dora’s Field: A daffodil-filled plot bought for his daughter, Dora.
- The “Wordsworth steps” at Dorothy Harrison’s home, now part of the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus.
Wordsworth, who was cautious about the rise of tourism, might have mixed feelings about today’s crowds, but, as guidebook author Jade Cookson suggests, he may also appreciate efforts made to conserve the landscape.
Celebrating Dorothy Wordsworth
One of the most exciting aspects of the new walk is its recognition of Dorothy Wordsworth’s crucial role. Her diaries and prose are interwoven throughout the guidebook, shedding light on her observations and the “team effort” behind the Wordsworth legacy. Her writing brings places and events vividly to life, offering an invaluable perspective on the landscape and the poet’s family.
Practical Planning for Your Adventure
- Guidebook: The official guide, The Wordsworth Way: A Literary Walking Guide Between Glenridding and Ambleside, by Jade Cookson, costs £7.50 and is available locally or by mail via Catstycam and info@vereybooks.co.uk.
- Navigation: GPX files for each stage are available for download – Here.
- Transport: Convenient public transport links exist at both ends of the walk—no need for complicated parking arrangements.
- Other Trails: The Wordsworth Way connects with the popular Ullswater Way and even sections of the Coast to Coast Path.
- Local Treats: Be sure to try the famous Grasmere gingerbread while in Grasmere village—a delicious tradition!
Clarifying “Wordsworth Ways”: Two Trails
Don’t be confused by names: the new 14-mile Wordsworth Way is distinct from the much longer (270 km/168-mile) “William Wordsworth Way” that starts in Cockermouth and visits over 80 sites. The older trail’s guidebook is currently out of print. The new Way, in contrast, is a focused and accessible literary experience, ideal for a weekend or several-day walks.
A True Community Effort
The Wordsworth Way is the result of a remarkable collaboration among:
- Friends of the Ullswater Way (FOUW)
- Cumbria Tourism
- University of Cumbria
- Lake District National Park Authority
- Wordsworth Grasmere (Dove Cottage charity)
This project not only enhances the visitor experience but also supports local businesses and encourages longer stays in the area.
Your Invitation to Inspiration
The new Wordsworth Way offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, history, and literature in the beauty of the Lake District. It’s an invitation to slow down, observe the landscape, and find your own inspiration, just as Wordsworth did centuries ago.
For more details, including downloadable GPX files, visit the Friends of the Ullswater Way website. Happy walking!
Supporting Resources
