Above Grasmere, near Ambleside, Cumbria, Lake District, LA22 9RN
Alcock Tarn
Lake
Place photograph
6.1
Wildland
2–3 hours for the National Trust circular walk
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.1A small upland tarn reached by a steep climb from Grasmere, with views across the valley, lakes and surrounding fells. The walk passes through trees and has connections to local mining, coffin-bearing traditions and Wordsworth.
Alcock Tarn earns its place for the contrast between a quiet upland lake and the steep, rewarding climb from Grasmere. The route opens out to views across the valley and fells, with local history along the way.
Peaceful · Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapAbove Grasmere, near Ambleside, Cumbria, Lake District, LA22 9RN
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk from Grasmere up to Alcock Tarn, pause beside the water and take in the views before returning by the circular route. The climb is steep in places, and the ground around the tarn can be boggy in wet weather.
Things to do
Walk the circular route from Grasmere
Climb from the village through trees to the tarn, then complete the circular route. Expect steep sections and potentially boggy ground near the tarn in wet weather.
2–3 hours
Pause by the tarn and take in the views
Use the tarn as a resting point and look out across the valley, lakes and surrounding fells.
Notice the walk’s local history
The National Trust notes connections to miners, coffin-bearers and Wordsworth along the route; look for the places and landscape features that give those stories their setting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 2–3 hours
Quick escape: climb to the tarn
- 01
Start at St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere.
- 02
Follow the circular walk uphill to Alcock Tarn, allowing for steep sections.
- 03
Pause by the tarn for lunch or a rest, then return by the circular route.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: tarn and Grasmere
- 01
Walk the National Trust circular route from St Oswald’s Church to Alcock Tarn and back.
- 02
Pause at the tarn and take in the valley, lake and fell views.
- 03
Allow time before or after the walk to explore Grasmere village; check local venues and opening times before visiting.
Verified history
The National Trust describes local connections to miners, coffin-bearers and Wordsworth along the walk. Tripadvisor’s supplied attraction description says the tarn was formerly called Butter Crags Tarn, was enlarged by a stone-and-earth dam in the 19th century, and was stocked with brown trout. The latter details come from an AI-generated description and should be treated cautiously unless independently confirmed.
Hidden details
Look for the story in the route, not only at the water — The National Trust points to connections with miners, coffin-bearers and Wordsworth along the walk, giving the approach a human history as well as a landscape payoff.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear, settled part of the day for the views; avoid setting out without allowing time for the steep walk.
The route is most straightforward when conditions are dry. The National Trust warns that the ground around the tarn can be boggy in wet weather, especially in autumn and winter.
Wet weather can make the upper section around the tarn boggy. The approach is steep in places; wear suitable footwear and check current conditions.
The route
- surface
- Rugged; can be boggy around the tarn in wet weather
- distance
- 3.7 miles (5.92 km)
- duration
- 2–3 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate; steep in places, with rugged sections
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- St Oswald’s Church, Church Stile, Grasmere, grid reference NY337074
- parking start
- Check before visiting; the supplied National Trust source identifies the start point but does not confirm parking.
- Alcock Tarn
- Views across the valley, lakes and surrounding fells
- Local history connected with miners, coffin-bearers and Wordsworth
Worth pairing with
Grasmere village
The circular walk starts in the village centre by St Oswald’s Church. The National Trust also identifies the nearby Gingerbread Shop and Wordsworth Daffodil Garden; check current opening information before planning a visit.
What to look for
Look for the tarn’s setting above Grasmere and the changing views across the valley, lakes and surrounding fells as the path climbs out of the trees. The National Trust also notes local connections to miners, coffin-bearers and Wordsworth along the walk.
The story
Industry, Literature
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn for generally better walking conditions; the approach can be boggy in wet weather, especially in autumn and winter.
Choose a clear, settled day for the views. After wet weather, expect boggy ground around the tarn and take care on the steep sections.
How long to spend
2–3 hours for the National Trust circular walk; allow longer to pause or explore Grasmere.
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Dogs · Couples
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust describes a circular walk from St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere to the tarn. It is steep in places and rugged, and is unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Check current conditions and access before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting. The supplied sources identify the walk start at St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere but do not confirm parking arrangements there.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting. The supplied sources mention refreshments in Grasmere but do not verify specific venues or opening times.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The National Trust lists the walk as dog friendly. Check current guidance before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The National Trust describes the route as rugged and unsuitable for people with limited mobility. It is steep in places; the tarn-side section can be boggy in wet weather. Wear suitable footwear and check conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Alcock Tarn
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
