Walk 3769 - printer friendly version

Alcock Tarn & Great Rigg from Grasmere Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.2 miles / 10.1 km

Ascent - 2400 feet / 727 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NY338085
Lat 54.467534 + Long -3.0228992
Postcode LA22 9RE (approx. location only)

An excellent walk from near Grasmere village that climbs up to Alcock Tarn which lies on the fellside below Heron Pike. The route continues up onto the western side of the Fairfield Horseshoe including Nab Scar, Heron Pike and Great Rigg before descending back to the start. The views throughout the walk are superb so chose a day with fine weather.

The walk starts from a large layby on the west side of the A591 (grid ref. NY338085) about 350 metres before reaching the Traveller's Rest when driving north. From previous experience cars also park on the verge on busy days. After parking cross to the pavement opposite and turn right. At the first lane, turn left and follow the narrow lane as it swings right. Continue until your reach a fingerpost on the left. Walk up drive to gate at the top and fork right at path junction. Cross a footbridge and start the steep climb up the fellside on a good path. Pass a memorial bench with zigzags easing the grade to reach a gate and Alcock Tarn (grid ref. NY349080).

Allow time to enjoy the view which includes Grasmere, Wetherlam, the Crinkle Crags and the Langdale Pikes. To continue, walk to the southern end of the tarn and turn left by the dam and outflow stream to pass through a gap in the wall. Follow a grassy path heading southeast across the fellside to reach the ridge forming the western half of the Fairfield Horseshoe (grid ref. NY355074). Bear right an continue to cairn on the summit of Nab Scar where the view includes Rydal Water, Loughrigg Fell and Wansfell amongst others. After enjoying the view, turn around and follow the eroded ridge paths up onto Heron Pike (612 m).

From Heron Pike continue north along the ridge path which is nearly level for a kilometre before a final steep section onto Great Rigg (766 m.) where the view has expanded to include other Lakeland fells. To start the return, descend the steep section and as the gradient eases fork right to descend Great Rigg's broad southwestern ridge. Continue down to ridge to reach the rocky terrain of Stone Arthur. The onward path is eroded and steep and leads down to a flatter and boggier area of grass. Continue the descent south until your reach an improved section of path which turns right to continue the descent by a wall down to a plantation. Turn left and drop down to the gate used earlier and continue to the lane. Turn right to reach the A591 and the start of the walk.

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