THE FOOTNOTES
Every print from Marking The Wild comes with its own trail story, this is yours.
Here you’ll find sketches, route details, reflections from the walk, and a few extra notes I couldn’t quite fit on paper.
Think of it as a companion to the artwork; a small way to step into the moment with me, and maybe take the journey for yourself.
Easedale Tarn: In A Valley That Takes Its Time
Grasmere doesn’t hide the hills, from the moment we parked up Pika (the dog) and I felt a sense of gentle adventure. This walk simply follows that whispered call. You leave the shops, slate roofs and churchyard behind and following this route you can find yourself quite alone, quite quickly. Most ramblers will veer left in a more direct route to the tarn however, this route takes us right, across farmhouse land and following a dry stone wall that seems unbroken for miles. This leads to stunning views less seen.
Paths feel older here. Cobles, slate, bridges and trods mark out the ways people have moved through this scene for a long time. This connection to the past is what felt most notable for me. Be warned however, if you need a reminder as to what era you’re actually in then one very loud one could jolt you awake at any time. This is a designated training area for RAF and far from annoying, they are a surprise delight to experience.
You’re in low country, but with the fells rising quickly on either side, it gives the valley a drama that doesn’t depend on elevation, despite the fact that you’ll be mostly climbing without realising (apart from a sharp, short, panting push which will bring you to the tarn). Take your time at the tarn, and if you’re feeling brave you could experience a little wild swimming. This was our first attempt and it was incredibly refreshing and oddly grounding - but be prepared with towels, some sandwiches and a flask of steaming coffee.
The walk down follows the cascading Sour Milk Ghyll with stunning pools and views everywhere you look. This is a place to visit again and again. It feels lived in; shaped by farmers, weather, time but never overly managed with a calm that’s easy to step into.
Waypoints Through The Wild
Start: From Grasmere village centre, head along Broadgate away from the village centre. Just before the road bridges over the River Rothay take a pathway on your left entering a wooded area.
Head through the woods which bring you back around to Easdale Road, Turning right, follow it a little further down to see a path adjacent to the road on your left. Follow this all the way until it drops you off again back on Easdale Road. Down the road again you'll eventually see a small wooden bridge crossing which most people will head down straight towards the Tarn track, but ignore this and continue down Easale Road.
You’ll move through a small set of farmhouses and this is where you;ll find a footpath turning right, before a swift veering to the left into a wooded area.
Here you’ll see a long drystone wall on your left, let it guide you, as you snake all the way through the valley, undulating on what feels like ancient pathways, until you reach and head upstream of Far Easdale Gill. Soon you reach a bridge, and I would recommend taking a break here to watch the light cascade over the fells.
Start a steady climb upwards until you reach Sour Milk Ghyll on your left and follow it upstream until you reach Easedale Tarn.
Finnish: Do make your way around the right of the tarn or a more private wild swim before making your return, following the Ghyll all the way back to Easdale Road and down into Grassmere Village for a treat.
Sense The Scene
See: stone walls running in long lines, the stepped faces of Helm Crag and the surrounding fells, water shining in the beck.
Hear: rush of the Ghyll, sheep calls in the fields, boots on stone, the boom of fighter jets.
Smell: damp grass, peaty water, occasional woodsmoke drifting from the farm houses on still days.
Feel: weathered trodden rock underfoot, smooth slate and rough dry stone walls, cascading bubbles of the Ghyll.
Taste: fresh valley air, peaty, earthy, smokey, air in cooler months, hot coffee after a dip, Grasmere Gingerbread after the trek.
Practical Parts
Parking: We parked at Broadgate Meadow Car Park, other Pay-and-display car parks in Grasmere village (check local signage).
Facilities: Cafés, pubs, toilets and shops in Grasmere at the start and end of the walk.
Hazards: Paths can be muddy and uneven; sections near the beck may be slippery after rain; weather in the valley can change quickly, with cloud dropping onto surrounding fells.
Have you been here? What's Your Story
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