Buckstones Jump near Rydal has been on our list for a long time, and finally we made it there today! What an awesome little spot! It’s a short walk up from Rydal and offers a great little beach area, with stones on one side and grass on the other. There’s waterfalls and pools to swim or paddle in and plenty of rocks to climb and explore.

The walk up from Rydal is approximately 1.2 miles, and along the way there are plenty of beautiful waterfalls to admire. Plus, if you turn around, you get stunning views over Windermere too.

We went on a warm, but overcast day, and almost had the place to ourselves. I imagine it gets busier on hot sunny days, but it’s still a great little spot. We took our swimming stuff, and a picnic and all had a great time.

You can park either in Rydal Hall car park, half way between Ambleside and Grasmere (pay £5 in the reception) or at the small car park at grid reference 365059 (£4.50 for 4 hours) on OS map OL7.

Walk through Rydal Hall, and enjoy the gardens and the grot if you fancy. Then head northwards, along the east bank of the river, admiring the many waterfalls along the way. Cross over the river at GR 365069 and continue northwards until Buckstones Jump appears on your right. There is a stile to climb over, then you can walk down to the river shore and have fun!

Here’s the map:

We walked back down to Rydal, along the west bank of the river, making the walk 2.4 miles in total. We all had a fantastic time!

There’s the Badger Bar in Rydal, although they don’t serve food all day. There are also a number cafes, one in Rydal Hall, one in Rydal Mount and Rydal riverside cafe too.

Other family walks near here include Rydal Hall, Rydal Caves, Loughrigg, Wansfell Pike, White Moss, Alcock Tarn, Lion and Lamb, Easedale Tarn, Loughrigg Tarn and more!

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