A short walk of Loughrigg Tarn

Loughrigg Tarn is a beautiful place—a tarn I first visited in 2005 on a warm, sunny day in May. I often venture back with my wife Lil, for it is always a place to allow relaxation, a serene location to dismiss the stresses of life.

As it is a favourite of mine, it was also a favoured spot of William Wordsworth, who in his Epistle to Sir George Howland Beaumont Bart likened it to "Diana's Looking-glass... round clear and bright as heaven"—a reference to Lake Nemi, the mirror of Diana in Rome. He knew a good place to contemplate and compose!

Most people walk to the tarn from Ambleside as I did on my first occasion, but the best way is to start from the roadside car park off the B5343 near Little Loughrigg Caravan Park. From the car park, follow a track through the wooded fell northward to Crag Head. From here, simply turn east and cross the quiet tarn-side road to access the tarn itself on its northern shore. Now it's time to chill out and find a place for a family picnic!

After your break for refreshment, take a leisurely stroll all the way around the tarn, and don't forget to look north-west for fantastic views of the Langdale Pikes. If you're feeling energetic, you just might contemplate heading up into the heights of the Langdale Pikes like I always do!

For today, however, my thoughts are on lower ground and less strenuous activity. I take it all in as I complete an ever-so-slow round of the water. There is no rushing on this walk; it is all taken sedately. After finishing my loop, it's a simple task to meet the road again and follow it a short way to Crag Head for a gentle walk back to the car. A lovely walk, and I'm not even puffed!