Loughrigg Tarn
Getting there, parking, where to stay and the fells you can walk straight from Loughrigg Tarn.
Loughrigg Tarn at a glance
Loughrigg Tarn is a small, reedy lowland tarn tucked beneath Loughrigg Fell, between Grasmere and Skelwith Bridge — a gentle, pastoral spot a world away from the high mountain tarns. Wordsworth loved it, comparing it to Lake Nemi in Italy and calling it the "Diana of the lakes". Its great asset is the view: across the water to the shapely Langdale Pikes.
Quick facts
| What it is | A small, pastoral lowland tarn below Loughrigg Fell |
| The walk | An easy stroll on lanes/paths; part of many Loughrigg and Elterwater circuits |
| Can you swim? | No — it's privately owned, with no public swimming or access to the water |
| Famous for | Wordsworth's "Diana of the lakes"; the Langdale Pikes view |
| Getting there | On foot from Grasmere, Skelwith Bridge or Elterwater |
Where is Loughrigg Tarn?
Loughrigg Tarn near Grasmere, in the Lake District. Zoom and pan to explore — or see all the Lake District lakes & waters on one map.
The walk
The tarn is circled by quiet lanes and field paths and is best enjoyed as part of a gentle low-level round — linking Loughrigg Fell, Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater — rather than a destination in itself. The classic view is from the lane on its northern side, looking over the reeds to the Pikes.
The fell above
Directly above rises Loughrigg Fell, one of the District's finest little viewpoints — an easy climb that pairs naturally with the tarn. The tarn lies between Grasmere and Elter Water.
Getting there & parking
There's no dedicated car park at the tarn; reach it on foot from Grasmere, Skelwith Bridge or Elterwater (use their car parks). Please keep to the paths — much of the surrounding land is private farmland.
Fells & walks near Loughrigg Tarn
Straight-line distances from the centre of Loughrigg Tarn — the nearest summits with a full guide on this site.
All walks from Loughrigg Tarn → — every route and fell within about 5 km, ranked, with today’s conditions.
Events & festivals
Planning a trip around a show or festival? See our Lake District events & festivals guide for what's on near Loughrigg Tarn — traditional Lakeland sports, agricultural shows and seasonal events, month by month.
📚 Maps & guidebooks for Loughrigg Tarn
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