Lanty's Tarn from Glenridding circular

Start : Beckside Car Park, Main car park at Glenridding (nearest postcode CA11 0PA) Grid ref. NY 385 169

(S/E) Walk back to the main road (A592), turn right (South) and follow the pavement across the bridge then turn immediately right again (West-South-West). Now walk with shops on your left and Glenridding Beck on your right. The shops soon run out, pass the village hall and continue along the track to where it splits; the right hand path leading to the campsite and the left hand track leading uphill.

(1) Take the left hand track (South-West) uphill to some houses and a gate into a drive. There is a wooden gate on the left, pass through this into woodland and follow the path up through the woods. Pass through another gate, turn right and walk across the bottom end of a field to a stone wall and further gate. Do not go through this gate, instead follow the path that turns back on itself ascends diagonally (South-East) across the field and up to flatter grassy area.

(2) Descend to the a wooden vehicle gate on the right leading to Lanty's Tarn and a small pedestrian gate straight ahead. Go through the smaller gate and follow the path to the top of Keldas, where there are some good views. (Take care as there is a steep drop into an old quarry/crag)

(3) From the top of Keldas retrace your steps back to the junction à waypoint (2). (It is usual to pass through the large gate and walk beside Lanty's Tarn but the storms of winter 2021/2022 caused damage to trees that are still being cleared so at present (December 2022) this route is closed to walkers)

(2) Take the path with the stone boundary wall of the wood on your left; as you walk (West then South-West) you will see how the trees on the far side of the wall have taken the brunt of the storms and many are uprooted, bringing parts of the wall down with them.

The path will lead to another wall, ahead of you and a gap on the left open. Go through the gap and walk downhill, again with the boundary wall of the wood on your left, this will bring you out on the track in front of Lanty's Tarn. Turn right and follow the track (South) for around 400 m past the dam wall and then down and rightwards to a gate in a wall.

(4) Go through the gate and turn immediately left (South-East) to follow a path down the grassy hillside. Pass through another gate and follow the road to cross a bridge over Grisedale Beck to a T-junction. Turn left (East) and carefully follow the road (for around 900 m) down past the entrance to Patterdale Hall to a T-junction with the A592.

(5)Turn left again and follow the path (which crosses and re-crosses the A592 road -take care-) back to Glenridding and the parking (S/E)

Start : Beckside Car Park, Main car park at Glenridding (nearest postcode CA11 0PA) Grid ref. NY 385 169

Parking : Park in the main car park at Glenridding £3.00 for 2 hours between 9:00 and 18:00.

Note : No shelters on this walk but it is only short and at low level.

Terrain : It can be muddy after rain and the field between points 4 and 5 can have slippery grass when wet. Wear appropriate shoes. Approach shoes or trainers will do when dry but something with a grip is useful when it is wet.

Take care at the top of Keldas with the steep drop, it is marked but be forewarned if you have young children with you.

When the tarn is full water may flood the section beside the pedestrian gate at (2), waterproof boots will deal with this but trainer type shoes will get you wet feet.

Alternative start : Note If you are staying in one of the lodges or accommodation at Patterdale Hall you can take an alternative route back. Just before crossing the bridge to get to waypoint (4) there is a gate on the left leading into the Patterdale Hall Estate and signposted as such. Residents are able to take this path and it will lead down through the woods with the river on your right to the drive leading to Patterdale Hall. The estate grounds below Keldas are criss-crossed with paths and residents can pick up a map from reception. There is an old ice house to find and interesting paths to follow.

Some interesting views and some varied scenery as you walk up to Keldas. The alternative route through the Patterdale Hall Estate is worthwhile if you are a resident.

The walk can be extended on the way back by heading South-West from waypoint (5) and doing a loop of the pasture land at the bottom of Grisedale, returning to waypoint (4) or by linking it with another walk in the area.