Silver How and Easedale Tarn

Silver How lies to the west of Grasmere and is full of rocky knolls, lumps and hollows. Hidden tarns pepper the area and there is always a surprise around the corner (look for the tarn in Megs Gill). Descend via Easedale Tarn for a ‘proper’ Lake District walk with outstanding views.

The Walk

Most people whilst staying in Grasmere tend to walk around the lake or head up Easedale. However the nearest mountain is rarely visited. This is Silver How. It is easily found on a footpath that heads uphill from a bend in the road leading out of Grasmere to the west. It even has some convenient parking. The fell itself is the start of a long undulating ridge which heads north west all the way to High Raise near Langdale. Its perfectly possible to climb it on its own, however the walk is much improved by following the ridge a further 1/2 mile and descend via Easedale Tarn.

The route to the summit is interesting. Of particular interest is the Target practice metal sheet/shelter found before arriving at the path junction. It was used in the late 19th century, with the views south over Windermere tending to draw the eye. Do not take the direct climb to the summit but follow the path around to the south until it meets Megs Gill. Follow Megs Gill past a small tarn until it meets the main path on the wide ridge.From here some trackless ground heads towards Lang Haw and the two picturesque tarns on its south west slops. One thing of note is that both tarns are silting up and will have disappeared in another fifty years.

It is possible to descend here but much preferable is to continue along the undulating path towards but not to Blea Rigg. Then take the steep descent towards the lovely Easedale Tarn. Much adored by the Victorians the tarn is a beautiful spot, well worth spending some time exploring. The descent passes the National Trust Grade 2 building at Allan Banks. Allan Banks is very informal and much the better for it. Bring your own picnic and enjoy the fascinating old house. Interestingly it was once the home of Canon Rawnsley, the founder of the National Trust.

Recommend

For someone wanting to experience the true joys of fell walking in the Lake District Silver How and Easedale Tarn is perfect.

Navigation Tips Silver How

It is an excellent area to learn navigation techniques. This is due to the hidden dells and rocky knolls that characterise much lakeland walking. As a result I train many of the National Park volunteers here. If you can navigate in the cloud here you can anywhere!