The Grade 1 Scrambler

A guide to scrambling Sourmilk Gill, west of Grasmere in the Lake District.  Summary verdict: a classic Lake District scramble that’s a continuous and exciting if slippery challenge for the grade 1 scrambler

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

Start point: cross the gill using the footbridge at OS ref NY 32016 08666 and walk up the right side of the gill to the pool beneath the first main fall at NY 31877 08728

Grading: Sourmilk Gill is listed as a grade 1 scramble but the need for route-finding and the care and thought needed about placing each hand and foot on a very slippery surface mean I rate it as grade 2

End point: where the gill flattens off above the last waterfall at NY 31704 0885

Route out: take the path down on the south side of the gill and then retrace your steps along the entry route

Time: 25-40 mins to the start point depending on where in Grasmere you’ve parked; then around 30 mins for the scramble; then about 30-40 mins to walk back

Combine with: Easedale Gill; Belles Knott dry scramble

Gear: drybag and wetsuit; one pool is neck-deep so could take a buoyancy vest; helmet not needed

Verdict: a classic Lake District scramble that’s not particularly fun due to being so slippery but is a satisfying challenge for the grade 1 scrambler: all thriller and no filler

Category: Standard

Score: 7.5/10

Video guide:

Map:

Map image/data from OpenStreetMap