Loughrigg Tarn is a small natural lake in the Lake District, about 2 miles west of Ambleside and half a mile north of Skelwith Bridge. Loughrigg Fell rises immediately to the east of the tarn, but this is not the main view for photographers, but rather the more distant view of the Langdale Peaks rising to the west. The tarn is only 0.2 miles across, so it only a short walk to circumnavigate the tarn, however there is only a path on two sides, and to complete the round it is necessary to take the road that sits further back around the west and south sides of the tarn.
Location and Parking
Post Code: LA22 9HF
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Take the A593 west out of Ambleside, heading towards Skelwith Bridge. In just under 2 miles, turn right onto Ellers Brow, which is signposted to High Close. Continue on Ellers Brow for 0.2 miles passing first Mileydale Lodge then another small group of houses. Just past these houses there is the start of the track to Loughrigg Tarn with space to park a couple of cars. If the parking space is full, continue on Ellers Brow for a further 0.1 miles where here is more parking on the left.
Loughrigg Tarn
The track from the first parking area goes through attractive woodland to reach a farmhouse where the track splits. Take the left track through a gate which leads to a view across Loughrigg Tarn with the Langdale Pikes in the background.
The Path To Loughrigg Tarn
Loughrigg Tarn
To access the edge of the tarn, pass through a gate in the fence. Towards the right, there is a fence that runs into the tarn which makes a good lead-in for views of the fells. There are also areas of reeds, rocks and fallen trees to add foreground interest.
Sunrise At Loughrigg Tarn
Fallen Trees At Loughrigg Tarn
Continuing along the shore to the right and there is a lone tree that juts out over the water. This makes an obvious subject, but it is difficult to isolate it from the background unless there is some mist to obscure the far hillside.
Lone Tree At Loughrigg Tarn
The main attraction of Loughrigg Tarn remains the view towards the Langdale Pikes, particularly in the autumn. Here, early morning sunlight further saturates the gold and yellows of the trees around the tarn.
Autumn Colours At Loughrigg Tarn