Codale Tarn, Easedale - Coast to Coast
More Articles in the Rosthwaite to Grasmere subsection
Codale Tarn from Belles Knott
Codale Tarn, Easedale - Coast to Coast
Codale Tarn is a small corrie tarn nestled within a classic glacial hanging valley above Easedale, west of Grasmere. Though only around two metres deep, the tarn is dramatically enclosed by a ring of rugged crags. Tarn Crag forms the steep back wall of the corrie, while Slapestone Edge serves as both its eastern rim and the shared arête with neighbouring Easedale Tarn. To the west, Lang Crag and Belles Knott complete the natural amphitheatre.
Codale Beck is the tarn’s outflow. Glacial moraine once dammed the valley, forcing the water to exit via a rocky lip in the southeast corner. From there, the beck descends steeply into Easedale Tarn before cascading down Sourmilk Gill and eventually joining Easedale Beck.
Codale Tarn and Crags Easedale
Codale Tarn rests quietly within a glacial corrie above Easedale, encircled by cliffs such as Lang Crag and Belles Knott. Though not on the main Coast to Coast route, the tarn is visible from nearby high ground and can be reached by a short detour from either Easedale or Greenup Edge. This high, hidden bowl rewards the explorer with solitude and mountain stillness.
Codale Tarn and Easedale Tarn
From high on the flanks of Greenup Edge, a sweeping prospect opens across Grasmere Common. Below lie Codale Tarn and Easedale Tarn, separated by the slender ridge of Slapestone Edge. In the far distance, the fells of Fairfield, Dollywaggon Pike, and Helvellyn rise in layered succession. A striking scene for those taking the less-travelled detour from the Coast to Coast path.
Belles Knott Grasmere
Despite its sharp pyramidal form, Belles Knott can be reached without a climb. The summit path, which skirts its eastern flank, rises to meet its top at 494 m. Popular with climbers and hikers alike, this distinctive rock tower stands proud at the southwest corner of Codale Tarn.
Hiking the Coast to Coast trail guide
Hiking the Coast to Coast is a digitally enhanced eBook designed to accompany you on your journey along the Coast to Coast path. Available on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad and Mac, the guide includes:
• Mapping with interactive features
• Step-by-step route directions
• Hundreds of colour photographs
• Route conditions in different weather
• Historical and cultural points of interest
Whether you’re planning your trip or already on the trail, it’s a practical and beautifully illustrated resource to carry with you.
