Easedale Tarn and Far Easedale from Grasmere

Six and a half miles round, close to four hours, on a stone-pitched path that climbs beside Sourmilk Gill to the tarn and then comes back down the quieter Far Easedale valley. It starts from Grasmere village and follows Easedale Road out; Stock Lane and Broadgate car parks are both paid and both queue on summer afternoons, so the 555 bus from Ambleside or Keswick is the easier arrival. The tarn is the reason to bring a dog - clean shallow water at the outflow and no boat traffic - but the valley floor is working hill farm with sheep and lambs from March, the gill crossing at Stythwaite Steps runs deep after rain, and a big dog will need a hand over one narrow slotted stile on the Far Easedale side.