With rocky outcrops and beautiful streams, the Alcock Tarn walk has a lot going for it. Here’s how to do this steep and rewarding walk.
Where is Alcock Tarn?
Alcock Tarn lies to the east of Grasmere, close to Grey Crag and Butter Crag. The tarn itself can’t be seen until you have reached and passed the summit of Grey Crag. Once you’ve reached it, it’s a perfect place for a picnic.
Alcock Tarn History
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 in the way that men in Victorian times often did.
Mr Alcock enlarged the tarn using a stone and earth dam, making it larger and deeper, and then filled it with brown trout. We didn’t see any trout on our visit, but we saw plenty of tiny fish around the edges!
Alcock Tarn Walk
1. Park in Grasmere in Stock Lane car park (they have toilets here), and walk away from Grasmere along the main road, towards the A591. Cross the A591 and walk towards Dove Cottage. You’ll see the road that runs up alongside Dove Cottage and leads behind it; follow this road, being mindful of cars.
2. Keep walking along this road. It will eventually open up and you will come to a crossroads( where you will see a signpost for a public right of way to Alcock Tarn. Follow the sign to your left.
3. This takes you onto another tarmac road. Follow this until you get see a wooden signpost saying Alcock Tarn 1 1/2 miles, with a gravel track heading off to your left. Follow this track.
4. Follow this track surrounded by woodland until you get to a gate signed Brackenfell. Go through this gate.
5. The path continues through the lovely wooded area, where you’ll start to feel the incline. Keep going until you reach the next gate.
Important! On this walk you may come across fields with livestock in them, particularly sheep. Please take care to ensure dogs are kept under close control.
6. Continue to follow the path as it starts to climb. You will come to a fork in the path with this signpost, follow the Public Footpath arrow to head right.
7. The gravel path continues to climb, as it starts to emerge out of the woodland. At most times of the year you’ll be surrounded by huge ferns, I always think it feels a bit like Jurassic Park!
8. You will come to a small pond, which is a great place for a little rest and a snack.
9. From the pond, the path keeps climbing, with lots and lots of ferns either side. Make sure you stop top and enjoy the view over Grasmere village and lake, and across to (which fells?).
10. As the path continues, you will come to a handy little bench for a rest and (if you’re anything like us!) yet another snack.
11. Eventually, you’ll come to another gate signed Alcock Tarn. Go through this gate and continue along the path.
12. After the gate, the path really starts to climb (this is where our legs were getting tired). You will come to a spot where the river is running up your left hand side, and you’ll see a spot to step down and stop by the little waterfall for a while.
13. Past the waterfall section, you will cross over a tiny stone bridge, where the path continues to climb up the fell.
14. 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.
15. You will come to a fairly obvious point with a small rocky section on your left, where you can continue to zig zag or take the short cut straight up. Off to your right is Grey Cragg, but you want to take the path here that goes straight up the hill to the top. It’s fairly steep!
16. The path will (finally!) start to level out. Keep walking along as it becomes flatter and you will see Alcock Tarn emerge in front of you. Now it’s time for a rest!
17. Continuing with Alcock Tarn on your right, there are plenty of rocky outcrops to explore and play on.
18. Now time for the descent. Continue to follow the path which leads down the hill. This is steep and can be slippy if it’s been raining (and this is the Lake District so it’s fairly likely!) so take care here. You will eventually arrive at a footbridge, which you should cross.
19. This is a lovely place for a stop and a play. We spent ages here with a cup of tea while the children (and dog!) played.
20. Keep following the path, and before long you will come out on the main road (A591) by The Swan Hotel. From here, cross the road and return to the car park. Congratulations, you’ve completed the Alcock Tarn walk!
For another walk in the Grasmere area, try this Silver How walk
You may also like to read about our visit to Allan Bank
A low level walk in the area is Grasmere Lake Walk
Have you joined our friendly Lake District with Kids Facebook group yet?