Easedale Tarn Lake District
A stunning glacial tarn in the Lake District, famed for its scenic walk from Grasmere and refreshing wild swimming spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Easedale Tarn Lake District
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning glacial tarn in the Lake District, famed for its scenic walk from Grasmere and refreshing wild swimming spots.
"The views going up or down are breathtakingly beautiful including a very nice waterfall."
🚗 Parking in Grasmere
Arrive early for parking in Grasmere, it fills up fast! Pay and display available.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Wear good hiking boots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sour Milk Gill Waterfall
On the path from Grasmere
A picturesque cascade offering a refreshing sight and sound on your ascent.
Easedale Tarn
The destination of the main walk
A stunning glacial tarn surrounded by fells, perfect for picnics and reflection.
Wild Swimming Opportunities
Easedale Tarn and plunge pools
Brave the chilly waters for an invigorating dip with breathtaking mountain views.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Easedale Tarn Adventure from Grasmere
Prepare for Varied Terrain and Weather
+1 Lake District weather can change rapidly, so pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy walking shoes. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking in Grasmere
Arrive early for parking in Grasmere, it fills up fast! Pay and display available.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Wear good hiking boots.
💧 Pack for All Weather
Lake District weather is unpredictable. Bring layers and waterproofs, even on sunny days.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Easedale Tarn is an ideal location for a scenic picnic lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking in Grasmere
Arrive early for parking in Grasmere, it fills up fast! Pay and display available.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The path can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Wear good hiking boots.
💧 Pack for All Weather
Lake District weather is unpredictable. Bring layers and waterproofs, even on sunny days.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Easedale Tarn is an ideal location for a scenic picnic lunch.
🏊♀️ Take a Dip!
If you're brave, enjoy a wild swim in the tarn or plunge pools.
🗺️ Consider a Circular Route
Extend your walk by heading to Coledale Tarn for more stunning views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the Easedale Tarn walk, highlighting the stunning Sour Milk Gill waterfall and the serene tarn itself. Many enjoy the opportunity for wild swimming and the dog-friendly nature of the trail. While the walk is generally considered moderate, some note that certain sections can be loose and slippy, and extending the route to Coledale Tarn involves steeper climbs and scrambling.
"Great walk from the Travellers rest up to Easedale Tarn. a little more demanding walk up from here, than the walk down to Grasmere. The views going up or down are breathtakingly beautiful including a very nice waterfall."
Gary Howarth
"An easy walk through the Easedale valley from Grasmere with a gentle climb up to the Tarn. Nice waterfalls to be seen along the way. Continue along the path by the Tarn to discover a steep rise up to the surrounding fells. Head for Coledale Tarn and take in some great views to complete a circular route back to Grasmere. This walk was around 15km with 550m of elevation. Expect some scrambling on the climb up to Coledale Tarn but otherwise an easy hike."
Simon Lindsey
"Excellent walk, a little loose and slippy but worth the climb up, Excellent views just over 5 mile circular from the village"
matthew brough
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular route starts in Grasmere village. Follow signs for Easedale, and the path will lead you alongside Sour Milk Gill waterfall and up to Easedale Tarn. The walk is approximately 5 miles round trip and takes about 3-4 hours.
There is no direct parking at Easedale Tarn. You'll need to park in Grasmere village, where pay and display parking is available. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times, as car parks can fill up quickly.
While there's no direct bus to Easedale Tarn, you can take a bus to Grasmere village and start your walk from there. This is a common approach for those without a car.
The classic walk from Grasmere to Easedale Tarn and back is around 5 miles (approximately 8 km). If you extend it to include Coledale Tarn, it can be closer to 15 km.
The walk to Easedale Tarn is generally considered moderate. It involves some uphill sections and uneven terrain, but is manageable for most fitness levels. Venturing further to Coledale Tarn involves steeper climbs and some scrambling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Easedale Tarn. It is part of the Lake District National Park, which is freely accessible.
Easedale Tarn is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor natural attraction. However, it's best to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no admission fee for the walk to Easedale Tarn. The only cost you might incur is for parking in Grasmere village.
Yes, Easedale Tarn can be visited in winter, but be prepared for colder conditions, potential ice and snow, and shorter daylight hours. Always check weather forecasts before you go.
