Location : Rydal Village
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 355062
Photo by Tony Richards.
The island opposite nab Cottage. Photo by Tony Richards.
Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes at 3/4 mile long, 1/4 mile wide and with a depth of 55 feet, but it is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth connections. Steps lead up from the western end of the lake to 'Wordsworth's Seat' - reputedly the poet's favourite viewpoint.
Overlooking the lake is Nab Cottage, once home to Thomas Quincey and Hartley Coleridge, the son of Samual Taylor Coleridge.
There is a pleasant walk round Rydal Water which can also include Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, two of Wordsworth's homes, and which also passes Rydal Cave - a large cavern in the hill above the lake.
Rydal Cave
Rydal water from above Nab Cottage. Photo by Tony Richards.
Loughrigg and Rydal Water from the slopes of Nab Scar. Photo by Ann Bowker.
Part of the lake is owned by the National Trust.
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