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With rocky outcrops to scramble over, beautiful streams to explore, and rewarding views over Grasmere, this walk to Alcock Tarn is a fantastic family adventure. Starting in the heart of Grasmere village, the route climbs steadily through woodland and onto open fellside before reaching the peaceful tarn; the perfect spot for a picnic and play before heading back down.
Originally a natural body of water known as Butter Crag Tarn, Alcock Tarn was enlarged in Victorian times by a Mr Alcock of Grasmere, who then proceeded to name it after himself. He deepened the tarn using a stone and earth dam before stocking it with brown trout.
While there is a fairly steady uphill climb for much of the route, plenty of snack stops, streams, and opportunities to explore help keep little walkers motivated along the way.
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When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.
PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.
Grasmere to Alcock Tarn walk map
On all Lake District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 (English Lakes South-eastern Area). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 5.3km / 3.3 miles
TERRAIN: Woodland trails, gravel paths, uneven ground, rocky sections, and steep uphill stretches.
PARKING: Stock Lane car park. Click here for Google Map point on your phone. Postcode is: LA22 9SL.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Alcock Tarn, woodland paths, rocky outcrops, amazing views over Grasmere and streams to play in.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: This walk can be done in 2.5 hours, but with young kids allow a good 4 hours.
TOTAL ASCENT: 312 metres
FACILITIES: Public toilets at the carpark. Lots of shops and cafes in the village of Grasmere.
The route
START: Stock Lane car park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: NY 3397 0725
Post code: LA22 9SL
what3words: ///marsh.engrossed.shortens
Route follows an anticlockwise direction.
1. Walk left out of the car park, away from Grasmere, along the pavement for 200 metres. At the roundabout, cross the road and take the lane opposite that runs alongside Dove Cottage.
2. Follow this for 350 metres to a junction. Then follow the lane to the left, signposted ‘no through road for motor vehicles after 1/2 mile’ and ‘Public Right of Way to Alcock Tarn and Coffin Route to Rydal’.
3. Continue along here for 100 metres to a gravel track on your left, signposting Alcock Tarn 1.5 miles.
4. Follow this track surrounded by woodland until you get to a gate signed Brackenfell. Continue through this gate.
5. The path continues gradually uphill through the woodland to another gate. Just beyond this gate, the footpath splits. Follow the yellow arrow to the right.
6. The gravel path continues to climb and takes you out of the woodland, to a little pond. This is an ideal spot for a rest and snack.
7. From the pond, the path continues to climb. Make sure you stop to enjoy the over Grasmere. There’s a welcoming bench at the best viewpoint (more snacks, anyone?).
8. Eventually, you will reach a gate signed Alcock Tarn. Go through this gate and continue uphill along the path.
9. After the gate, the path really starts to climb. Keep following the path and it will lead you over a small stone bridge.
10. The path becomes fairly narrow at this point, and for most of the year you’ll be walking through the high ferns on either side. Continue to follow this path as it zig zags up the side of the fell.
11. You will come to a fairly obvious point with a small rocky section on your left. Here you can continue to zig zag or take the shortcut straight up. We suggest the latter.
12. The path will finally begin to level out. Keep walking as it flattens and soon you’ll see Alcock Tarn appear in front of you. Time for a well-earned rest.
13. Continuing along the footpath with Alcock Tarn on your right, there are plenty of rocky outcrops to explore and play on.
14. Now it’s time for the descent. Continue to follow the path which leads down the hill. This section is steep and can be slippery after rain, so take care. You will eventually reach a footbridge.
15. Cross the footbridge and perhaps stop here for a play. It’s such a beautiful spot.
16. Keep following the path, and before long this will lead you to a road. Take a left at this road and continue to The Swan Hotel. If you want to go into Grasmere rather than back to the car park, cross the road and walk down Swan Lane, which leads you onto Broadgate and into the village.
17. Alternatively, if you do want to head straight back to the car park, walk left along the main road from The Swan Hotel. After 200 metres there is a footpath on your right that leads back to the car park.
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Also, feel free to share your walk photos in our Lake District Kids Facebook Group or on Instagram using by tagging @lakedistrictkidsuk in your caption so we can share with our wider community.