Grisedale Tarn Walk

Difficulty
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Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3-4.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
7.6 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
636 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Grisedale Tarn Walk

The Walk to Grisedale Tarn is a beautiful but challenging journey that will take you across some steep terrain to visit a charming lake surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. While out on the trail you will walk alongside Tongue Gill before branching off to climb uphill through a small pass between the Seat Sandal and Fairfield mountains to arrive at the edge of the tarn. This route isn’t overly difficult, but it does traverse some rugged terrain that can be quite steep in places, making it less suitable for beginner walkers.

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Route Description for Grisedale Tarn Walk

The Grisedale Tarn Walk is a great excursion that will take you through some amazing landscapes for views overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District. While the route isn’t very long or technical, it does feature some steep and rugged terrain as you climb across the moor to reach the tarn. Be sure to wear sturdy walking boots, otherwise you will likely end up with sore - and possibly wet - feet! Located a short distance from Ambleside, this is a great walk that is close enough to amenities but less-travelled than other nearby routes. .

Setting out from the trailhead, make your way to the northeast along Tongue Gill before breaking away to the right around the foothills of Seat Sandal. As you work your way up the pass towards the tarns, you will have amazing views of the rugged peaks in nearly every direction, with Seat Sandal on your left, as well as Fairfield and Great Rigg on your right. After climbing uphill along the steep terrain of the moor, you will arrive at the quiet edge of Grisedale Tarn, surrounded by fells on all sides. Take some time to explore this lakeside retreat before retracing your steps back along the same path to the trailhead where you began.

Getting to the Grisedale Tarn Walk Trailhead

To reach the trailhead for the Grisedale Tarn Walk from Grasmere, drive northeast on Broadgate/B5287 for 0.8 km and turn left onto A591. Follow this for 1.0 km, and you will find the trailhead on the right.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-November

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Grisedale Tarn Walk Elevation Graph

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Grisedale Tarn Walk Reviews

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