Walking in the footsteps of Dorothy Wordsworth

Saturday 17 October | 9.30am–4.00pm

Private browsing at Sam Read’s • A leisurely walk through Easedale Valley • Lunch at Tweedies • Two quiet reading sessions • Tea, coffee and cake

Paths and Pages returns for its second Words and Water Gathering, this time taking us into the beautiful Easedale Valley from Grasmere.

Inspired by the journals of Dorothy Wordsworth, this Gathering invites you to experience the landscape as she did, slowly, attentively and with time to notice the small things along the way.

We will begin the morning at Sam Read’s Bookseller, where Words and Water guests will have exclusive time to browse the shelves before the shop opens to the wider public.

From there, we will walk together through the valley with a handful of Dorothy’s words woven quietly into the route. These are not formal literary stops but little moments to pause, read and take in the landscape around you.

We will return to Grasmere at 12.30pm for lunch at Tweedies, where warming soup and bread will give us time to warm up and settle into the afternoon.

After lunch, we will move into the lounge for what lies at the heart of Paths and Pages: uninterrupted time to read.

Bring the book you are currently reading, a book you have been meaning to start or perhaps one you have picked up that morning at Sam Read’s.

There will be no discussion questions, no reading list and no expectation to socialise. Just a comfortable chair, a good book and time that is entirely your own.

We will have two dedicated reading sessions during the afternoon with tea, coffee and cake in between.

Whether you join us with a friend or come on your own, you will be warmly welcomed. Our Gatherings are designed to be relaxed, friendly and easy to join. A chance to spend a day walking, reading and noticing more.

What’s Included

Exclusive browsing time at Sam Read’s Bookseller

A leisurely walk through Easedale Valley

Soup and bread at Tweedies

Two uninterrupted reading sessions

Tea, coffee and cake

A small Dorothy Wordsworth reading card to take with you

A relaxed afternoon spent in the company of fellow readers

A small gift to take home with you

Timings

9.30am
Meet at Sam Read’s Bookseller

9.30am to 10.00am
Exclusive browsing time

10.15am
Set off for Easedale Valley.

Walk through Easedale with Dorothy Wordsworth’s words along the route

12.30pm
Arrive back in Grasmere and lunch at Tweedies

1.30pm to 2.30pm
Quiet reading beside the warming fire in our private lounge

2.30pm
Tea, coffee and cake

3.00pm to 3.45pm
Second reading session

3.45pm
Gathering ends

Please note that all timings are approximate and will be confirmed with guests ahead of the event.

What to Bring

A book you would like to read

Comfortable walking shoes or boots with good grip

Clothing suitable for the weather

A waterproof jacket as the Lake District weather can change quickly

A refillable water bottle

Any personal medication you may need

Things to Know

The walk takes us into Easedale Valley and lasts approximately two hours. The route includes public footpaths, uneven ground and countryside paths with a section of gentle ascent and a return descent.

This is a leisurely walk rather than a strenuous hike but participants should be comfortable walking for approximately two hours on uneven ground and gentle inclines.

We will be outdoors for part of the day so please come prepared for the Lake District weather.

Places are limited to keep the Gathering relaxed and intimate.

Your ticket includes lunch at Tweedies, refreshments and the reading sessions. 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. In the event of severe weather or conditions that make the walk unsafe we will contact participants with any changes.

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

£38 per person

Your ticket includes the Easedale Valley walk, lunch at Tweedies, refreshments, cake and all reading activities.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our next Words and Water Gathering.

A day of walking in Dorothy Wordsworth’s footsteps, discovering autumn reading and making space for a little more time with a good book.