Tarn at Leaves Tarn

Tarn at Leaves? That's a strange name I thought; when I first read it on the map. I should imagine what I did next was the same thing that many other people must do, which was to do a double take, just to be sure I'd read it properly. But Tarn at Leaves is indeed the name of this wonderful tarn. Sadly however, I haven't been able to discover how it came by such an enchanting name.

The tarn is found at the northern end of a long and undulating ridge running from Allen Crags, past Glaramara, Combe Door, a host of tarns and ending at the lower end above Stonethwaite. A full days walk, including a route across the length of the ridge is by far the best way to reach Tarn at Leaves. Although, for those less then keen to undertake an expedition of that length, you can still reach the tarn by taking a much shorter route from the Borrowdale road, entering The Combe and then walking up the fellside near Rottenstone Gill.

Having an unusual beauty is how I'd describe Tarn at Leaves. It's mountain setting among the confusion of rocky outcrops certainly help to make it an attractive place, but the tarn alone can still manages to captivate the more appreciative walker. Particularly when viewed from the summit of Bessyboot; which regrettably is quite often the sole aim of may peoples visit to this wonderfully interesting area of the Lake District. Anyone suffering from an inquisitive disposition could spend many enjoyable hours exploring the area around this end of the ridge.

Map and Gallery:

 Area Map