Loughrigg Tarn

Loughrigg Tarn is a small body of water in an elevated position, located at the entrance of Great Langdale valley, sitting peacefully out sight to any passers-by unless they happen to be traversing the peaks of Loughrigg Fell. It is situated to the south-west below Loughrigg Fell, with the hamlet of Skelwith Bridge to the south and the smallest of the lakes, Elter Water, and the village of Elterwater, to the west. The tarn and the surrounding land of the High Close estate, originally owned by the Balme family and includes some 537 acres, are now under the care of the National Trust, which was acquired in 1952.

The tarn is almost circular in form, 94 metres above sea level and has a shallow basin of 10.3 metres at the northern shore, with grassland, scattered woodland and wetland areas on its gentles slopes towards the shoreline. It sits perfectly in the most exquisite surroundings, which can be appreciated in all its glory from the various upper viewpoints on Loughrigg Fell or from the bridleway and footpath from the north and east of its periphery. It is from the raised grassy fringes that one can appreciate the natural beauty of the area set among the mature trees of oak and larch. The aforementioned Balme family were responsible for planting many of the trees along the bridleway, which was once part of their private driveway. One tree they did not plant, as landscape artist writes, "decided its own pattern of life....an oak tree was pollarded many years ago, and out of its hearts have sprouted a yew, a holly, a rowan and a silver birch." The Langdale Pikes are prominent on the western horizon. Something to look out for are the vibrant hues of oranges and reds of the setting sun, the colours fading to subtle pastels before the darkness sets in.

Glacial creation
Loughrigg tarn is the result of glacial action. The ice that excavated this depression did not come from Great Langdale, but instead came from Grasmere to the north. It moved over the col of Red Bank in a south-easterly direction into Great Langdale. This action is known as diffluence where one tongue of ice effectively cuts across the boundary of two catchment areas, the result of which created the elevated basin of Loughrigg Tarn we see today. Similarly this happened with Blea Tarn, the hanging valley situated in between the heads of the Great and Little Langdale.



In literature
Alfred Wainwright writes of Loughrigg Tarn as being "one of the most secluded tarns", which is not difficult to understand why given its placement in the valley with a slightly elevated position, and that it "is rarely visible from the fells." Climbing the peak of Loughrigg Fell is as enjoyable as the scenery is dramatic. Not every view requires a peak of immense height. Although Loughrigg Fell is considered a lesser fell with regards to height, this does not make it any less worthy of its neighbours. Taking in the views from the top piques ones sense of excitement and wonder at what the tarn below looks like from such a proportionate height. Yet from the peak, Loughrigg Tarn is not at all visible. In fact it is on the descent that one will eventually see its charms as it appears between the rocky crags, revealing Elter Water and the northern edifice of Lingmoor Fell.

In William Wordsworth's Guide through the District of the Lakes, he describes: "Of this class of miniature lakes, Loughrigg Tarn near Grasmere is the most beautiful example. It has a margin of green firm meadows, of rocks, and rocky woods, a few reeds here, a little company of waterlilies there, with beds of gravel or stone beyond; a tiny stream issuing neither briskly nor sluggishly out of it; but its feeding rills, from the shortness of their course, so small as to be scarcely visible. Five or six cottages are reflected in its peaceful bosom; rocky and barren steeps rise up above the hanging enclosures; and the solemn pikes at Langdale overlook, from a distance, the low cultivated ridge of land that forms the northern boundary of this small, quiet and fertile domain."

Wordsworth describes a utopia where all that is good can be seen and experienced in this one, special place; an almost picture-perfect, artist's romanticised rendition of a secret hollow that would be suited well in a fantasy novel. The words immortalised by Wordsworth, however, ring true even to this day.



Etymology
Loughrigg tarn, pronounced "luff-rigg", roughly translates to the ridge above the lake. Loughrigg comes from the Old English word luh, meaning lough / loch, which itself is a borrowing from the Welsh word llwchor, and the Old Norse word hryggr, which means ridge (landform) and backbone, spine (anatomy). This word is also cognate with the Old English word hrycg, which also means spine.

Tarn comes from the Old Norse word tjörn, which means a small mountain lake, pond or pool. See the etymology section on the Tarns of the Lake District page for further details.

Visiting
Access to the tarn is via the A593 and then Ellers Brow. This road borders the hamlet of Loughrigg, a scattering of houses hidden behind mature trees and hedgerows, and climbs until it levels out near the south and western section of the tarn. Views can be had from the road, however, the better views can be explored further on foot using the public footpath from Tarn Foot Farm Campsite, which circles part of northern side. Visitors to the tarn will also undoubtably experience issues with parking unless they are camping here. Most of the country lanes are narrow and will not accommodate parked vehicles unless you find a lay-by, which is probably a passing place and shouldn't really be parked in. The nearest suitable parking is at Skelwith Bridge, which itself has limited parking and can be difficult to find a space after midmorning.

Walkers, hikers, cyclists and campsite residents will enjoy the cooling waters of the tarn, especially on warm and muggy days. Swimming is popular with many people who enjoy the freedom that comes with tarn swimming, as well as canoeing and kayaking for those that have their own crafts. There are multiple routes to explore the area on foot, with many paths criss-crossing on Loughrigg Fell. Depending on how far you are willing to walk, other paths allow further exploration of Elter Water, Skelwith Force, Colwith Force, Slater's Bridge and the disused quarries at Cathedral Cave and Hodge Close, to name but a few.