Innominate Tarn

Innominate Tarn is a beautiful body of water located in the English Lake District, between the peaks of Haystacks and Great Gable. The tarn has an indented rocky shore and a line of tiny islets of peat, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It was formerly known as Loaf Tarn in reference to the small islets which resemble loaves. The tarn is a popular destination for walkers and hikers, and it has a special place in the heart of many outdoor enthusiasts. The legendary Alfred Wainwright, a British fell walker, guidebook author and illustrator who devised the long-distance walks like the coast to coast walk, loved this place so much he requested his ashes to be scattered here, and indeed they were. The tarn is also a popular spot for wild camping, offering a peaceful and secluded location for those who want to spend a night under the stars.

Location

Geography

Innominate Tarn is a small body of water located in the northern part of the Lake District National Park in England. It sits at an elevation of 520 metres above sea level, near the summit of Haystacks. The tarn is surrounded by rocky terrain and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Pillar and Great Gable. The word “innominate” means “without a name” and refers to the tarn’s former name, Loaf Tarn. The tarn itself is relatively small, with a depth of around 6 feet and an indented rocky shore. It is also home to a line of tiny islets made of peat, which were the inspiration for its former name. The area around Innominate Tarn is popular with hikers and birdwatchers, who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Access

Getting to Innominate Tarn requires a bit of effort, as it is located in a remote part of the Lake District. The most popular route to the tarn is via the Gatesgarth Farm car park, which is located at the southern end of Buttermere. From there, hikers can follow the well-marked trail up to the summit of Haystacks and then descend to the tarn. The walk is considered moderately challenging and takes around 3 hours to complete. Alternatively, visitors can approach the tarn from the Honister Pass, which is located to the east. This route is more challenging and requires a bit of scrambling over rocks, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It is recommended that hikers have some experience and are properly equipped before attempting this route. Overall, Innominate Tarn is a beautiful and peaceful spot that is well worth the effort to reach. Whether visitors come for the hiking, birdwatching, or simply to enjoy the stunning scenery, they are sure to be impressed by this hidden gem in the Lake District National Park.

History

Innominate Tarn has a rich history that spans centuries. This section will explore the etymology of the tarn, its discovery, and its development over time.

Etymology

The word “innominate” means “without a name”. The tarn was originally known as Loaf Tarn, named after the small islets that resemble loaves. However, the name was changed to Innominate Tarn in the 20th century. It is not clear why the name was changed, but it is likely that the new name was chosen because it was more unique and memorable.

Discovery

The exact date of the tarn’s discovery is unknown, but it is believed to have been known to local shepherds and farmers for centuries. However, it was not until the 19th century that the tarn became known to the wider public. The famous guidebook writer and fellwalker Alfred Wainwright was particularly enamoured with the tarn and described it as his “favourite spot on earth”.

Development

Over the years, Innominate Tarn has become a popular destination for walkers and hikers. The tarn is now part of the Lake District National Park and is protected by law. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve the tarn’s natural beauty and prevent damage to the surrounding area. Visitors are encouraged to follow the Countryside Code and respect the local environment.

Features

Physical Characteristics

Innominate Tarn is a small and picturesque tarn situated at 520 metres above sea level, near the summit of Haystacks. It has an indented rocky shore and a line of tiny islets of peat. The tarn was formerly known as Loaf Tarn in reference to the small islets which resemble loaves. The word Innominate means “without a name”. The tarn is fed by rainwater and snowmelt and does not have a visible inflow or outflow. It has a maximum depth of around 5 metres and covers an area of approximately 0.3 hectares. The water is clear and reflects the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photographers.

Wildlife

Innominate Tarn is home to a variety of aquatic species such as brown trout and sticklebacks. The surrounding area is also rich in wildlife, including red squirrels, badgers, and birds such as the peregrine falcon and golden eagle.

Activities

Innominate Tarn is a popular destination for walkers and hikers, with several routes leading to its shores. The tarn is also a popular spot for wild camping, although visitors are reminded to follow the Countryside Code and leave no trace of their visit. Fishing is permitted in the tarn, although a permit is required. The tarn is stocked with brown trout, and fishing is only allowed with artificial flies or lures. Visitors are reminded to practice catch-and-release to help preserve the ecosystem. Finally, the tarn is also a popular spot for photography, with its clear waters and stunning surroundings providing ample opportunities for capturing the beauty of the Lake District National Park.

Conservation

Challenges

Innominate Tarn, like many other natural environments, faces various challenges that threaten its existence. Climate change, overgrazing, and pollution are just a few of the challenges that the tarn has to deal with. The tarn’s ecosystem is fragile and any disturbance can have significant consequences on the flora and fauna that call it home.

Efforts

Various efforts have been made to protect the tarn and its surroundings. The Lake District National Park Authority has implemented measures to control overgrazing and prevent soil erosion. The authorities also work to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of preserving the environment. Local volunteers have also played a significant role in conserving the tarn. They regularly organize clean-up activities to remove litter and debris that could harm the ecosystem.

Future Plans

The authorities plan to continue their efforts to protect the tarn and its surroundings. They aim to reduce the impact of human activities on the tarn and promote sustainable tourism. The authorities also plan to work with local communities to develop programs that promote environmental awareness and conservation. One of the future plans is to improve the water quality of the tarn. The authorities plan to work with local farmers to reduce the amount of fertilizess and pesticides that are used in the area. They also plan to plant more trees and vegetation around the tarn to prevent soil erosion and improve water quality.