The English Lake District is famous for its iconic lakes, but it’s also home to an abundance of tarns – small mountain or hillside pools formed by glacial activity. There are nearly 200 of these peaceful bodies of water are scattered across the fells and valleys. Each one offers visitors a different natural beauty.
Here’s our guide to some of the most notable tarns in the Lake District, their locations, and what makes each one special.
Tarn Hows
Perhaps the best known (and easily reached) of the tarns in the Lake District, Tarn Hows is actually a man-made beauty spot which was created in the 19th century. The lake is surrounded by a circular walking route that is accessible to all abilities, making it a favorite for families. Located near Coniston, the tarn offers stunning views of the surrounding woodlands and fells.
Devoke Water
The largest of the Lake District’s tarns, Devoke Water is a remote and windswept spot near Eskdale. Its isolation makes it a haven for wildlife. The ruins of an old boathouse and fishing lodge add a sense of mystery to the tarn’s rugged beauty and make for a great photo op.
Stickle Tarn
Located in the Langdale Valley, Stickle Tarn is a popular stop off for walkers. It sits in the shadow of the dramatic Pavey Ark and Harrison Stickle fells, part of the Langdale Pikes. Accessible via a steep but rewarding climb from the Dungeon Ghyll car park, Stickle Tarn is a favorite destination for walkers, and its accessibility makes it one of the most visited tarns in the region..
Angle Tarn
This tarn, perched high above Patterdale, is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. Its irregular shape, with small islands dotting its surface, adds to its charm. Angle Tarn is a popular stop on the Coast-to-Coast Walk and offers stunning views of the Ullswater Valley.
Innominate Tarn
Hidden away on the slopes of Haystacks, Innominate Tarn was such a favorite of Alfred Wainwright, he chose it as his final resting place. The tarn’s secluded location, surrounded by rugged peaks, offers a peaceful escape with breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.
Brothers Water
Brothers Water sits on the borderline of being a lake or a tarn owing to its modest size. Nestled in a tranquil glacial valley near Patterdale, it’s surrounded by meadows and woodlands. The name Brothers Water has a tragic origin as it is said to originate from two brothers who drowned here in the 1800s.
Red Tarn
Situated at the foot of Helvellyn, Red Tarn is a dramatic glacial tarn with striking views to the high ridges of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. It’s a popular destination for hikers tackling the ascent of Helvellyn and serves as a peaceful rest spot in the shadow of one of England’s highest peaks.
Goats Water
Situated below the imposing Dow Crag near Coniston, Goats Water is a remote tarn perfect for adventurous walkers. It offers dramatic views of the crags above and is often used as a stop off for climbers tackling the Old Man of Coniston. While this modest little lake may look shallow it actually reaches 50 meters in depth.
Loughrigg Tarn
This picturesque pool, set at the foot of Loughrigg Fell, is one of only two tarns in the Lake District to share a name with a fell. During the summer the tarn becomes covered in lilies, giving it a particularly serene feel. William Wordsworth once wrote “Diana’s Looking-glass – round, clear and bright as heaven” about Loughrigg tarn. It has been said that this is one of the warmest lakes in the Lake District, making it one of the most popular swimming spots in the Lakes. Just a short walk from a lay-by car park, this tarn is one the most accessible of the parks tarns.
Blea Tarn
Tucked away between the Langdale and Little Langdale Valleys, Blea Tarn is easily accessible from the road and very picturesque. Surrounded by rolling hills and views to the towering Langdale Pikes, this tarn is a popular spot for photography, picnics, and short walks.
Easedale Tarn
Easedale Tarn is located above Grasmere and is a rewarding destination for a moderate hike. Surrounded by rugged fells and with tumbling waterfalls along the way, it’s a perfect spot for walkers seeking some tranquility away from the busier tourist areas.
Blea Water
Set high among the crags that lead up to High Street, Blea Water is the deepest tarn in the Lake District, with a depth of 63 meters (207 feet). Surrounded by rugged terrain, it is a striking destination for experienced hikers exploring the remote eastern fells.
Levers Water
Set among the fells above Coniston, Levers Water is a striking tarn surrounded by rocky crags. It is accessible via a hike from Coniston village and is often visited by those continuing on to explore the heights of the Old Man of Coniston or Dow Crag.
Sprinkling Tarn
Tucked away in the heart of the high fells near Scafell Pike, Sprinkling Tarn is a favorite among seasoned walkers. Its remote location and stunning backdrop of Great Gable make it a peaceful retreat for hikers exploring the rugged terrain of the central fells. Previously known as Sparkling Tarn, this is the wettest place in England with over 5 metres of rain a year.
Styhead Tarn
Positioned on the high ground between Great Gable and Scafell Pike, Styhead Tarn is a dramatic glacial tarn that serves as a popular rest point for walkers tackling these famous peaks. Its high-altitude location provides striking views of the surrounding fells and adds something of a sense of adventure.
Bleaberry Tarn
Located near Buttermere, Bleaberry Tarn is a peaceful spot perched on the slopes below Red Pike. The tarn is accessible via a steep but rewarding hike from Buttermere village, offering dramatic views of the Buttermere Valley and the surrounding fells.
Yew Tree tarn
Not far from Coniston, Yew Tree Tarn is a small, picturesque tarn surrounded by woodland. The tarn is easily accessible from the road making it an ideal destination for families or those seeking a short, relaxing stroll.
What is the difference between a lake and a tarn?
The key difference lies in the location and scale of these bodies of water. Lakes are larger and often situated in valleys, while tarns are smaller, more secluded, and typically found in the upland fells of the Lake District. Both offer their own unique charm and play a vital role in the region’s geography and appeal.