The word ‘tarn’, from the Old Norse for ‘pool’, usually refers to a small glacial lake high in the mountains. There are more than a hundred tarns in the Lake District, and no two are the same. Here are six of the most picturesque pools that can be found among the fells...
‘Hard Tarn is nature’s answer to an infinity pool, for it perches precariously above a steep drop, offering incredible views’.
Legendary fell wanderer Alfred Wainwright described this picturesque tarn as ‘among the best of Lakeland tarns’, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled on a plateau between Angletarn Pikes and Brock Crags, the setting is stunning. The tarn itself is beautiful too, with bays, peninsulas and even a couple of tiny islands. If you’re lucky enough to get it to yourself, you’d be hard pushed to find a more tranquil spot in the whole of Lakeland.
Getting there: From Patterdale, take the path from the east side of the village up to Boredale Hause, a mountain pass linking the Boredale and Patterdale valleys. Follow the path right, heading over a small beck and continuing on to Angle Tarn. After soaking up the scenery, it’s well worth heading up Angletarn Pikes for spectacular views out over the tarn and beyond, before retracing your steps to Patterdale.
Not far from the summit of Hay Stacks lies Innominate Tarn. This beautiful spot is where Wainwright chose to have his ashes sprinkled, so once you reach its shores, take a moment for quiet contemplation in honour of one of the Lake District’s greatest advocates. Then simply soak up the views out over the towering peaks of Great Gable and Pillar.
Getting there: Starting from Gatesgarth Farm in Buttermere, climb Scarth Gap to the col between Haystacks and High Crag. From here, head up the face of Haystacks to the summit, visiting Innominate Tarn. You’ll then drop down to cross Warnscale Beck, before following its course to reach Warnscale Bottom. Once you reach the road, turn left to return to the start point.
As its name suggests, it’s not easy to find Hard Tarn, but it is well worth the effort. Part of the attraction is its wild and remote location. As soon as you leave the path above Ruthwaite Cove this corner of the Lakes starts to feel like an untrodden landscape, and in all likelihood you’ll have the fells to yourself. Hard Tarn is nature’s answer to an infinity pool, for it perches precariously above a steep drop, offering incredible views.
Getting there: From Patterdale take the lane to Grisedale up to the climbers’ hut of Ruthwaite Lodge. From the hut you’ll need excellent navigation skills to find Hard Tarn as there is no path. Use the surrounding fells as a guide, keeping High Cragg to your left and Nethermost Pike to your right, following the stream. Hard Tarn doesn’t come into view until you are almost level with it, but perseverance ought to pay off. Retrace your steps to return to Patterdale.
Once three separate ponds or ‘dubs’, Gurnal Dubs has been dammed and enclosed to form a single body of water, with an attractive stone boat house at its edge. Though it is possible to detect the hand of man at work here, the stone and turf-clad dam itself is not overly obtrusive, and the setting remains remarkably picturesque.
Getting there: Park on Potter Fell Road, about a quarter of a mile west of the junction with Garnett Bridge Road. Go through a metal gate on the right. Climb upwards, crossing two fields, before turning left onto a track. Pass through a kissing gate and continue along the track, which brings you to Gurnal Dubs.
Nestled amongst a circle of crags, Small Water is an attractive and secluded spot. To fully appreciate its beauty, it is best viewed from the col of Harter Fell and Mardale Ill Bell – and as you descend the Nan Bield Pass it can be hard to take your eyes off this impressive tarn. This is also one of the less popular areas in the Lake District, so you can stop by the water’s edge and enjoy a real sense of solitude.
Getting there: From the car park at the head of Haweswater Reservoir, take the byway alongside Gatescarth Beck. Look out for a path off to the right, signed for Harter Fell and follow this to the summit, before dropping down to a square stone shelter in the col. Drop down the Nan Bield Pass to walk alongside the shores of Small Water. Cross Small Water Beck using the stepping stones and follow the pass back to the car park.
Shut in by the dramatic ridges of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, Red Tarn lies on the eastern flanks of Helvellyn and is one of the most recognisable tarns in the Lake District. However, though the surrounding fells are particularly popular, few people take the time to drop down and visit the tarn itself. This is a shame, for the views of the surrounding peaks and ridges from the water’s edge are truly impressive.
Getting there: Start at the car park in Glenridding and take the path past the campsite. Go left where the path forks and continue alongside Mires Beck, over Birkhouse Moor and up to the Hole-in-the-Wall. From here, descend to Red Tarn. To return, take the path that loosely follows Glenridding Beck all the way back into the village.
All images via AdobeStock and Alamy.
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