There are no specific facilities like visitor centers or restrooms directly at Easedale Tarn. You'll find amenities in Grasmere village before you start your walk.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk offers beautiful scenery, including the Sour Milk Gill waterfall, various streams and pools, and the stunning Easedale Tarn itself. The mountainous landscape provides breathtaking views throughout.
Yes, wild swimming is popular at Easedale Tarn and in the plunge pools along Sour Milk Gill. Be prepared for cold water, even in summer.
Yes, Easedale Tarn is very dog-friendly. Many visitors bring their dogs along for the walk, but ensure they are kept under control, especially near water and wildlife.
The path to Easedale Tarn is varied, with some sections being uneven and potentially slippery. If you continue past the tarn, the terrain becomes steeper and may involve minor scrambling. +1
Absolutely! The waterfalls, the tarn itself, and the surrounding fells offer numerous stunning photo opportunities. The light can be particularly beautiful in the morning and late afternoon.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities at Easedale Tarn itself. You'll find a good selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Grasmere village before or after your walk.
Easedale Tarn is a perfect spot for a picnic. Pack your own food and enjoy it with incredible views. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Grasmere offers various options, from traditional pubs serving hearty meals to charming tea rooms and cafes. It's a great place to refuel after your hike.
It's highly recommended to bring snacks and water for the walk, as there are no facilities along the route to Easedale Tarn.
While there are no restaurants directly overlooking Easedale Tarn, many establishments in Grasmere offer lovely views of the surrounding fells and village.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and golden hues. The waterfalls are also more photogenic with good water flow.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details like the waterfall. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
The entire walk offers scenic vistas. The area around Sour Milk Gill waterfall and the shores of Easedale Tarn itself are particularly popular for photos.
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. It's essential to check the latest regulations for the Lake District National Park before flying a drone to ensure you comply with local rules.
Popular subjects include the Sour Milk Gill waterfall, the serene Easedale Tarn, reflections on the water, the surrounding fells, and the changing seasons, especially autumn colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain. The 5-mile round trip is a good length for a family outing without being too strenuous. 🐶 Dog Owners
🏊♀️ Wild Swimmers
+2 Be prepared for the shock of the cold water, and consider wearing a wetsuit if you plan to stay in for longer. Always prioritize safety: check water conditions, never swim alone, and let someone know your plans. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Easedale Tarn Walk: A Grasmere Classic
+1The path is well-trodden but can be uneven and occasionally steep, requiring sturdy footwear. As you climb, the landscape opens up, revealing the expansive Easedale Tarn nestled amongst the fells. Many hikers choose to stop here for a picnic or even a refreshing dip in the clear, cool waters, making it a perfect lunch spot.
+2For those seeking a more challenging hike, the path continues beyond the tarn, leading to Tarn Crag and Coledale Tarn. This extended route offers more rugged terrain and scrambling, rewarding hikers with panoramic views across the Lake District. Regardless of whether you turn back at the tarn or continue further, the Easedale Tarn walk is a memorable adventure for all levels of hikers.
Wild Swimming at Easedale Tarn
+2While the main tarn is a popular spot, the cascades of Sour Milk Gill also provide smaller, more intimate plunge pools that are perfect for a quick, bracing dip. It's important to be prepared for the cold, as the water temperature remains low even in summer. Wearing a wetsuit can enhance the experience for those less accustomed to chilly waters.
Safety is paramount when wild swimming. Always assess the depth and currents before entering the water, and never swim alone. Inform someone of your plans and be aware of your surroundings. The stunning natural beauty of Easedale Tarn makes it a truly special location for a wild swim, offering a memorable experience for those who dare to take the plunge.
Photography Opportunities
The tarn itself, with its reflective surface and the surrounding fells, offers a sense of tranquility and grandeur. Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, bathes the landscape in warm light, creating stunning contrasts and enhancing the textures of the mountains. The changing seasons also bring unique photographic potential, with autumn foliage adding vibrant colors to the scene.
+1When photographing Easedale Tarn, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape. A polarizing filter can be beneficial for reducing glare on the water and enhancing the blue of the sky. Remember to pack a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or longer exposures, and always be mindful of the weather, which can dramatically alter the mood and appearance of the scene.
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