Red Tarn

Red Tarn is a small, picturesque lake located in the eastern region of the English Lake District, in the county of Cumbria. It is situated high up on the eastern flank of Helvellyn, beneath Striding Edge and Catstye Cam. The tarn is one of the highest in the Lake District, lying at an altitude of 718 metres (2,356 feet) and has a depth of 25 metres (82 feet). The headwall of the tarn rises 300 metres (1,000 feet) to the summit of Helvellyn.

Red Tarn was formed when the glacier that carved out the eastern side of Helvellyn had melted. Nestling between the encircling arms of Helvellyn’s two edges, the pool is named for the colour of the surrounding screes rather than its water. Red Tarn contains brown trout and schelly, a freshwater herring. The depth of the tarn is now about 80 ft, although in the mid-1800s, it was dammed with boulders to increase capacity.

Two arêtes ascend to the summit of Helvellyn, Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Swirral Edge is the shorter and less narrow, connecting Helvellyn to the shapely summit of Catstycam. The southern ridge, Striding Edge, is the stuff of hillwalking legend. It forms the back wall of the Red Tarn and offers a challenging and exhilarating scramble for experienced walkers.

Location

Red Tarn is a small lake situated in the eastern region of the English Lake District, in the county of Cumbria. It is located high up on the eastern flank of Helvellyn, beneath Striding Edge and Catstye Cam.

Red Tarn is covered by the Ordnance Survey OL5 Map, English Lakes North Eastern area.

Red Tarn is mentioned in Alfred Waiwright’s ‘The Eastern Fells‘ guide.

The tarn is surrounded by the craggy, steep eastern slopes of Helvellyn, which makes it a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The north side of the tarn is bordered by Swirral Edge, while the south side is home to the famous Striding Edge – the most popular route of ascent up Helvellyn.

Red Tarn is easily accessible from the nearby villages of Glenridding and Patterdale, which offer a range of accommodation options for visitors. The tarn can be reached via a number of hiking trails, including the popular Helvellyn route that starts at Swirls car park near Thirlmere Reservoir.

Despite its popularity, Red Tarn remains a peaceful and tranquil spot, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the wider Lake District range, from the tarn’s shores.

Description

Red Tarn is a small lake situated in the eastern region of the English Lake District, in the county of Cumbria. It is situated high up on the eastern flank of Helvellyn, beneath Striding Edge and Catstye Cam. The tarn is named after the colour of the surrounding screes rather than its water.

The lake was formed when the glacier that carved out the eastern side of Helvellyn had melted. The depth of Red Tarn is now about 80 ft, although in the mid-1800s, it was dammed with boulders to increase capacity. The dam was built to supply the needs of the Greenside Mine near Glenridding. However, the dam has now gone, and the tarn has returned to its natural size.

Nestling between the encircling arms of Helvellyn’s two edges, Red Tarn is a popular destination for hikers, climbers and mountaineers. It contains brown trout and schelly, a freshwater herring. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk around the tarn or climb to the summit of Helvellyn via Striding Edge or Swirral Edge.

History

Red Tarn is a small mountain lake located in the eastern part of the Lake District, Cumbria, England. It is situated on the eastern slope of Helvellyn, one of the highest peaks in the region. The tarn was formed during the last ice age, when glaciers carved out the eastern side of Helvellyn, leaving behind a depression that later filled with water.

The name “Red Tarn” is derived from the reddish-brown colour of the surrounding screes, which are made up of loose rocks and boulders. The water in the tarn is not actually red, but rather a clear blue-green colour.

Red Tarn has been an important source of water for the local community for centuries. In the mid-19th century, a dam was built to increase the tarn’s capacity and supply water to the Greenside Mine near Glenridding. However, the dam has since been removed, and the tarn has returned to its natural size.

Today, Red Tarn is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Striding Edge and Catstye Cam. The tarn is also home to brown trout and schelly, a freshwater herring, making it a popular spot for fishing.

Hiking to Red Tarn

Routes

Red Tarn is a mountain lake located below the summit of Helvellyn in the Lake District, England. There are several routes to get to Red Tarn, but one of the most popular is the Swirls Car Park route. This route starts at Swirls Car Park and climbs to the summit of Helvellyn, passing Red Tarn along the way. Another popular route is the Greenside Mine route, which starts in Glenridding and also passes Red Tarn on the way to Helvellyn.

Difficulty

The hike to Red Tarn is considered a moderate to difficult hike, depending on the route taken. The Swirls Car Park route is the easier of the two, but still requires a good level of fitness and proper hiking gear. The Greenside Mine route is more challenging and requires a higher level of fitness and experience.

Preparation

Before embarking on a hike to Red Tarn, hikers should ensure they are properly prepared. This includes wearing appropriate hiking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, and bringing enough food and water for the duration of the hike. Hikers should also check the weather forecast and bring a map and compass, as the weather can change quickly in the Lake District.

Safety Tips

Hiking in the Lake District can be dangerous, so hikers should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes staying on marked trails and the path, not straying too close to the edge of cliffs, and being aware of changing weather conditions. Hikers should also let someone know their planned route and expected return time. In case of emergency, hikers should carry a fully charged mobile phone and know how to call for help. Overall, hiking to Red Tarn is a rewarding experience for those who are properly prepared and take necessary safety precautions. The stunning views and peaceful surroundings make it a must-see destination for hikers visiting the Lake District.

Wildlife

Red Tarn is an excellent spot for wildlife spotting. Visitors can see a range of animals and birds in their natural habitat. Here are some of the creatures that can be spotted in and around Red Tarn:

• Red Deer: Red Deer are the largest land mammal in the UK and can be seen in the surrounding hills and valleys.
• Mountain Hares: These hares are well adapted to the harsh mountain environment and are often seen in the area.
• Golden Eagles: These majestic birds of prey can be spotted soaring above the mountains.
• Ring Ouzel: The Ring Ouzel is a bird that is related to the blackbird and can be seen in the surrounding hills and valleys.
• Red Grouse: These birds are a common sight in the area and can often be heard making their distinctive call.

The area around Red Tarn is also home to a range of smaller mammals, including voles, shrews, and mice. Visitors may also spot reptiles such as lizards and adders.

It’s important to remember that the wildlife in the area is wild and should not be approached or disturbed. Visitors should keep a safe distance and observe from a distance to avoid disturbing the natural habitat.

Red Tarn Beck

Conclusion

Red Tarn is a stunning mountain tarn located in the eastern region of the English Lake District, beneath Striding Edge and Catstye Cam. It is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and mountaineers who come to enjoy the beautiful scenery and challenging terrain.

The tarn was formed when the glacier that carved out the eastern side of Helvellyn melted, creating a deep pool of water that is now about 25 metres deep. In the mid-nineteenth century, a dam was built to increase its capacity and supply the needs of the Greenside Mine near Glenridding. However, the dam has since been removed, and the tarn has returned to its natural size.

Despite its popularity, Red Tarn remains a peaceful and tranquil spot, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and mountaineering, as well as simply relaxing and taking in the views.

Overall, Red Tarn is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and excitement of the English Lake District. With its stunning scenery, challenging terrain, and peaceful atmosphere, it is sure to be a highlight of any trip to the area.