Meeting Time and Location: 09:30 The Green by the Sam Read Book Shop, Broadgate, Grasmere Village, LA22 9SY
Start Time: 09:45
Finish Time: 15:30-16:00 approx.
Parking: Pay and display car parks, very limited free on-street parking in Grasmere village, lay-bys off A591 to the north of the village.
Public Transport: Sunday Summer Stagecoach services 555 Keswick-Kendal, 599 Windermere-Grasmere
Grading: Strenuous, nothing technical.
Ascent: 2,500 ft approx. Highest point 2,500ft summit of High Raise. Includes a long gradual continuous climb to the summit,
Miles: 11 approx.
Terrain: Mix of quiet roadside walking, and rocky paths in valley and fellside locations, occasional steep sections.
Route Description: Leaving Grasmere village we head west along the Easedale Road, passing Lancrigg House on the way. Once past the house, we follow the path to Stythwaite Steps in the lower part of Far Easedale valley. Crossing Far Easedale Gill we gradually ascend through the deep upper recesses of the wild and quiet Far Easedale Valley. The valley is deeply enclosed and offers good rocky scenery. At the head of the valley we reach Greenup edge and bear south west along the ridgeline climbing easily by the ruined fence to the grassy top of High Raise.
On a clear day High Raise provides excellent views of much of lakeland being very centrally located. Leaving the summit we bear SE then S to the slightly lower top of Sergeant Man. If the weather is kind and clear we will then bear east along an indistinct path to the summit of Tarn Crag overlooking Easedale Tarn. The route is quite tricky to follow on pathless terrain. Leaving the summit of Tarn Crag we follow the ridge down to Sour Milk Gill and follow the path back to the Easedale Road and the centre of Grasmere. If the weather is not very clear i.e. misty with low cloud we will head down to Easedale Tarn by Belles Knott and alongside Sour Milk Gill back to the Easedale Road and the centre of Grasmere.
Health and Safety:
Please dress for the weather conditions. If a wet / showery forecast please bring waterproofs, spare clothing may come in handy if clothes become wet. If the forecast is for a warm/hot day, lighter clothing is strongly recommended along with sun hat and sun glasses and suncream. The sun is at its strongest in June even in cloudy conditions the skin can burn, it can also make for quickly tiring conditions be prepared! The strength of warmth on the day will be a large factor determining the pace of the walk, the hotter the temp, the slower the pace in ascent will be needed with plenty of rest stops. Sturdy footwear with grips is essential.
Food and Drink:
Please bring food for lunch, we will ideally stop for lunch at the summit of High Raise, but may need to seek a place of shelter is weather is inclement i.e. wet/windy. Please bring plenty of water, if especially warm/hot – extra water is better than minimal amounts, the heat and sun can dehydrate you very quickly, be prepared.
Walk Contact Leader:
Please contact the walk leader, Damian, preferably by text message or phone on number removed by no later than 8pm Saturday 21 June. If you have any questions about the walk please contact the walk leader in advance. Please note the walk leader has the right to vary the route on the day should conditions dictate, or cancel the walk at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances which may include by reason of a poor weather forecast.