B Walk at Grasmere

A Silver Treasure and Two Castles

Leader: Beverley Kelly

Distance: 7 miles

Total Ascent/descent: 1700ft

Our walk today involves a stiff climb to a great vantage point which is also one of Wainwrights peaks, a stroll uphill to another Wainwright peak, our highest point where we can look down upon lakelands biggest tarn and the start of our descent back down to Grasmere.

The Langdales from Silver How

The walk starts to the north of the village where we head uphill towards Allen Bank, once home of William Wordsworth, which we circumnavigate up a track. Already we are having great views of this beautiful valley and the massives surrounding it. As we come out above the trees the walking is easier and views better and it is probably time for our first rest before we cross Wray Gill and head for the gentle summit of Silver How.

Sleepy Grasmere from Silver How

After the photo shoots and the oooh's and aaah's we head westward across this broad ridge which starts at High Raise, the central peak of the lakes. Passing Youdell Tarn it is a bit boggy but a wonderful panorama as we pass the peak of Lang How then Swinescar. As we approach Little and Great Castle How the ground is more rocky and interesting, particularly for geologists. If we have made good time we will head for Blea Rigg which is a good lunch stop, looking over the Langdales and Crinkles [add 150ft climb].

Easdale Tarn near where we descend from just before Blea Rigg

After lunch we retrace our steps a bit to descend on an unclear pathway down to Easdale Tarn, a popular venue for many tourists following in the footsteps of Wordsworth. The ascent was popular during the Victorian period, and a refreshment hut was even established in the 19th century by Robert Hayton of Grasmere above the outlet of the tarn to service the thirsty visitors. The hut is long gone, and nettles now grow where the ruins used to be.

A group of visitors at Easdale Tarn

Our descent now is on a restored pathway all the way down back to Grasmere, but the delights are not over yet for we are alongside the rushing 'Sourmilk Gill' as it tumbles over a couple of waterfalls and we are now looking towards the Fairfield and Helvellyn ridges and memories perhaps of previous walks.

Sourmilk Gill in full flow

There will be many a cheerful greeting as we continue on our descent, enjoying the autumnal colours and the thought of refreshments at one of the many teashops and hostelries in Grasmere. Given the weather this is a lovely Fell Walk and even in bad weather we are protected and should be below the cloud line

On Blea Rigg Summit, a lovely lunch spot.

Thanks to Les Gibson who accompanied me on the reccie.