Kelly Hall Tarn is a small tarn south of the village of Torver, in the Conniston area if the Lake District. It is very easy of access, being only a couple of minutes walk from the nearest road, but it makes an excellent location for photographing the Conniston Fells. The tarn itself is in a slightly elevated hollow, with a few trees around it – one in particular making a fine subject. The Old Man of Conniston is the main fell backing the tarn and this is located NNW of the tarn. This makes it a good location for early mornings with the sun shining on the mountains, although the tarn remains in shadow until an hour or so after sunrise. Evenings may also be a good time, however in mid summer the sun sets behind the mountains, leaving them in shadow.
Location and Parking
Post Code: LA21 8BJ
What 3 Words – wink.coherent.specifies
Kelly Hall Tarn is adjacent to the A5084 immediately south of the village of Torver, which itself is south of Conniston. The A593 passes through Torver, and in the village take the A5084 west. After about 0.7 miles there is a Land Rover dealer on the left and the parking area for Kelly Hall Tarn is on the right. The tarn is reached by a 2 minute uphill walk.
Kelly Hall Tarn
The tarn is nestled in a slight depression, with fine views towards the Conniston Fells. The Old Man of Conniston is the most prominent, with Goat Crag to its left.
Kelly Hall Tarn And The Conniston Fells
The tarn is a good location at any time of the day. In the early morning, the sun can light up the Conniston Fells, however the tarn foreground will remain in shadow until about an hour after sunrise.
Morning Light On The Conniston Fells
Conniston Fells from Kelly Hall Tarn
Kelly Hall Tarn Lone Tree
There are a number of trees around the tarn, but one on the west bank stands in isolation, so makes a good subject to photograph across the tarn.
Kelly Hall Tree At Sunrise
Kelly Hall Tree
In summer, the tarn is filled with water lilies, so this adds further to the composition.
Kelly Hall Tree and Lilies
Kelly Hall Tarn is also a good location for sunsets, however around mid-summer the sun sets behind the fells, so they are thrown into deep shadow. Sunset in other seasons would work better as the setting sun would shine onto at least part of the fells. Unfortunately we have yet to visit Kelly Hall Tarn for a sunset.