Leaving Grasmere, the Coast to Coast climbs steadily into the mountains above the village, following the old route towards Grisedale Tarn beneath the slopes of Great Rigg and Fairfield. The enclosed valley gradually falls away as the path gains height, opening into a dramatic landscape of high fells, rocky ridges and the broad mountain hollow surrounding the tarn.

From Grisedale Hause, the route crosses the watershed and begins its long descent through Grisedale towards Patterdale. Here the landscape changes from exposed mountain country to a deep Lakeland valley, with Grisedale Beck accompanying much of the descent as woodland, enclosed fields and scattered farms gradually return.

The articles below explore the mountains, valleys, historic features and natural landscape encountered along and around this stage of the Coast to Coast. Together they provide a closer look at the country between Grasmere and Patterdale, revealing features that can easily be overlooked while concentrating on the climb to Grisedale Hause and the long descent towards Ullswater.