Starting from the charming village of Grasmere, the walk to Easedale Tarn is a firm favourite. The route follows a lively beck up through a picturesque valley, culminating in the sudden, wonderful appearance of the tarn, nestled perfectly amongst the high fells. It's a walk that feels like a real mountain adventure.
The Walk at a Glance
2.5 - 3.5 Hours
Return journey
4 Miles / 6.5 km
Out and back
Moderate
Rocky, steady climb
Family Friendly
Ages 5+, no pushchairs
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Starting from Grasmere
Begin from the centre of Grasmere village. Walk past the church and follow signs for Easedale, which will lead you along Easedale Road past cottages and B&Bs.
2. The Path to the Waterfall
After about half a mile, a well-signposted footpath leaves the road to the right. This good stone path begins the steady ascent into the valley, with the lively Sourmilk Gill beck on your left.
3. Climbing Sour Milk Ghyll
The highlight of the ascent is climbing alongside the impressive cascades of Sour Milk Ghyll. The path becomes rockier and involves some stone steps here, so take your time. It can be slippery when wet.
4. Arrival at the Tarn
Once you are past the main waterfalls, the path levels out and the valley opens up. Soon after, the beautiful Easedale Tarn comes into view, nestled in its bowl of surrounding fells like Tarn Crag and Slapstones.
5. Relax and Return
The tarn is a stunning location for a picnic and a paddle. It's a popular spot for wild swimming on warmer days. When ready, retrace your steps carefully back down the same path to Grasmere.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Parking: Park in one of the main pay-and-display car parks in Grasmere village (e.g., Stock Lane Car Park, LA22 9SJ). Grasmere gets extremely busy, so arrive early.
- Footwear: Sturdy walking boots are essential due to the rocky and often wet nature of the path alongside the waterfall.
- Wordsworth Connection: The poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy often walked to the tarn. It is mentioned in his poem "The Excursion".
- Suitability: The walk is suitable for families with children used to some hill walking. It is not suitable for pushchairs due to the rocky terrain.
More to Explore Nearby
Grasmere Village
Explore the quintessential Lakeland village, visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, and see St. Oswald's Church where Wordsworth is buried.
Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum
Visit the humble cottage where William Wordsworth lived and wrote some of his most famous poetry, and explore the excellent modern museum next door.
Helm Crag (The Lion and the Lamb)
For a more challenging hike from Grasmere, the ascent of the iconic Helm Crag offers fantastic views and a fun scramble to the true summit.