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Snapshots of Grasmere: A Hike To Easedale Tarn

Snapshots of Grasmere: Hike To Easedale Tarn

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

From my bottom bunk, I couldn’t see the mountains that were visible the day before.

Hike To Easedale Tarn, Grasmere, Lake District, YHA

No one was awake yet, so I let them all sleep while I got up to contemplate the wisdom of dragging my mom and two boys up a misty hill.

“The weather looks pretty great today,” answered our friendly host at the youth hostel in Grasmere when I asked about the cloudy skies.

If you live here, as in Scotland, mist is not bad weather. I remembered to be glad for mist instead of thrashing rain and wind.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

“Ok,” I said, “I’m hoping to go up to Easedale Tarn today.”

“Do you have a map?”

Does the one in my head count? I thought, as I shook my head.

He handed me a hand-drawn map of the walk I was hoping  to do.

I recognized the scribblings of Wainwright from my two weeks on England’s Coast to Coast trail.

“Thanks.”

“Cheers! Have a great day!”

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

Less than an hour later, fed and fitted, we were on our way up cobbled stones and mossy lanes.

I can tell how thick the mist is by how fast my hair is soaked through, even under my hat. Droplets of water falling from the rims of my glasses indicated to me that it was heavy.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

But we were undeterred. Onward and upward.

The boys ran ahead and I watched my mama take in the delights of wider Grasmere just I had hoped she would.

Hike To Easedale Tarn from Grasmere

Even on a wet March day.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

We could hear running water as we climbed higher.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

And every once in a while we caught glimpses through the clouds of white water falling in the folds of the hills.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

And then we were upon it.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

Waterfalls that presumably were running from the lake to which we were headed: Easedale Tarn.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

The mist seemed to get heavier as we got higher.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

But as long as we could see the trail in front of us, we kept on putting one foot in front of the other.

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And occasionally I could see one of the boys waving back at us.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

But over half the time I was turned around taking in the views behind me.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

I have fallen in love with the Lake District over and over again. In different months and seasons and in all kinds of weather. On our first visit here, it rained almost constantly and I still couldn’t wait to come back.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

This was my first wintery visit. My first time to glimpse snow on the hilltops as we made the drive.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

Spring was just around the corner. The days were starting to be longer and the air warmer, but officially it was still winter. I shed my gloves and the wool band I usually wear on my ears, but I still had them both handy in my pockets, knowing I could need them again any minute.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

It was not too long before we found the lake, where we sat down for a minute to stretch our legs.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

Everyone was happy to be at Easedale Tarn, and walked around the lake a little bit before turning around to finish our loop walk. As we edged around one part of the lake, we surprised a hiker who was stripping down for a swim.

We heard a splash and a squeal as he jumped in the lake, another sure sign that winter was at its end, although not one that any of us were ready for.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

We came down twice as fast as we went up, happy to be headed for Grasmere, where hot soup and cream teas were waiting for us!

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, EnglandIn mist or sunshine, this is the Lake District I love. This sprawling land lined with slate rock walls and dotted with sheep. Where you close your eyes and hear only the running of water and open them again to see your children disappear around the bend ahead. Because who can help running when there is such a world to be explored.

Hike to Easedale Tarn from Grasmere, Lake District, YHA, England

Thanks Mama for exploring one of my favorite parts of the UK with me!

Grasmere YHA, Lake District, England

And a big thank you to the Grasmere YHA for hosting us in the Lake District, providing us with maps, hot food and warm (dry!) beds at night!

 

6 Comments

  1. The colors your photographs pictures are beautiful. Earth tones, my fav. What a great attitude toward the misty, rainy day. You were determined and sounds like you picked a great place to be fed and lodged. What is creamed tea?

    1. Oh Judy! Cream tea is a pot of tea served with homemade scones that you slather with butter, jam and clotted cream. (Think thick whipped cream but not as sweet.) In other words, it’s the main reason I keep gaining weight with all the walking I do! 🙂 XOXO

  2. Loved every minute of it. Thanks for taking me there!!!

  3. I really need to always let you know how much I dearly love virtually traveling with you. You really make me feel as if I’m there walking with you. Missing you.

  4. Beautiful photos! The mist gives it all such a mood that your writing certainly plays with. Just reading this I am ready for a warm bowl of soup after a nice hike in the misty hills.

  5. Amazing photos. This place looks like out of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings.

    Spooky.

    I would love to visit Scotland. Unfortunately something always gets in the way.

    Neno

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