Six Walks to do from Grasmere…

It’s easy to see why Grasmere is popular amongst hikers; its craggy fell-tops provide exciting mountain days alongside its lake offering picturesque lowland walks too! Here’s a list of some of the best walks from Grasmere for you to try…

  • Grasmere Circuit 

Distance: 6km Time: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy

This circular walk showcases the areas best features exploring Grasmere’s lakeshore paths, woodland and passes the former home of famous poet William Wordsworth. Starting at Grasmere Village, the route heads towards Ambleside on Stock Lane. Be aware, this path doesn’t follow the lakeshore directly and involves walking for a brief period on the A591 road. Once you’ve crossed the road, Dove Cottage will come into sight; a favoured home of William Wordsworth. Here you begin to leave the busy roads and enter the pleasant parkland and woodland alongside the River Rothay leading to the shore of lake Grasmere. The footpath meanders alongside the lakeside eventually leaving as you climb up to Red Bank Road. There is a short walk along the road back to the village. 

  • Helm Crag

Distance: 4km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Medium

Helm Crag is a popular peak attracting visitors due to its unique summit rock resembling the shape of a lion and a lamb from the road below. It’s a fairly short hike and has a cosy pub at the bottom! To start the route, park on the roadside verge on the A591 just outside the Travellers Rest pub. From the roadside, head towards Easedale Road until you find the signpost that reads ‘Far Easedale  and Helm Crag’ beside Brimmer Head Farm. From here, follow the footpath through to a gate at the end of the trail. The path continues through an old quarry. As height is gained, views down to the farm and over Easedale will open up. The path continuing on is clearly marked by little cairns. It’s hard to miss the summit due to its unique formation. There’s a little scramble to reach the top of the summit rock, which offers views over towards Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell. Turn back and follow the path back to the pub where you can have a well-earned pint!

  • Loughrigg Fell via Rydal Cave

Distance: 5km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium

This walk is a rewarding day out exploring Rydal Cave and climbing to the summit of Loughrigg Fell for one of the best views over Grasmere. The route starts near Ambleside at White Moss car park, following a woodland trail up to a straightforward footpath leading to Rydal Caves Once you reach the caves, have a skip inside using the stepping-stone trail and enjoy views of Rydal Water. From the cave entrance, a path veers up above leading to a steep section of scree. Here, there is an accumulation of stones but don’t be fooled, this isn’t the top. It is a great spot to catch your breath and have a snack though. Onwards, the path reverts back to a noticeable trail meandering through the bracken, eventually ending at the summit trig. Some of the best views over Grasmere and the surrounding fells are gained heading down the stone stepped footpath ending at the shores of Grasmere and looping back to the car park.

  • Alcock Tarn route

Distance: 6km Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium

A pleasant walk up to Alcock Tarn from Grasmere explores stunning woodland passing Grey Crag and ending at the tranquil spot of Alcock Tarn. The route begins at Grasmere’s Church Stile shop, passing through a road between the car park and the Swan Hotel. Along the road you will see a signpost for ‘Greenhead Gill and Alcock Tarn’. Turn right following the sign up a steep lane with a stream tumbling alongside. At the top of the lane, cross over a quaint little bridge and follow the footpath adjacent to a stone wall. You will reach a bench to have a little break and enjoy the views. Continue following the wall until you reach a rocky outcrop, Alcock Tarn will shortly come into sight. The tarn is a ideal spot for a wild swim or a picnic on the shoreline. To return back to the village, head down the right hand side of the tarn until you see a gap in the wall. This footpath descends over a rocky path overlooking the vale of Grasmere leading through woodland back to village passing Dove Cottage.

  • Silver Howe

Distance: 5km Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Medium

Positioned between Langdale and Easedale, Silver How is a modest fell with lovely views over to the Langdale Pikes. To start the route, park at the Red Bank car park near St Oswald’s Church and head out of the village towards Allan Bank. Follow the lane around the house, formerly owned by William Wordsworth, eventually emerging onto the fellside. Silver Howe will be in sight now; cross over Wray Gill and head to the summit! Enjoy stunning views over Grasmere, Rydal Water, Windermere and the Langdale Pikes. Descend via Red Bank, a quiet road beside the shore of Grasmere, back to the village.