Rydal Water facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rydal Water |
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 Rydal Water
Location in Lake District
Rydal Water
Location in South Lakeland
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| Location | Lake District, Cumbria |
| Coordinates | 54°26′49″N 2°59′47″W / 54.44694°N 2.99639°W |
| Type | Ribbon |
| Primary inflows | River Rothay |
| Primary outflows | River Rothay |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Max. length | 1,290 yd (1,180 m) |
| Max. width | 380 yd (350 m) |
| Surface area | 0.12 sq mi (0.31 km2) |
| Max. depth | 55 ft (17 m) |
| Shore length1 | 2.87 km (1.78 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 177 ft (54 m) |
| Islands | 4 |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Rydal Water is a small lake found in the middle of England's beautiful Lake District. It is located in the county of Cumbria. You can find it close to the small village of Rydal. The lake sits between the villages of Grasmere and Ambleside in the Rothay Valley.
The lake is about 1,290 yards (1.18 km) long. Its width changes, but it can be up to 380 yards (350m) wide. Rydal Water covers an area of 0.12 square miles (0.31 km²). It is 55 feet (17m) deep at its deepest point. The lake is 177 feet (54m) above sea level.
The River Rothay flows into Rydal Water from Grasmere lake. The same river then flows out of Rydal Water and continues towards Windermere. This means the River Rothay both fills and drains the lake.
The southern part of the lake is looked after by the National Trust. The northern part belongs to the Rydal Hall estate. Boats are not allowed on the lake, except for people who live at Rydal Hall.
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Exploring Rydal Water and its Surroundings
Rydal Water is a great place for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy many walks in the hills around the lake. There is also a lovely path that goes all the way around the lake itself.
Famous Homes and Views
As you walk around the lake, you can visit some interesting historical places. These include Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Both of these were homes to the famous poet, William Wordsworth. He loved the Lake District very much.
At the western end of the lake, you can find "Wordsworth's Seat." These are steps leading to a special spot. It is believed that this was Wordsworth's favorite place to enjoy the views of the Lake District.
Rydal Cave and Other Landmarks
Another interesting spot near the lake is Rydal Cave. This is not a natural cave, but a former quarry where stone was once dug out. It's a fun place to explore.
White Moss House is located at the northern end of Rydal Water. This house is thought to be the only one William Wordsworth ever bought. He bought it for his son, Willie. Wordsworth's family lived there until the 1930s.
Nab Cottage also overlooks the lake. This historic cottage was once home to other famous writers. These include Thomas de Quincey and Hartley Coleridge. Hartley was the son of another well-known poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The historic Rydal Hall is also very close by.
What's in a Name?
The name 'Rydal' comes from old words. It means "the valley where rye is grown." Rye is a type of grain. The village and parish of Rydal are named after this valley. Long ago, Rydal Water was sometimes called 'Routhmere'. This meant "the lake of the Rothay," referring to the river that flows through it.
Gallery
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Rydal Water seen from the summit of Nab Scar.
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Eastern end of Rydal Water.
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From Loughrigg, Lake District.
