Tarn Crag [Easedale]

Easedale Tarn lies under the southern cliffs of Tarn Crag. It is about 70 feet deep, holds perch, eel and trout, and is a popular picnic spot above Grasmere. The fell behind it gets far fewer visitors.

Start in Grasmere and walk up Easedale Road, then follow the path beside Sourmilk Gill as it falls in a string of cascades. The usual line is the east ridge, which you can join from Easedale Tarn, from the top of Sourmilk Gill or from Stythwaite Steps in Far Easedale, and a path winds up among the rocks. There are pathless options too, from the foot of Deer Bield Crag on the Far Easedale side or up by Codale Tarn.

At its eastern end the ridge is narrow and climbs over a series of rocky knolls between the two valleys. It is steep and rough, with the odd easy scramble if you go looking for one. Further west the ground broadens and loses its shape, and walkers report bog and wet crossings on the way towards Sergeant Man.

The highest point is a peaked outcrop with a small cairn. The view is best to the east. From a lower top just to the south you look straight down on Easedale Tarn, with Blea Rigg and the Langdale Pikes beyond.

Deer Bield Crag overlooks Far Easedale on the north side of the ridge, and Tarn Crag and Greathead Crag form the steep backdrop to the tarn on the south. A longer day carries on to Sergeant Man and High Raise.