August 2026 Grasmere

 Saturday 8th August 2026

Grasmere is a picturesque village and adjoining lake in the central Lake District, Cumbria, England. Famed for its literary heritage as the former home of poet William Wordsworth, it features slate-clad cottages, traditional pubs, art galleries, and the historic St Oswald's Church.

A walk Lead by Brian Thorne

 10 Miles, 1,800 ft Ascent

 

Today we're taking full advantage of what the Lake District can offer, with a strenuous walk of ten miles with 1800 ft of climbing. It may take up to six hours to complete, so the pace will need to be quite brisk.

We begin from Grasmere village, up and along the Easdale road, before taking the footpath which climbs up past the waterfall at Sourmilk Gill, to the shores of Easdale Tarn.

Passing around the left-hand shore of the tarn, we then begin our second and quite steep climb up towards Belles Knot, which Wainwright famously dubbed "The Matterhorn of the Lakes." A grand view over Coledale tarn and back to Easdale now opens, with Helvellyn in the far distance. From here, the rest of the climb is quite challenging, with a steep incline on a rocky path, which passes up and over two short, angled rock faces.  

Eventually the climb levels out at the Blea Rigg ridge, with another fabulous view towards Stickle tarn, Harrison Stickle and Pavey Ark. Now we turn Southwest, following thin tracks, and a few boggy areas, to pass around Castle How, Swinescar Pike and Lang How, before turning northwest to begin our steep descent back to  Grasmere. 

 

NB the picture shows the route from Easdale Tarn up towards Belles Knott

B/C Walk Lead by Pat Guy

 5 Miles  500 ft Ascent

Our walk this month is to Grasmere, always a popular destination. After coffee we start by walking through the village and following a minor road which eventually leads to Grasmere Lake. We will walk along the lake for a while. Then we make our way up to Loughrigg Terrace which has wonderful views. We then make our way towards the main road crossing a river by footbridge. Then we have a short but steepish climb up to a good path which will eventually lead us to Grasmere passing Dove Cottage on the way.

There are a few gates to negotiate but thankfully, no stiles.