Borrowdale
Borrowdale Hotel
Hotel · Borrowdale — Historic country-house setting beneath Shepherds Crag in the Borrowdale Valley.
The Lakes / Blackbeck Tarn
BLACKBECK TARN · HAYSTACKS & HONISTER WALKS
Blackbeck Tarn
Blackbeck Tarn is a mountain tarn on Haystacks, high above the head of Buttermere. Rocky ground, open fell views and the neighbouring Innominate Tarn make it a rewarding stop on a carefully planned walking day.
Last updated: 25 October 2026
A tarn in the western fells
Come for the fell scenery rather than a roadside lake visit. Blackbeck Tarn lies on walking routes between Honister and Haystacks, with Innominate Tarn on the same fell.
You can plan a return walk to the tarn without committing to the summit. Check the complete route, ascent and terrain first: reaching the water still involves a mountain walk.
Walking from Honister
Honister’s published Haystacks route starts at the slate mine, using old quarry tracks towards Drum House before continuing past Blackbeck Tarn and Innominate Tarn to the summit.
The operator gives 5–6 miles and 3–5 hours for its full out-and-back Haystacks walk. Those figures cover the summit outing, not a shorter visit to Blackbeck Tarn alone. Use the detailed guide and a current map to plan your own turnaround.
Paths cross open, uneven ground. Carry navigation equipment you can use, check the mountain forecast and leave enough daylight for the return. A high starting point does not make this a level or step-free walk.
Buttermere approaches and longer circuits
Haystacks can also be approached from the Buttermere side. These routes climb from the valley; choose a detailed route that actually visits Blackbeck Tarn rather than assuming every Haystacks walk passes it.
Adding Fleetwith Pike or returning over other fells changes the distance, climbing and navigation involved. A linear walk ending at Honister also needs transport arrangements back to your starting point.
Keep to established paths and give crag edges plenty of space. If conditions deteriorate, turn back before the route becomes harder than your group can manage.
Access and mountain preparation
The approach has rough ground and ascent. It is not a surfaced lakeside circuit suitable for a wheelchair or pushchair. For an easier outing, choose a published accessible route elsewhere with terrain information suited to your group.
Wear suitable footwear and carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, drinking water and a torch. Tell someone your route and return time. Keep dogs under close control around livestock, close gates and take everything home.
Getting to your starting point
Honister Slate Mine sits at the top of Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere. Check the operator’s current parking arrangements before travelling and follow signs on arrival.
For a valley start, plan parking around the route you have chosen. Keswick and Ambleside are bases for a wider holiday, not car parks beside the tarn. Do not obstruct gateways, passing places or emergency access.
If using a bus, check the timetable for your date and the last return service before setting out. Winter conditions can change both the road journey and the walk.
Blackbeck Tarn location map
Places to stay for a western Lakes walking break
Buttermere Court Hotel is a village option for exploring the valley. The Borrowdale Hotel offers a base on the other side of Honister Pass, while Kirkstile Inn is in Loweswater. Each needs its own journey to the start of your chosen walk.
Compare locations, facilities and booking terms before checking availability. Staying for several nights gives you more flexibility to pick a suitable walking day.
Buttermere
Buttermere Court Hotel
Hotel · Buttermere — Informal rooms between two lakes, with fell walks nearby.
Loweswater
Kirkstile Inn
Inn / pub with rooms · Loweswater — Traditional rooms, pub food and views towards Melbreak.
Camping, swimming and other questions
Can I wild camp at Blackbeck Tarn?
The National Park says prior landowner permission is needed. Its guidance describes limited tolerance for discreet, small, one-night high-fell camps, away from lake shores. This is not guaranteed permission or a designated campsite at the tarn. Do not light fires or camp in car parks or roadside verges.
Check the National Park’s current guidance → Our wild-camping guide offers further planning advice.
Can I swim or fish?
Check current permission and any restrictions with the landowner or fishing-rights holder before planning either activity. Do not assume that clear-looking water is warm or that a rod licence grants fishing rights. Bring drinking water for your walk.
Looking for a different holiday base?
The Lakes Hotel & Spa in Bowness, Daffodil Hotel in Grasmere and Macdonald Leeming House by Ullswater are wider Lake District options. Allow a separate journey to the western fells rather than treating them as nearby walking starts.
A look around Blackbeck Tarn
More places to explore
Use our Buttermere, Innominate Tarn and Honister guides to plan time in this part of the Lakes. A visit to the mine is a separate activity from the fell walk; check the activities and booking arrangements that interest you.
For other days during a longer holiday, browse Whinlatter Forest, Lowther Castle & Gardens and the Aira Force walk. These require separate journeys.
