The best walks and hikes around Grasmere
4.6
(11844)
100,694
hikers
874
hikes
Hiking around Grasmere offers diverse terrain, characterized by tranquil lakes, distinctive fells, and serene woodlands. The region features picturesque waters like Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water, alongside hills such as Silver How and Helm Crag. Numerous rivers and valleys provide varied paths, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging ascents.
Best hiking trails around Grasmere
- The most popular hiking route is View of Grasmere Lake – Silver How loop from Lakes, a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 56 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers panoramic views of Grasmere Lake and the surrounding fells.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Sourmilk Gill Waterfall – Easedale Tarn loop from Lakes, a difficult 7.5 miles (12.0 km) path. This trail leads past cascading waterfalls to a picturesque tarn, offering a wilder experience.
- Local hikers also love the Silver How – Easedale Tarn loop from Lakes, a 7.5 miles (12.0 km) trail leading through fells and valleys, often completed in about 4 hours 2 minutes.
- Hiking around Grasmere is defined by picturesque lakes, distinctive fells, and tranquil tarns. The extensive network of trails offers options for various ability levels, from gentle walks to more challenging climbs.
- The routes in Grasmere are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 11,000 reviews. More than 95,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Grasmere's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
4.5
(66)
1,016
hikers
7.08km
02:02
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(32)
224
hikers
12.0km
04:02
480m
480m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.6
(47)
743
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(18)
150
hikers
20.8km
07:02
920m
920m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(14)
211
hikers
10.6km
03:41
400m
400m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Tips from the Community
Pike of Stickle is a great rocky outcrop of rock with a decent scramble to get to the top. There are rock steps going up the lower slope on the first part, and then there are two ways to scramble up to the top. You can go around to the right, which is supposed to be the easiest way, but I found going up direct to be fine. It requires you to use both your hands and feet, but there are plenty of holds. There are super views across to Loft Crag, Harrison Stickle, and the peaks surrounding the entire Mickleden Valley.
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Tarn Crag is a 549-metre (1,801 ft) Wainwright that overlooks stunning Easedale and Codale Tarns near Grasmere. If you come across from Blea Rigg, it is a marvellous walk down to Codale Tarn and then up to Tarn Crag. The walk back down to Grasmere village from here is also super nice.
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Silver How is a 395-metre (1,296 ft) Wainwright is easily accessed from Grasmere village. The hike up from there is particularly nice, and it's quite a steady ascent. There are great views of Grasmere and Rydal Water from its cairned summit. You can either do an up-and-back hike or continue round to do a loop up around Blea Rigg.
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Easily climbed from its eastern face with some light scrambling. More challenging scramble to the summit on its northern face
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Right at the centre of the Lake District High Raise offers a panoramic view of the Lake District on a bright clear day. Can be climbed from many aspects including Langdale, Grasmere, Thirlmere or Borrowdale for a variety of different challenges
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More Information
Where the feared became the inspiring
A change in the way people perceived mountains gradually occurred during the late 18th century. Before this time, mountainous landscapes were seen as ugly and fearful, as places to be reviled. The likes of Wordsworth, Coleridge, Burns and Scott were about to change all of that. A movement inspired by these artistic pioneers saw mountains instead thought of as sublime places of raw beauty, as places to explore and experience. The English Lake District was at the centre of this shift and, due to Wordsworth, Grasmere was at the very heart of it.
Today, walks in Grasmere are a perfect introduction to Lakeland walking, with archetypal lakeside scenery, quaint villages and green hills topped with rocky ramparts. Circular, or indeed figure-of-eight, routes around Rydal Water and Grasmere are wonderful, blending woodland, grassland and lakeside paths that all boast splendid mountain views.
Modest hills and brooding peaks
To really appreciate the romantic power of this landscape, the allure that Wordsworth found so irresistible, you have to get up amongst its fells. Whilst an adventure onto the hulking Fairfield range is excellent, perhaps the best hiking trails around Grasmere explore the uniquely characterful, smaller hills that surround the village.
Looming over the village, Helm Crag is a superb objective and curiously the one peak that legendary guidebook writer Alfred Wainwright did not actually summit. This was because of the airy scramble to top of the rocky outcrop that adorns its 1,329-foot (405 m) zenith, which has also earned the fell the famous moniker ‘the Lion and the Lamb’ due to its appearance from the valley.
