Grasmere lies just north of Rydal Water, the two connected by the river that flows from its the southern reach, and is the third smallest of the true lakes, weighing in at one mile long, half a mile wide and 75 feet deep. Of all the lakes it is indeed one of the prettiest, with fell rising up all around, embodying everyone’s idea of what a lake should look like. The mere was much loved by William Wordsworth who, with his sister Dorothy, would row to the pretty central island to picnic.On the island is a small stone barn, once used to shelter sheep which were transported across the water in flat bottomed boats. You can walk right around the lake, but most of the eastern side is on the busy A591. Starting at White Moss is a good point where you follow the river upstream until you reach the weir and the foot of the lake. There are some very nice woodlands to explore and the flat beech is perfect for picnics and a paddle. For a longer day out you can easily combine Grasmere with Rydal Water, some wood land trails and a scramble up Loughrigg for stunning views. From Grasmere village follow the signs to the lake shore, where at at ‘Farey Land’ you can hire rowing boats and scull of to the island where the view is inspiring and a champagne picnic tastes perfect, making for a most romantic little adventure. Fishing is available, though the waters are controlled by the Windermere, Ambleside & District Angling Association. You will need to obtain a day ticket from any of the Tourist Information Centres or fishing tackle shops. The mere offers opportunity to fish for perch, roach and some good sized pike and is open all year, though you may only fish by certain methods at certain times and will need to check with the TIC. You are allowed to launch your own boat from the launch site near the village, and this is considered to be one of the best ways to fish the water, however there is a small fee.