How high is Grisedale Tarn?

Grisedale Tarn sits at roughly 538 metres in a glacial hollow where three valleys meet. It's positioned at a proper watershed between Patterdale and Grasmere.

What's the best route between Patterdale and Grasmere?

The classic route goes via Grisedale Tarn, which sits at the head of the valley where the paths converge. From the tarn, you can descend northeast to Patterdale or southwest to Grasmere—just make sure you check your map because getting this wrong leads to very long walks.

Where is the Wordsworth Brothers' Parting stone?

It's about a hundred yards below Grisedale Tarn's outflow on the Patterdale side. The stone commemorates William Wordsworth's 1800 farewell to his brother John, who died at sea in 1805, though the inscription itself wasn't carved until 1882.

Think the Lakes Are Special? Meet the Tarns

Grisedale Tarn: The One at the Head of the Valley

About 538 metres at the head of Grisedale, between Fairfield and Dollywaggon Pike. It's not at 580 metres, and it's not where five valleys meet, but it's still on half the popular routes and most people walk straight past.

31 August 20266 min read