Grasmere to Alcock Tarn
Start the walk from Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth’s former home. Walk up the road that runs along the back of the cottage, passing several other cottages as you go. Take the second left turning and you’ll find a path with a signpost to Alcock Tarn.
Keep following the path as it gradually ascends, and you’ll soon come to a point where two walls almost meet ahead of you. Follow the path through the walls and just beyond this point there will be a gate on the left-hand side. Go through the gate. The path leads up through woodland before reaching another gate that leads through more woodland.
The woodland path eventually comes to a junction. Turn right here. The path continues to wind up the hill. As you climb you will be able to see more and more of Grasmere and the surrounding fells. Keep following the public right-of-way signs.
You will soon come to the base of Grey Crag where there is a small stone bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the path left. The path will lead you up and around the crag and to a stone wall with a gap in it. Go through the gap and continue to follow the path straight ahead.
You’ll soon see Alcock Tarn ahead of you. Once at the tarn, you can stop for a picnic or rest as it’s reasonably sheltered. At the far end of the tarn, there is another wall with a gate. Go through the gate and follow the path back down to Grasmere.
Walk towards the woodland ahead and turn right along its boundary and then left to follow the path around the edge and keep descending. You will pass a bench on your right and the path will reach a wall before dropping down on the right. You will then find a stream with a footbridge. Cross the bridge and turn left. Go through a gate and then head left again on a narrow lane. At the end of the lane turn left and keep going until you reach Grasmere.
Enjoy a circular route from the picture-perfect village of Grasmere…