Grasmere

Grasmere is a small lake in Cumbria which gives its name to the village located on its northern tip. The name Grasmere is thought to have derived from the Old English words meaning a ‘lake flanked with grass’ and the village is closely linked to the English poet William Wordworth. 

Grasmere’s lake is around 1 mile long, just half a mile wide and is both fed and drained by the River Rothay. 

It has a maximum depth of 70ft and is elevated 62m above sea level. 

There is a single island on Grasmere which is known simply as The Island. It was left to the National Trust in 2017 and visitors are prohibited from landing on it. The Island was visited by Wordsworth while he was staying nearby at Dove Cottage. It has had strong links to the National Trust for some time; in 1893, the island was sold to a private bidder. Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley was dismayed at the prospect of it not being accessible to the public and was inspired to join up with Octavia Hill and launch the National Trust in an attempt to preserve historic locations for all to enjoy. 

The waters are currently leased to the National Trust by Lowther Estate. Rowing boats and canoes are permitted throughout the year, though powered boats are banned. 

There is a popular walk around the circumference of the lake which commences in the village.