The centre of a hub around which several valleys splay outwards, Loughrigg Fell is an adventure much greater than its 1,099 feet (335 m) would suggest. With stunning views in all directions, ease of access, dark caves and wonderful tarns all to explore, this is one little hill that packs an almighty punch.
How to avoid peak Gras Vegas
Hikes in Grasmere are popular. Its sublime beauty comes at a cost during peak season, earning it the nickname ‘Gras Vegas’. School holidays and weekends are when the accessible routes here are busiest, so think carefully about when to plan a visit. If a weekend in August is unavoidable, hit the trails early or late in the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Grasmere?
Grasmere offers a vast network of over 850 hiking trails. These routes cater to all abilities, with more than 240 easy options, over 400 moderate trails, and more than 210 challenging hikes, ensuring there's a path for every adventurer.
Are there any easy circular walks suitable for families in Grasmere?
Yes, Grasmere is ideal for family-friendly walks. The Grasmere Lake Circular is a gentle 3-mile walk through woodlands and along the shoreline, perfect for a relaxed outing. Another excellent option is the Rydal Water and Grasmere Circular, which combines lakeside views with woodland trails.
Where can I find trails with impressive viewpoints in Grasmere?
For panoramic views, consider a hike up Silver How. This fell offers a relatively straightforward climb with vistas that rival much higher peaks, encompassing the Langdale Valley, Grasmere, and distant fells. Another rewarding option is Helm Crag, known for its unique rock formations and great views over Grasmere.
Are there any hikes in Grasmere that feature waterfalls?
Absolutely. The hike to Sourmilk Gill Waterfall – Easedale Tarn loop from Lakes is a fantastic choice. This trail leads past the beautiful cascading waterfalls of Sourmilk Gill on its way up to the picturesque Easedale Tarn, offering a wilder and very scenic experience.
What are some less crowded hiking options around Grasmere?
While popular, areas like White Moss and the paths along the River Rothay offer tranquil, less crowded strolls through serene woodlands and riverside paths. For a slightly more adventurous but often quieter experience, exploring the paths on the northern flank of Loughrigg Fell, away from the main Grasmere village, can be rewarding.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Grasmere?
Many trails around Grasmere are dog-friendly, but it's essential to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock and in nature conservation areas. The paths around Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water, as well as woodland trails, are generally suitable for dogs. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced trekkers?
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Silver How – Loft Crag Summit loop from Lakes is a difficult 20.7 km (12.8 miles) route with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Calf Crag – Silver How loop from Lakes, which covers 16.8 km (10.4 miles) and offers substantial climbs.
What kind of natural attractions can I explore while hiking in Grasmere?
Grasmere is rich in natural beauty. You can explore picturesque lakes like Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water, distinctive fells such as Silver How and Helm Crag, and tranquil tarns like Alcock Tarn and Easedale Tarn. The area also features enchanting valleys and woodlands, providing diverse landscapes to discover.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Grasmere?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 11,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from tranquil lakeshores to rewarding fell climbs, and the stunning panoramic views. The well-maintained trails and the blend of natural beauty with cultural history are also frequently highlighted.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit near the trails?
Yes, Grasmere has strong connections to William Wordsworth. You can incorporate visits to historical sites like Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's former home, and the beautiful Rydal Hall gardens into your walks. The path along the River Rothay connecting Grasmere and Rydal Water is particularly pleasant and passes by some of these sites.
Where can I find wild swimming spots near Grasmere hikes?
While Grasmere Lake itself is popular for boating, nearby Rydal Water offers several secluded spots suitable for wild swimming, particularly on its eastern shore. Alcock Tarn, a peaceful tarn above Grasmere, is also known as a refreshing spot for a dip after a hike. Always be mindful of safety and local guidelines when wild swimming.
Is it possible to access Grasmere trails using public transport?
Grasmere is well-served by local bus routes, making it accessible via public transport. Buses connect Grasmere with other major Lake District towns like Ambleside and Windermere, from where many trails are easily reachable on foot directly from the village center. This allows for linear walks or circular routes starting and ending at bus stops.
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Most popular attractions around Grasmere
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