Waterside Walks in the Lake District

Colin Shelbourn

A unique compilation of 25 walks around and alongside a selection of the many water features to be found in this favourite walking area - lakes, tarns, becks, rivers and waterfalls. Ranging from 1 to 16 km, from gentle strolls to more strenuous hikes there are suitable walks for all age groups. Each walk includes information about parking, the length of the walk, a clear map to guide you, the level of difficulty, some very interesting facts of particular relevance and many beautiful colour photographs.

Discover the Lake District from a whole new perspective! Colin Shelbourn has put together 25 stunning waterside walks for your enjoyment from the abundance of lakes, tarns, becks, rivers and waterfalls in this ever-popular walking region.
They have a wide-ranging appeal, from walks along the shores of some of the most beautiful lakes to strolls beside rushing rivers and wild waterfalls.
You can choose from a short stroll to a 16km (10ml) circular walk around the Queen of the Lakes, Derwent Water. Whatever the length or location you choose you'll meet with stunning scenery, a richness of wildlife, and many interesting places to visit, often a welcome distraction from the rudiments of pure walking.
The colour photographs are magnificent reflecting the beauty of the area through the seasons; the maps are exceptionally clear and easy to read; and the additional fascinating facts add to the enjoyment of each walk leading you along, around and in some cases, even through water.
Colin Shelbourn has lived in the Lake District for over twenty years and is a full-time writer and cartoonist.

Sample Walk: 12 - Easedale Tarn

Easedale Tarn is very pretty, with impressive crags on three sides. This walk gives a real feel of being in the mountains.
Leave Grasmere via Easedale Road. After 0.5km, bear right past Lancrigg Hotel (ignore the bridge and sign for Easedale Tarn on the left) and follow the lane across a field, with Helm Crag directly ahead. Once past a group of houses, go right (signed FAR EASEDALE AND HELM CRAG), through the farm gate and left to another fork. Go left, signed FAR EASEDALE and BORROWDALE.
The path goes across fields and past two stone barns to Far Easedale Gill. Follow the gill upstream to a wooden, footbridge. Cross over and 40m on, the path forks. Go left to climb steeply past a split boulder and a footpath marker.At the next marker posts, go right, to reach Sourmilk Gill. Follow the path, roughly parallel to the gill and make the final ascent to Easedale Tarn.
To shorten the walk, cross the beck and head straight downhill but it is dry, it is worth circling the tarn. Head anti-clockwise. On the far side the path climbs to a major route which heads to Coledale Tarn and the Langdales. Turn left and follow the route back to Sourmilk Gill. The entire circuit takes about half an hour.

As you reach the gill, go right and after walking downhill for 20m you have a tremendous view of Helm Crag and Grasmere, with Fairfield on the far side of the valley. The route downhill is straightforward, though rough underfoot in places. After 15 minutes or so you come to the first of the cascades in Sourmilk Gill. The rock pools just below are great for a paddle on a hot, summer's day.

The path drops to a stone wall, through a kissing gate and joins a farm track across the fields. Keep to the track, through a metal farm gate and across another field. At the far side, over a concrete bridge, there are two farm gates. Go through the left gate and back alongside Easedale Beck. The path leads into the woods, takes you across a footbridge and you are back at Easedale Road by the Lancrigg Hotel. Go right and back along the road to Grasmere village.