🥾 Walking route
Alcock Tarn Walk, Grasmere Great Langdale
Cumbria
- 📏 5.9 km · 3.7 mi
- ⛰ +439 m
- ⏱ 2 hr
- 🐕 On lead
Walk stats
- Distance5.9 km · 3.7 mi
- Elevation+439 m
- Duration2 hr
- DifficultyModerate
- Route typeCircular
- TerrainFell paths, rocky sections, sustained climb
- Best seasonLate spring to early autumn
- DogsDog friendly, keep on lead near livestock
About this walk
This circular route above Grasmere climbs steadily to Alcock Tarn, a small upland pool tucked into the fells east of the village. Starting near The Distiller's Arms, the path heads out through Town End and past White Moss Common before turning uphill onto the open flanks of Bracken Fell.
The ascent is sustained but rewarding, opening up wide views across Grasmere and the Vale of Rydal. After reaching the tarn, the route drops down via Butter Crags, with the crags giving a fine perspective back over the valley. The descent returns you to the village past Our Lady of the Wayside, with the YHA Cafe and the 1769 Bar & Restaurant conveniently placed for refreshment at the end.
Nearby you'll find reminders of the area's mining past at Greenhead Gill Lead Mine and Grasmere Lead Mine, along with Allan Bank, Whitemoss Tarn and Forestside Plantation for those wanting to extend the day.
Route map
Route line drawn from OpenStreetMap footpath data. Numbered markers are waypoints on the route; amber star markers are points of interest a short detour away.
Waypoints along the route
9 waypoints along the way
- 1
The Distiller’s Arms
- 2
Town End
- 3
White Moss Common
- 4
Bracken Fell
- 5
Alcock Tarn
- 6
Butter Crags
- 7
Our Lady of the Wayside
- 8
YHA Cafe
- 9
1769 Bar & Restaurant
Worth a short detour
Points of interest just off the route, look for the amber markers on the map.
Greenhead Gill Lead Mine
~239 m off the route
Allan Bank
~323 m off the route
Grasmere Lead Mine
~479 m off the route
Whitemoss Tarn
~185 m off the route
Forestside Plantation
~261 m off the route
Route & waypoint data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).