Hiking the Grasmere Common Circular: A Lake District Adventure

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, the Grasmere Common Circular Hike is a walk that showcases some of the best scenery in Cumbria. It’s a perfect blend of rugged fells, serene lakes, and literary charm — offering hikers not only breath-taking views but also a glimpse into the world that inspired William Wordsworth.

Whether you're an avid hillwalker or a weekend explorer, this circular route is a rewarding way to experience the timeless beauty of Grasmere and its surrounding fells.

Quick Facts

• Distance: ~10.5 miles (17 km)

• Time: 7-9 hours

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Starting point: Grasmere village

• Wainwrights: Helm Crag, Gibsons Knott, Calf Crag, Tarn Crag, Blea Rigg, Silver How

Hike Overview

We awake from our slumber at 4.15am, fill the flasks, get sorted and off we go. We had planned to camp after the hike but it didn't happen. After a 2 hour road trip, 60p for the toilet, a tenner for parking - the hike begins in Grasmere village. Grasmere; a postcard-perfect village with stone cottages, quaint tea rooms, and a famous gingerbread shop. From the village we head towards the Co-op as cotton-headed ninnymuggins left the sandwiches in the fridge, oops. We head up towards our first Wainwright climb from there, along small country roads with gorgeous views for a while, before starting the climb. 

From there, the trail winds around Grasmere Common, passing open fellside, ancient stone walls, and the odd sheep. A good portion of the walk hugs the edge of the common, offering expansive views across Grasmere Lake, Rydal Water, and you could probably even see toward Helvellyn on a clear day.

We make our way up the first of Six Wainwrights; Helm Crag. It was a steep one, with false summits, but getting the first one out of the way is always a relief, it seems easier after that one! From there we climb rocks, meander through squelchy moss and pass by beautiful tarns that are reflecting the hills above. Somehow, after taking a few long cuts and detours, we end up at Silver How, a modest fell with rewarding 360-degree views. From there, the descent back into Grasmere was scenic and gentle-ish, a bit scrambly at first, but passing through fern and bracken-covered slopes and shaded woodlands.

Why We Love It

🏞️ Diverse Scenery

From still tarns to sweeping fell views, every section of the hike offers something different.

📷 Photographer’s Dream

There are countless photo opportunities along the way — mirror-like reflections on the water, dramatic skies over the fells, and the charming village of Grasmere below.

🧠 Literary Touches

Grasmere is Wordsworth country. Walking these paths feels like stepping into a Romantic poem. For added context, stop by Dove Cottage before or after your hike to see where Wordsworth lived and wrote. Makes me want to spend a cosy rainy day in the corner of a book shop or cafe.

☕ Post-Hike Perks

Once back in the village, there's opportunity to reward yourself with a pint and pub meal, a cream tea, or a stop at Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread Shop — a Lake District institution. To be honest we are terrible at anything like this, we tend to just sit by the car or in our hotel room and have a pot noodle or finish our hiking snacks.....we get tired and can't deal with the peoples!

Tips for the Trail

• Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are best — the terrain can get boggy, especially after rain.

• Navigation: Although the paths are mostly clear, bring an OS map or GPS device. Mist can roll in quickly on the fells. On the route a compass was a must for us.

• Weather: Check the forecast. Conditions can change rapidly, even on a “moderate” walk like this.

• Parking: Paid car parks are available in Grasmere village, but they fill up fast on weekends and holidays.

The Grasmere Common Circular is more than just a hike — it’s an immersion into the soul of the Lake District. With its gentle climbs, poetic landscapes, and quiet corners of reflection, it captures what makes this region so beloved by walkers and outdoor lovers.