Rydal Water lies between Ambleside and Grasmere. Second smallest of the lakes it measures three quarters of a mile long, a quarter mile wide and only 55 feet deep. However, as the saying goes, small is beautiful and it is one of my favourite walks. As you approach Rydal from the Southern end, parking just over Pelter Bridge, the view is classic, the water stretching ahead with Loughrigg rising on the west and Rydal Mount and Heron Pike across the water. If you follow the higher track above the lake you get some wonderful vistas and after a short rise you come to the two caves. The second is the biggest and more accessible with a pool at its entrance. You can walk in and test the echo and hop on the stepping stones looking for frog spawn and little fish. From the cave the track stays above the lake until you come above the northern head of Rydal. An easy track goes down to Grasmere which makes a perfect stop for a picnic by shallow waters, the weir and river. Return by the river track, through White Moss and pick up the track by the lake shore. Finally it is worth returning to the car park by the Rydal woods track where, at the end, is a little bridge crossing over to the Rothay Manor Hotel and the Badger bar for well earned pint. For an extended walk, when you get to the Northern head of Rydal there are tracks leading up onto Loughrigg Fell where you will be rewarded by some stunning panoramic views. The river which flows from Grasmere enters Rydal and then onto Waterhead. No boats are allowed on Rydal save for canoes, and if so inclined you can actually go all the way from Grasmere to Windermere. Fishing is allowed, though the water comes under the control of the Windermere, Ambleside and District Angling Association, and you will need to obtain day passes from either Grasmere or Ambleside TIC’s or fishing tackle shops. The water is well stocked with perch, eel, brown trout and some fine specimen pike, the record being twenty six pounds.