Grasmere, Rydal and Ambleside

Intakes above Scandale, Rydal ©John Hodgson Grasmere, Rydal and Ambleside Running north to south from the pass of production, crushing bark for tanning, from Windermere and this was also Dunmail Raise, the classic glacial U-shaped and manufacturing linen and woollen taken up by John Ruskin. It was here, at valley containing the popular tourist cloth. Allan Bank on the shores of Grasmere, spots of Grasmere and Ambleside lies at that Canon Rawnsley came to retire. the heart of the English Lake District. It Tourism has played an important Rawnsley was an instrumental figure in is home to the two lovely but relatively part in the valley’s story. Through its the preservation and protection of the small lakes of Rydal and Grasmere, both mention in the early guide books as Lakeland landscape and was formative surrounded by woodland and pasture, well as the influence of Wordsworth, in the birth of the National Trust. The and overlooked by craggy high fells. More Grasmere, Rydal and Ambleside Trust now owns many properties in than most other valleys, Grasmere, Rydal became hugely popular destinations. the valley, including the more recently and Grasmere show off a diversity of This was further enhanced by the bought traditional farmhouse of High landscape, offering a sample of everything building of metalled roads after 1770 Lickbarrow Farm, the iconic, quirky the Lake District has to offer. and the railway to Windermere 17th century Bridge House in Ambleside in 1847. Of course, Grasmere and the beautiful, tranquil designed Humanity has left its mark here over the and Rydal are forever linked with landscape of High Close Estate and millennia. There is some Neolithic or William Wordsworth and his family Arboretum. The 16th century Rydal Bronze Age rock art at Allan Bank and as well as other important figures Hall, now owned by the Diocese of the possible medieval burial site of King of the Romantic movement. The Carlisle, is another example of a designed Dunmail at Dunmail Raise to the north. Wordsworth homes of Dove Cottage landscape and features The Grot, a tiny A Roman fort and civilian settlement was and Rydal Mount are enjoyed by summerhouse looking out to the waterfall constructed at Waterhead, Ambleside. visitors from all over the world. and an example of the early Picturesque Dora’s Field in Rydal is a delightful movement. Industry-wise, the valley has seen much area of woodland that was planted activity. Mining and slate or stone with wild daffodils as a memorial to The Grasmere, Rydal and Ambleside quarrying as well as charcoal production Wordsworth’s daughter Dora who Valley is a thriving landscape of were all carried out here. The abundant died at a tragically young age. natural beauty, community and water power available from the becks was industry, with magnificent surviving used from the medieval period until the The conservation link is strong in the villas, designed landscapes and major 19th century for a number of processes, valley, too. Wordsworth had protested artistic importance. including corn grinding, wooden bobbin against the extension of the railway lakesworldheritage.co.uk #LakesWorldHeritage.

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