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Only Cumbria

Walks around Grasmere

12 routes, from 2 easy, 7 moderate and 3 hard. Each has a route map, the climb worked out from the line, parking, dog and stile notes, and a GPX to download. For things to do, food and where to stay, see our Grasmere guide.

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Alcock Tarn from Grasmere

Moderate, 5.4 km, 312 m up, about 1 hour 30 minutes

A short, steep climb from Grasmere to a quiet fellside tarn, with one of the best views of the vale on the way down past Dove Cottage.

Silver How from Grasmere

Moderate, 5.8 km, 370 m up, about 2 hours

Grasmere's own little fell: a short circuit to a rocky summit with one of the finest views of the vale, the lake and the Langdale Pikes.

Easedale Tarn from Grasmere

Moderate, 8.6 km, 227 m up, about 2 hours

Grasmere's classic tarn walk: up beside the white cascades of Sourmilk Gill to a big mountain tarn, back by Far Easedale.

Helm Crag from Grasmere

Moderate, 6.6 km, 326 m up, about 2 hours

Grasmere's own fell: a short, steep climb from Easedale to the rocky crest known as the Lion and the Lamb, with an exposed summit block for those who want it.

Elterwater to Skelwith Force

Easy, 5.4 km, 36 m up, about 1 hour

A level riverside walk from Elterwater village, past the lake and through meadows to the falls at Skelwith Force. No stiles.

Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike from Elterwater

Moderate, 11.6 km, 536 m up, about 3 hours

A small fell with a huge view: from Elterwater through old slate quarries to Lingmoor's ridge, over Side Pike above Blea Tarn, and back along Great Langdale.

Rydal Water and Rydal Cave from Pelter Bridge

Easy, 6.8 km, 231 m up, about 1 hour 30 minutes

A full circuit of Rydal Water: the old Coffin Route, the River Rothay to Grasmere, Loughrigg Terrace and the great slate cavern of Rydal Cave.

Loughrigg Fell from Ambleside

Moderate, 10.2 km, 413 m up, about 2 hours 30 minutes

Ambleside's own fell: over the knobbly top of Loughrigg, along Loughrigg Terrace above Grasmere, past Rydal Cave and home by the River Rothay.

The Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside

Hard, 19.5 km, 1018 m up, about 5 hours 30 minutes

One of the great Lakeland rounds: from Ambleside up Nab Scar and over eight tops around the Rydal valley, with Fairfield's summit at the head.

Wansfell Pike and Troutbeck from Ambleside

Hard, 11.6 km, 602 m up, about 3 hours 30 minutes

Ambleside's own fell: past Stock Ghyll Force to Wansfell Pike, down Nanny Lane to Troutbeck, home through Skelghyll Woods and Jenkin Crag.

Stickle Tarn from the New Dungeon Ghyll

Moderate, 3.2 km, 379 m up, about 1 hour 30 minutes

The best short climb in Great Langdale: up the tumbling Stickle Ghyll from the New Dungeon Ghyll to Stickle Tarn under the cliffs of Pavey Ark.

Bowfell from the Old Dungeon Ghyll via The Band and Three Tarns

Hard, 13.1 km, 844 m up, about 4 hours

The classic Langdale round: up The Band to Three Tarns, a rocky climb to Bowfell's summit, then down by Ore Gap, Angle Tarn and Rossett Gill to Mickleden.