Loughrigg Tarn: Difference between revisions
some minor changes, additional info about parking, two external links
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{{SHORTDESC:Small body of water by Loughrigg Fell}}
<div class="res-img">[[File:Loughrigg Tarn from Loughrigg Fell (5816).jpg]]{{c|A cloudy view of Loughrigg Tarn taken from Loughrigg Fell}}</div>
'''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, once a hamlet of cottages, was originally owned by the Benson family, an then later the Balme family who extended and
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.<ref name="smith">{{smith-tarns|20}}</ref> 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 {{w1|William Heaton Cooper}} 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."<ref>{{cooper-1960|181}}</ref> 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
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, the lowest section between Loughriff Fell and [[Silver How]], 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.<ref name="smith"/> Similarly this happened with [[Blea Tarn (Langdale)|Blea Tarn]], the hanging valley situated in between the heads of the Great and Little Langdale.
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==Visiting==
Access to the tarn is via the A593 and then Ellers Brow. This road borders the hamlet of Loughrigg, a scattering of houses
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 (see external sites), as well as canoeing and kayaking for those that have their own crafts
There is also plenty of wildlife that call this place home, including minnow, pike, perch, ducks, moorhens and whooper swans, the latter of which also return annually to Elter Water, the lake that is literally named after these majestic birds (just don't get too close).
==Parking==
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. Although further away, another option is [[Rydal Hall]], which offers parking on their grounds for £10 for the whole day. If you are lucky enough, the roadside leading to Rydal Hall and [[Rydal Mount]] sometimes has space, just make sure you do not block the entrance to the church or private driveways. There is a very small car park at Pelter Bridge, off the A591 and over a small hump-back bridge, but you need to get there early as it is usually full most of the day. The last resort, and this is said with bitter disappointment because there is so much potential for this car park, is White Moss Common. The land is owned by the Lowther Estate but managed terribly with extremely overpriced charges and a ANPR system in place.
==External sites==
*[https://www.swimthelakes.co.uk/10906/tarn-swimming/ Swim the Lakes – Tarn swimming] – The Lake District’s Open Water Swimming Specialists
*[https://swimmingthelakes.com/2015/07/15/31-32-lily-tarn-loughrigg-tarn/ Swimming the Lakes – No.32 Loughrigg Tarn] – A personal challenge to swim every lake and tarn in the Lake District
==References==
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