A leisurely 3-mile circular walk • One hour of quiet reading • Hot drink •Homemade cake

Paths and Pages is the first in a new series of Words and Water Gatherings, bringing together books, beautiful places and like-minded readers in the Lake District.

Join us for a peaceful morning of walking, reading and slowing down in the beautiful landscape around Ambleside.

We are delighted to be partnering with The Wellbeing Way and Grove Barn Café for our very first Gathering, combining a beautiful walk with a peaceful reading space and warm Lake District hospitality.

We will meet outside the main entrance to the Armitt Museum and Library before setting off together on a leisurely circular walk through woodland to Stock Ghyll Force and onwards to Grove Barn. Along the way, there will be time to pause, enjoy the scenery and simply appreciate being outdoors together.

At Grove Barn, an exclusive private reading space will be waiting for us. With a hot drink, homemade cake and your current book, you'll have an uninterrupted hour to settle in and read in peaceful surroundings.

After our reading hour, we'll return to Ambleside via a different route, completing our circular walk and arriving back at around 1.00pm.

There are no reading lists, no discussion questions and no pressure. Just bring the book you are currently reading (or the one you've been meaning to start) and enjoy a morning dedicated to slowing down.

Whether you're joining with a friend or coming on your own, you'll be warmly welcomed. Many of our guests come solo, and our Gatherings are designed to be friendly, relaxed and easy to join.

What's Included

A leisurely circular walk in partnership with The Wellbeing Way

A scenic route via Stock Ghyll Force to Grove Barn

Exclusive use of a private reading space

One hot drink

One homemade cake

One hour of uninterrupted reading

A circular walk back to Ambleside

Timings

9.30am - Meet outside the main entrance to the Armitt Museum

9.45am - Welcome and set off

10.45am Arrive at Grove Barn

11.00am–12.00pm - Quiet reading with refreshments

12.15pm - Return walk to Ambleside

Around 1.00pm - Gathering ends

What to Bring

A book you'd like to read

Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good grip

Clothing suitable for the weather

A waterproof jacket (the Lake District weather can change quickly)

A refillable water bottle

Any personal medication you may need

Things to Know

The walk is approximately 3 miles and includes public footpaths, woodland trails, uneven ground, steps and one steady uphill section.

The walk is taken at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings. Participants should be comfortable walking the full route over uneven ground and gentle inclines.

Places are limited to 10 guests to keep the Gathering relaxed and intimate.

Refreshments are included in your ticket. Please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking.

The Gathering will go ahead in most weather conditions, so please come prepared for the forecast.

Photography forms an important part of Words and Water. We will be taking photographs and short videos during the Gathering for our website, newsletter and social media. If you would prefer not to appear in any photographs or videos, simply let us know when you arrive.

Gatherings are intended for adults aged 18 years and over.

To ensure the comfort of all participants, dogs are not permitted.

Please read our Gatherings Terms and Conditions before booking.

Tickets

£13 per person

We cannot wait to welcome you to the very first Words and Water Gathering and share a slower morning of walking, reading and noticing more together.