The Grade 1 Scrambler

A guide to scrambling Easedale Gill west of Grasmere in the Lake District.  Summary verdict: a pleasant, engaging grade 1 scramble that involves continuous scrambling in a stunning remote setting

Route in: park at Lancrigg Hotel west of Grasmere and take the path that runs south of Easedale Tarn up towards Belles Knott.  (Alternatively, there are other car parks further in to Grasmere plus regular buses.)

Start point: where the gradient of the gill steepens around OS ref NY 29898 08467

Grading: a solid grade 1 scramble that starts up a broad incline and continues through a series of narrow waterfalls

End point: where the gill flattens off underneath Belles Knott around NY 29715 08492

Route out: take the path to the south of the gill that runs back past Easedale Tarn to Grasmere

Time: around 2 hours from Grasmere parking to the start point; then c.25 mins up the gill; then about 60 mins to walk back

Combine with: highly recommended to combine with Sourmilk Gill (otherwise it’s a long walk in just for Easedale Gill); Belles Knott dry scramble at the top of Easedale Gill; a series of unnamed gills that flow into Easedale Gill and run up the south end of Slapestone Edge towards Codale Tarn

Gear: drybag and wetsuit only; helmet and buoyancy vest not required

Verdict: an engaging but pleasant grade 1 route which involves continuous scrambling in a stunning remote setting

Category: Standard

Score: 7.5/10

Video guide:

Map:

Map image/data from OpenStreetMap