River Rothay Stepping Stones

In the heart of the Lake District is the River Rothay, a small spate river whose name means 'the red one' in Old Norse.

From its source north of the village of Grasmere, the river flows into the lake that the village is named after, before continuing onto and through Rydal Water. Shortly after leaving the eastern side of Rydal, the river arrives at the charming River Rothay stepping stones. From here, the Rothay continues along the western edge of the town of Ambleside, before emptying into the northern end of Windermere, England's largest lake. 

The stepping stones provide hikers and walkers with a more direct path heading back towards Ambleside. However, this route was rendered impassable in December 2015, after heavy flooding caused by Storm Desmond washed away several of the original stones. The crossing was finally restored in 2018, with specially pre-cast concrete slabs lowered into the river to affix the stones more securely to the river bed.

With a location in one of Britain's most beautiful national parks, the surrounding scenery that can be viewed while traversing the river, make the stepping stones a very popular and picturesque photographic spot throughout all seasons.

In winter, the snow capped peaks of Baystones and Wansfell Pike in the distance provide a dramatic backdrop. While during spring and summer months, the lush greenery of the rolling fields contrast wonderfully with the shimmering sunlight reflecting off the surface of the Rothay.