A Weekend in the Lake District: Celebrating William Wordsworth

The Johnian Society invites you to step into the landscapes that inspired William Wordsworth (1787) and join fellow Johnians for a weekend of walks, talks and celebration in the heart of the Lake District.

From the shores of Grasmere to the daffodil-strewn paths of Ullswater, this special gathering will bring Wordsworth’s poetry and places to life.

What’s happening?

Saturday 28 March

Morning Walk (10am) – Begin with a gentle stroll along the famous Coffin Route from Rydal to Grasmere (2 miles).

Talk (11am) – Hear Michael McGregor, Director of the Wordsworth Trust, speak on “Wordsworth in Cambridge”.

Lunch – Relax in Grasmere, with options at the Wordsworth café or local venues.

Afternoon – Choose your adventure: explore Dove Cottage or take another walk through Wordsworth’s countryside.

Evening – A convivial group dinner to round off the day (details to follow).

Sunday 29 March

For the energetic – Join Laura Day (2014) for a longer hike, with the Wordsworth Way (14 miles, or shorter stages) under consideration.

For explorers at leisure – Visit historic sites and literary landmarks:

St Oswald’s Church, Grasmere (11am service) – Wordsworth’s final resting place.

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – a local treasure!

Wordsworth House, Cockermouth (National Trust) – the poet’s birthplace.

Hawkshead Grammar School Museum – Wordsworth’s school before St John’s.

Allan Bank (National Trust) – a former Wordsworth home with stunning views.

Rydal Mount – Wordsworth’s final and most fascinating residence.

Glencoyne Park, Ullswater – where Wordsworth found inspiration for “I wandered lonely as a cloud”. With luck, the daffodils will be in bloom!

This promises to be a wonderful opportunity to walk in Wordsworth’s footsteps, reconnect with fellow Johnians, and celebrate one of our most illustrious alumni in the landscape he loved. Further details, including dinner arrangements and walk options, will follow.

To indicate your interest, please use the booking form below. Please note your contact details will then be passed along to the Johnian Society Committee members who are organising this event, and they will be in touch with more information.

Please note this event is organised independently by our alumni community and, in taking part, you are fully responsible for your own conduct, safety and travel arrangements. The College is not liable to you, nor to any third party, for any matter arising in connection with the event, including in respect of any injury, loss or damage consequent upon the activity or activities, or from them failing to occur wholly or partially, for whatever reason.