Easedale Tarn from Grasmere

Easedale Tarn has been the objective of walkers in the Lake District for a 100 years or more. The Victorians loved it and you can see why. Easedale Tarn from Grasmere is a lovely walk alongside waterfalls, pools and climaxed with a large tarn surrounded by a ring of rugged mountains.

The Walk

Dorothy Wordsworth referred to Easedale Tarn as ‘the Black Quarter’ due to its imposing appearance and tight ring of fells. She may have a point but the Victorians enjoyed it none the less and so do I whenever I visit the tarn from Grasmere. Easedale Tarn proves that you do not have to gain a summit to enjoy true lakeland scenery. Last time I was there we met a 95 year old, fit as a fiddle and a real inspiration for us youngsters!

Despite being centrally located the tarn is largely peaceful and uncrowded. The size helps and it is possible to pick pour spot on the shoreside. Easedale Tarn is set in a hanging valley, scoured by the retreating glacier roughly 20,000 years ago and has left an excellent selection of picnic spots. One superb spot is a 12 foot high boulder on its southern flanks, a great little scramble to the top with Charlotte a few years back.

For those wanting to approach Easedale Tarn from the ring of mountains above have a look at this walk. It approaches the tarn from the Blea Rigg ridge above after a climb of Silver How to the south. The path down offers superb views of Easedale Tarn.

Recommend

A visit to the bookshop in Grasmere. My mother used to take me 40 odd years ago and it is still a good browse.

Navigation Tips on Easedale Tarn

Cross the river at the outflow of the tarn to join the descent path in to the Easedale valley.

To circle the tarn join the path a few metres away from the southern banks. The northern bank path sticks closer to the tarn. The ring of mountains which enclose the tarn are part of a long and rough walk around the head of Easedale.