Easedale Tarn

Easedale Tarn is a picturesque mountain lake located in the heart of the English Lake District, about two miles west of the village of Grasmere. The tarn is surrounded by an amphitheatre of fells, with Tarn Crag to the north and Blea Rigg to the south. The area is popular with hikers and walkers, who come to enjoy the stunning scenery and the challenging trails that lead up to the tarn.

At about 910 feet or 280 metres above sea level, Easedale Tarn is not a particularly high lake, but it is still an impressive sight to behold. The water is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding hills and mountains, creating a mesmerising mirror effect. The tarn is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and small mammals, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Location

Easedale Tarn is a beautiful mountain lake located in the heart of the English Lake District. It is situated approximately two miles west of the village of Grasmere, in the county of Cumbria, England. The tarn is nestled in a hollow between Tarn Crag to the north and Blea Rigg to the south, at an altitude of about 910 feet or 280 metres above sea level.

The lake is believed to have formed around 11,000 years ago, as a result of a small corrie glacier that eroded the rock and created a hollow that filled with water. The tarn is fed by several streams that flow down from the surrounding fells, and its outflow forms the Easedale Beck, which flows into Grasmere Lake.

Easedale Tarn is a popular destination for walkers and hikers, who come to enjoy its tranquil beauty and stunning views. It is surrounded by an amphitheatre of fells, including Helm Crag, Gibson Knott, and Calf Crag, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the lake. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, foxes, badgers, and a wide range of bird species.

Getting There

Easedale Tarn is located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. There are several ways to get to Easedale Tarn, including a circular walk from Grasmere or a walk from Grasmere to Easedale Tarn.

From Grasmere

Grasmere is a popular starting point for walks to Easedale Tarn. From the centre of Grasmere, it is about a 2-mile walk to Easedale Tarn. The walk takes you through farmland and follows Easedale Beck and Sourmilk Gill up to the tarn. The route is moderate, but can be strenuous as the path ascends.

Alternatively, you can take a bus to the starting point of the walk. The 555 bus runs from Keswick to Lancaster and stops in Grasmere.

Circular Walk

A circular walk from Grasmere to Easedale Tarn is a popular route for walkers. The circular walk is about 5 miles long and takes about 3 hours to complete. The walk starts in Grasmere and takes you through the village, into farmland, and then up to Easedale Tarn.

The circular walk takes you past several landmarks, including Goody Bridge, Far Easedale Gill, and Stythwaite Steps. The route is moderate, but can be strenuous in places with rough and boggy terrain and water crossings.

It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the walk and to bring food and water.

Easedale Tarn is a beautiful destination for walkers in the Lake District National Park. Whether you choose to walk from Grasmere or do the circular walk, the route offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a peaceful oasis at the tarn.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Easedale Tarn, making it a great destination for a day out. Here are some of the things you can do:

Swimming

Easedale Tarn is a popular spot for wild swimming, especially in the summer months. The water is cold, but refreshing, and the scenery is stunning. However, it’s important to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so swimmers do so at their own risk. It’s also important to be respectful of the environment and not leave any litter behind.

Fishing

Easedale Tarn is a great place for fishing, with plenty of brown trout to be caught. Fishing is allowed with a valid permit, which can be purchased from the local fishing association. It’s important to follow the rules and regulations, which include catch and release for all fish over 10 inches. It’s also important to be respectful of the environment and not leave any litter behind.

Whether you’re swimming or fishing, it’s important to be aware of the weather conditions and to take appropriate safety precautions. The water can be cold and the weather can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared.

Wainwright’s Walks

Easedale Tarn is a popular destination for walkers and hikers, and it is no surprise that it was also one of the favourite spots of the famous fellwalker and author Alfred Wainwright. Wainwright’s books on the Lake District fells are considered classics and are still widely used today by walkers and hikers.

Wainwright included Easedale Tarn in his book “The Far Eastern Fells”, which covers the fells to the east of Kirkstone Pass. In this book, he describes several routes to the tarn, including one from Grasmere via Sourmilk Gill and another from Langdale via Martcrag Moor. Wainwright’s route descriptions are detailed and include useful information on landmarks, terrain, and difficulty level.

Wainwright also mentions Tarn Crag, the fell that rises above Easedale Tarn, in his book “The Central Fells”. He describes several routes to the summit, including one from Grasmere via Easedale Tarn and another from Stonethwaite in Borrowdale. Wainwright notes that the ascent from Easedale Tarn is steep and rough, but rewards the walker with magnificent views of the surrounding fells.

Wainwright’s books are a valuable resource for anyone planning a walk in the Lake District, and his love for the fells shines through in his writing. His descriptions of the landscape, flora, and fauna are poetic and evocative, and his advice on navigation and safety is practical and sensible. Whether you are a seasoned fellwalker or a novice hiker, Wainwright’s walks are sure to inspire and inform.