Silver How, Blea Rigg & Tarn Crag

Silver How, Blea Rigg & Tarn Crag

The lure of three Wainwrights was more than enough to get us out on this rambler's walk starting from Grasmere. A real bonus was to park for free half a mile outside of Grasmere. The ridge we were to walk was clear as we set off in cloudy, but dry weather, though behind us, the tops of Fairfield and Seat Sandal were shrouded in cloud. The forecast was reasonable with improving conditions to look forward to.

We skirted Grasmere and went across the Easedale Road before heading up footpaths to the cairn at the top of Silver How. At 395 metres, this was not a high Wainwright, but the views over Grasmere to Rydal Water were stunning.

Grasmere & Rydal Water from Silver How

 Behind us, in autumn colour, was Helm Crag and ahead Pavey Ark loomed large. After a coffee break admiring the views, it was off across an undulating and, at times, wet landscape.

The next target was Blea Rigg at 541 metres, about two miles away. We crossed Brigstone Moss, climbed Long How and Swinescar Pike, from where there were excellent views of Langdale with Crinkle Crags and Bowfell in the background. The recent rain had made it a very green valley. Passing a tarn, it was not long before we reached Blea Rigg, overlooking Easedale Tarn to the north and Elterwater to the south east. This was to be the lunchspot, another superb vista to photograph and post on Facebook as...'Today's lunchtime view.' The large rocks on the rigg made excellent seats, but we were soon off again to our third high point.

Langdale PIkes from Blea Rigg

 With Pavey Ark immediately in front of us, we headed north and after crossing a boggy patch descended steeply around Eagle Crag (How many Eagle Crags are there?), before rising again to Codale Tarn. We had had views of this tarn from an elevated position when we did a wild camp in April.From the shores of the tarn, we could see why we didn't drop down to it on that occasion. It would have been a steep ascent at the start of the next day! Today though, we skirted the tarn, which was quiet and still, before beginning the final climb to Tarn Crag. 

Easedale Tarn

At 550 metres, this was the highest point of the day. We picked out the Calf Crag, Gibson Knott, Helm Crag ridge we had walked on the Coast to Coast walk in 2010. The views down to Grasmere over Easedale Tarn were also very impressive.

Looking back to Tarn Crag

 Our route back was clear to see from the top and it was all down hill to join the Easedale bridleway. From here it was an easy walk back to the outskirts of Grasmere and retrace our steps skirting this popular tourist spot. On returning to the car, it was easy to see the route we had been on, and excellent ridge walk with glorious views.

AND... three Wainwrights bagged!