The Eamont and Wordsworth Way: The ultimate car-free adventure in the Lake District
A multi-modal, point-to-point route from Penrith to Grasmere, blending riverside paths, lake cruises, and fell walks.
Start: Penrith Station
Distance: ~13 miles walking (22 miles covered, including the lake cruise)
Elevation: 1,975 feet
Duration: 5-8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (with some changeable conditions)
Navigation: Follow step-by-step on komoot, or download GPX file
About the route
This adventure combines the Eamont Way and Wordsworth Way, with a scenic mid-point cruise on the Ullswater Steamer. Starting at Penrith Station, you'll follow riverside paths to Pooley Bridge, sail across Ullswater, and hike over Grisedale Tarn to Grasmere. It's a journey through rivers, lakes, and fells—all in one, point-to-point route.
I took the train from Manchester, but Penrith is also easily reached from London, Edinburgh, Preston, and Liverpool.
📊 Quick stats
Distance: ~13 miles
Duration: 6–8 hours
Elevation gain: ~2,000 ft
Terrain: Mixed—riverside paths, gravel, fell tracks
Dog-friendly: Yes (with some rules)
Public transport: Direct trains to Penrith; buses from Grasmere via Keswick
Route difficulty
The Eamont Way is flat and beginner-friendly, while the Wordsworth Way involves a steady climb to Grisedale Tarn, with uneven sections and changeable weather.
Walk type: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Tarmac, grassy tracks, rocky paths
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Dog-friendly: Yes—leads required on farmland and during travel
Is this walk suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you’re reasonably fit. The Eamont Way is beginner-friendly, and the Wordsworth Way offers a moderate challenge.
Why you’ll love this walk
✅ A riverside start, a midway lake cruise, and a fell finish—all in one day
✅ Panoramic views from Grisedale Tarn (if the weather’s on your side)
✅ Poetic connections to Wordsworth and Grasmere's famous gingerbread (I always take bag loads home with me!)
✅ Dog-friendly travel options on boat and bus
✅ Easy public transport access
Route highlights
🚶 Penrith to Pooley Bridge (~6 miles)
Start at Penrith Station and follow the Eamont Way through meadows and past Brougham Castle, tracing the River Eamont. Enjoy the quiet before arriving in Pooley Bridge, a perfect stop with cafés and pubs.
⛴️ Pooley Bridge to Glenridding (Ullswater Steamer)
Cruise past Hallin Fell and Place Fell. Enjoy lake views, spot red squirrels, and relax mid-adventure.
Fare: £16.00 (adult one-way), £10.50 (child), £1.00 (dog)
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £69.75
🥾 Glenridding to Grasmere (~8 miles)
Follow the Wordsworth Way, climbing gently through Grisedale Valley. Highlights include Helvellyn’s slopes, Grisedale Tarn, and the charming village of Grasmere with its literary history.
🐾 Dog-friendly travel tips
🛳️ Ullswater Steamer
Dogs are welcome for £1.00.
Must be kept on a short lead.
Not allowed on saloon seats or upper decks.
Water bowls available at pier houses.
🚌 Stagecoach 555 Bus
Dogs allowed at driver’s discretion, must be on a lead and well-behaved.
Guide and assistance dogs always welcome.
Things to do nearby / Options to extend the route
🏛️ Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum
🏔️ Helvellyn or St Sunday Crag for a bigger challenge
🚣♂️ Ullswater activities like kayaking or paddleboarding
🛍️ Keswick for shopping and lakeside cafés
🏨 Where to stay
If you’re making a weekend of it (and honestly, why wouldn’t you?), we stayed at The George Hotel in Penrith. It’s a stone’s throw from the station—literally a five-minute walk, which makes rolling out of bed and onto the Eamont Way trail almost too easy.
I stayed here the night after the walk, and it was a dream. Comfy beds, a bath, a hearty breakfast included (you’ll need the carbs for this one), and a touch of historic charm without being fussy.
If you’re coming from further afield, I recommend central as a good base to get a good night’s sleep before tackling the walk. No faffing with early trains or car parks, just a relaxed start to your adventure.
When’s the best time to go?
📅 May to October for longer days and better weather. Avoid peak summer weekends for quieter paths + lake cruises.
Getting to the starting point
The route starts in Penrith, and is well-connected by:
🚂 Direct trains from Manchester (~1h 40m), London (~3h), Edinburgh (~1h 30m), Preston (~50m), Liverpool (~1h 45m)
🚗 Parking at Penrith (Park & Ride available)
✔️ Good to knows
👟 Footwear: Hiking boots essential
☔ Weather: Pack layers and waterproofs (even in summer)
🧃 Refreshments: Limited options once you leave Glenridding (bring snacks!)
🚌 Return: Bus 555 from Grasmere to Keswick, then connect to Penrith
🐾 Dogs: Lead required in fields, permitted on boat and bus with some restrictions
🔗 Handy links
🧭 Following the route
I use komoot and OS Maps for offline navigation. To follow the full walk step-by-step on komoot, simply click this link here or download the GPX file and upload it to your chosen app, such as OS Maps.
