Meet time 9.15am
Start time 9.30am
(Estimated finish time 4pm )
Distance: 7.7 – 7.8 miles
Ascent: 3200 to 3250 feet.
Ramblers walk grading: A (Strenuous)
Start point: Northern corner of Grasmere Village Green (by the corner of Broadgate and College Street).
Postcode: The Grasmere Village Green is within the area enclosed by the postcode points: LA22 9SX, LA22 9SY and LA22 9SZ
Car parking: Car park adjacent to Stock Lane close to the southern roundabout, there is the Red Bank Road car park and also there is an eastern layby (free of charge) on the A591 which is very close to the National Trust Regional Office, but for this last car park its best to get there before 9am to get a space.
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
Description: The walk begins from the Grasmere Village Green and it travels northwards through Grasmere to come onto the pavement of the A591 where the route continues northwards passing just beyond Mill Bridge. From there the footpath begins proper. There is a hidden gate/stile which begins the hike up the south tongue of the first mountain Seat Sandal: we ascend through first fields, then bracken and then moorland until at last the faint path comes to the two summits of Seat Sandal. From here there are incredible views of both Grasmere and Thirlmere and much further beyond.
The route then takes the steep eastern path to descend from Seat Sandal to come to the southern bank of Grisedale Tarn before it comes to the almost equally steep ascent up Fairfield the tallest mountain of the walk. The views of Windermere, the Southern Lakes and beyond are unparalleled from Fairfield and the route takes a most beautiful southward mountain ridge walk as it gently descends passing through first Great Rigg and then Heron Pike.
Upon Heron Pike there are further amazing views of Grasmere. The route then goes westwards taking a desire line to go down the grassy slopes to reach Greenhead Gill. This path winds its way down until at last coming to the easternmost suburb of Grasmere, a beautiful neighbourhood with a stream running through among the flowers and gardens. The final stretch is returning to the Grasmere Village Green.
Please contact Miles on 07842 783319 by 10pm on Friday 3 June if you are coming on this walk (text or phone, or message on Facebook (Miles Saunders-Priem)). This walk is suitable for dogs but please make sure you keep your dog under control as parts of the walk pass by pastures where sheep graze.
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
Car sharing is now possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.