A gently-sloping linear route that follows the route from Grasmere village towards Easedale Tarn. The trail leaves the route to Easedale Tarn just as the footpath enters the open fell and begins to become steeper. The trail leads to the remains of a medieval water mill which sits alongside Easedale Beck. The gradients are not steep but the track is rough in places. As the path approaches the water mill site the pathless rough ground is unsuitable for wheelchair or pushchair users. Approximately 60-70 minute walk. OS Explorer Map OL7.
Distance: 5 km, 3 miles
Start point: LDNPA Stock Lane car park, Grasmere - grid ref. NY 339 073
Turning point: Easedale Gill Mill - grid ref. NY 319 087
Facilities: Toilets at Stock Lane LDNPA Car Park. Disabled toilets in Grasmere and also at Allan Bank. Refreshments available in Grasmere and also at Allan Bank.
Getting there: Bus: 555 and 599 services operate regularly to Grasmere from Ambleside and Keswick. Car: take the A591 from either Ambleside or Keswick.
The Car Park is Audio Stop Point 1. The route follows the streets through Grasmere to the end of College Street where it meets Broadgate, the main road north out of the other side of Grasmere. The route then crosses Broadgate, following Easedale Road over Goody Bridge and onwards to where the road turns to the right. The trail leaves the road here and continues straight ahead, over a narrow footbridge onto a wide, uneven path which will be difficult for wheelchair users.
This path carries on to New Bridge before it continues round on this side of the Easedale Beck. Audio Stop Point 2 is at New Bridge, at NY 327 082.
Continue along the path again, through the gate, and follow the public bridleway sign on the fingerpost. The trail diverges from the main footpath to the right after a gate before you start climbing upwards, heading down a rough sheep track towards the river. The narrow track is lined by high walls. Audio Stop Point 3 is by the wooden bridge, at NY 320 086.
The trail continues along a sheep track on the far side of the Beck, towards the water mill site. This is by the lone dry-stone wall on the high outcrop at Audio Stop Point 4 NY 319 087. The very rough ground is unsuitable for either wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The trail continues across very rough ground, unsuitable for either wheelchairs or pushchairs, to the ruined stone building at NY 318 087. This is Audio Stop Point 5.
Once you have listened to the audio and explored the site you return back to Grasmere the way you came.
This map is only indicative of the route. Please take a map with you – Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 – to be sure of the route you are taking.
