Grasmere to Easdale Tarn

The walk, stage by stage

1. Start → Finish (9.5 km, 237 m)

   Climb of about 237 m over 9.5 km (around 2% average).

   Begin in the centre of Grasmere village and head North-West along Easedale Road. The tarmac lane passes several farmhouses before narrowing into a stony bridleway. Pass through the gate into open sheep pastures, keeping the babbling waters of Easedale Beck on your left. Ahead, the white cascade of Sour Milk Gill is clearly visible pouring down the fellside. The path leads directly to a footbridge at the base of the falls. Cross the bridge and begin the climb. The path zig-zags up a steep staircase of pitched stones right alongside the waterfall. As you crest the top of the climb, the terrain dramatically levels out, and the stunning glacial bowl of Easedale Tarn opens up directly ahead To complete the circular route, head to the tarn's eastern outfall (where the water drains out to form the beck) and cross the stream using the large stepping stones. Once on the southern bank, follow the path descending the hillside. This return leg keeps the valley bottom and Easedale Beck down to your left. The path is rougher here, dropping through rocky knolls and bracken, and crossing the small ravine of Blindtarn Gill. Eventually, the path descends into the peaceful, historic woodlands of Lancrigg (frequented by Wordsworth). The woodland trail loops back around to meet Easedale Road, which you follow back into the village centre

   Waypoints

   Grasmere Village (starting point), Easedale Road, Easedale Beck pastures, footbridge below the falls, Sour Milk Gill pitched path, Easedale Tarn Tarn outfall (stepping stones), Blindtarn Gill crossing, Lancrigg Woods, Easedale Road

   Decision point

   Sour Milk Gill is your primary beacon. It is highly visible from the valley floor, and the path is engineered to lead you directly to and up it On the descent, keep the main valley and the stream below you on your left. The natural geography of the ravine funnels you directly back toward Grasmere

   Easy to get wrong

   The stone-pitched climb beside Sour Milk Gill requires a short but intense burst of cardiovascular effort. The stones are heavily polished by foot traffic and can become extremely slippery after rain The Stepping Stones: Crossing the tarn outfall is usually straightforward, but after heavy Lake District downpours, the stones can become entirely submerged or dangerously slick. The Bog: The return path on the southern side of the valley is much less engineered than the outward route. It holds water and can be very boggy, muddy, and uneven in places

   If you need to get off

   At any point during the ascent, simply turn 180 degrees. The enclosed nature of the valley means the path leads unmistakably back to the village road with no complex navigation required At the tarn: If the stepping stones look submerged or dangerous to cross, do not attempt it. Your safest option is to abort the circular idea and return via the main Sour Milk Gill path you climbed up. On the descent: Once you reach the woodland descent path at Lancrigg, you are on the direct, safe route back to civilization with no major hazards