Lake District Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: Grasmere & Keswick

This self-guided driving tour costs less than one seat on a tour bus, because you pay per car, not per person. Starting in Ambleside, it takes you through the heart of the Lake District to Grasmere, Keswick and the shores of Ullswater, with stories that play automatically as you drive. Pass Rydal Water and Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's home for 37 years, then stop in Grasmere, the village he called 'the loveliest spot that man hath ever found'. Climb Dunmail Raise, where legend says the last king of Cumbria lies buried, and hear how a valley was flooded to create Thirlmere. Walk among the 5,000-year-old stones of Castlerigg, then wind along Ullswater before the final climb over Kirkstone Pass. Download before you set off and it works offline in the fells. Buy once and keep it for life. Stop when you want - the GPS will guide you. Highlights: • Wordsworth's Grasmere and Rydal Mount • Castlerigg Stone Circle • Thirlmere and the legend of King Dunmail • Ullswater and the Kirkstone Pass

1. 1

   Ambleside

   Pass by

   Start at Rydal Road Car Park. As you leave Ambleside, the story begins with how this small market town became the gateway to the Lakes.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   Pass by

   Wordsworth's home for 37 years. You'll hear why he moved here and what he wrote while he lived here.

3. 3

   Rydal Water

   Pass by

   The road follows the shore of one of the smallest lakes in the National Park.

4. 4

   Grasmere

   10 min

   Park and stretch your legs in the village Wordsworth called 'the loveliest spot that man hath ever found'. Dove Cottage (Wordsworth Grasmere) is a short walk away; entry not included.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Cross the pass and hear the legend of King Dunmail, the last king of Cumbria, said to be buried under the cairn.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   10 min

   One of the few buildings left after the valley was flooded to make the Thirlmere reservoir that supplies Manchester.

7. 7

   Castlerigg Stone Circle

   10 min

   Walk among 38 stones set up by Neolithic farmers around 5,000 years ago, with a 360° view of the fells. One of the most dramatically placed stone circles in Britain.

8. 8

   Glenridding

   10 min

   Stop on the shore of Ullswater, the lake many people think is the most beautiful in England.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Hear how this small lake got its name as you drive up the valley.

10. 10

    Kirkstone Pass

    10 min

    Pull in at the top of the highest road pass in the Lake District, then drop back down to Ambleside.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.