Harrop Tarn
Getting there, parking, where to stay and the fells you can walk straight from Harrop Tarn.
Harrop Tarn at a glance
Harrop Tarn is a quiet, reedy tarn set in conifer woodland on the fellside above Thirlmere, reached by a short, steep climb from the Dob Gill car park through the trees. Atmospheric and little-visited, it's a fine short objective in its own right and the gateway to the wild central fell of Ullscarf beyond.
Quick facts
| What it is | A reedy forest tarn above the west shore of Thirlmere |
| The walk | A short ~1-mile climb from Dob Gill through woodland; longer onto Ullscarf |
| Can you swim? | Quiet and shallow/reedy — not a notable swim; the surrounding land is United Utilities forestry |
| Famous for | Its woodland setting; the approach to Ullscarf |
| Getting there | The Dob Gill car park on the west shore of Thirlmere |
Where is Harrop Tarn?
Harrop Tarn near Thirlmere, in the Lake District. Zoom and pan to explore — or see all the Lake District lakes & waters on one map.
The walk up
From Dob Gill, a path climbs steeply through the plantation beside the gill — passing a fine waterfall — to level out at the tarn in its hollow. It's a short, sharp half-hour up, and a peaceful spot once the forest opens to the water. Beyond, the path continues into open fell.
The fells above
The tarn is the natural start for Ullscarf, the broad, boggy central watershed fell, and looks back over Thirlmere to the Helvellyn range.
Fells & walks near Harrop Tarn
Straight-line distances from the centre of Harrop Tarn — the nearest summits with a full guide on this site.
All walks from Harrop Tarn → — every route and fell within about 5 km, ranked, with today’s conditions.
Getting there & parking
Use the Dob Gill car park on the minor west-shore road of Thirlmere (off the A591). It's a small car park; the woodland walk starts right from it.
Events & festivals
Planning a trip around a show or festival? See our Lake District events & festivals guide for what's on near Harrop Tarn — traditional Lakeland sports, agricultural shows and seasonal events, month by month.
📚 Maps & guidebooks for Harrop Tarn
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