Green Burn

Guide to scrambling Green Burn, north of Grasmere in the central Lake District. Summary: fine if spread-out waterfalls in the first section and an excellent, continuous final grade 1.5 scramble in a semi-secret valley

Route in: park in the A591 lay-by north of Broadrayne and walk to Ghyll Foot via Town Head

Start point: enter Green Burn below the small waterfall just under the footbridge at OS ref NY 32741 09925

Grading: there are four initial waterfalls at grade 1 or 1.5; the final section of a dozen waterfall / cascade pitches is grade 1.5

Notes: if you can’t park in the lay-by and/or don’t fancy the short walk along the A591, you might find other options near to Ghyll Foot; otherwise park in Grasmere or take the bus there, which adds 10-25 mins each way depending on where you find to park

Warning: the first-marked ‘Falls’ on the OS map are not accessible

End point: where Green Burn levels off near Rough Crag around NY 30644 10929, about 1,000 ft above the start point and after c.300 ft of ascent in the final section

Route out: walk back down the hillside under Rough Crag and retrace your steps; or, walk ahead and left to follow the ridge path that runs from Pike of Carrs over Helm Crag; or, walk ahead and right to follow the path that runs via Dead Pike down Cotra Breast

Map link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/green-burn-scramble-f4be152

Time: 25 mins from CP to start point; 45 mins for first four waterfalls; 40 mins to walk to start of final section; 30 mins to scramble final section; then 70 mins if you retrace your route (90 mins to walk back via Cotra Breast; 100 mins via Helm Crag)

Combine with: scrambling second branch stream that runs up onto Rough Crag; various gills that run up to Fairfield and Great Rigg on the opposite side of the A591

Gear: drybag and wetsuit only after rains, buoyancy vest only needed for the very first falls if you go through the main pool which is avoidable

Verdict: fine if spread-out waterfalls in the first section and an excellent, continuous final grade 1.5 scramble in a semi-secret valley

Category: Top-rated scramble

Score: 8/10

Video guide: