Stepping Stones

You'll find the Stepping Stones crossing the River Rothay just outside Rydal, a proper favourite with walkers tackling the Lake District. It's exactly what it sounds like - a series of flat stones laid across the water, worn smooth by decades of boots and fell runners heading north towards Grasmere. On a sunny day it's lovely; in winter spate, you're getting your feet wet whatever your balance is like.

The walk to reach them takes around twenty minutes from the village, following the valley path with fell views opening up as you go. The stones themselves are free to cross and there's no admission charge - just turn up and wade in. It's not a destination in itself, mind you. Five minutes on the rocks and you're thinking about what's next. But as part of a longer Rydal circuit walk, combining it with Rydal Mount or continuing up to Grasmere, it's well worth the detour.

Families with older kids will enjoy it as a novelty - younger ones might struggle with the wet stone crossings. Walkers doing the proper routes through the valley pass through here regularly, so it fits neatly into a day's hiking rather than being a standalone stop.

Stay at Sykeside Camping Park, a solid midrange option four and a half miles away, or splash out on Crossgate Luxury Glamping if you want proper comfort after a day's walking. The stepping stones work best as a waypoint on a larger walk rather than a reason to visit Rydal on their own.