Dalehead Tarn

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Cumberland Allerdale

England

Dalehead Tarn

Rocks and bracken at summit area of High Doat The northward view from the high point of the modest hill, High Doat near to Seatoller in Borrowdale.
Castle Crag lies at the centre of the image with the Skiddaw group in the distance, the highest tops hidden in mist. — Rocks and bracken at summit area of High Doat Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Dalehead Tarn is a small but picturesque body of water located in the county of Cumberland, England. Situated amidst the breathtaking landscape of the Lake District National Park, this tarn is nestled in a secluded valley, surrounded by rolling hills and verdant moorlands.

Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, Dalehead Tarn is classified as a lake due to its size and depth, although some may consider it more akin to a pool or pond due to its intimate nature. The tarn is fed by natural springs and rainfall, ensuring a constant supply of fresh, clear water throughout the year.

Surrounded by a diverse range of flora and fauna, Dalehead Tarn is home to numerous species of waterfowl, including swans, ducks, and geese. The tranquil setting of the tarn attracts a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The shores of the tarn are fringed with reeds and grasses, creating a freshwater marsh habitat that supports a rich array of plant life. Visitors can expect to see vibrant wildflowers, such as water lilies and yellow flag iris, adding to the natural beauty of the location.

Dalehead Tarn offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in nature. Its calm waters provide an ideal setting for fishing, and anglers can try their luck at catching brown trout, which thrive in the tarn's depths.

Accessible by footpaths and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Dalehead Tarn is a hidden gem within the Lake District. Its tranquility and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Dalehead Tarn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.526583/-3.1915171 or Grid Reference NY2215. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rocks and bracken at summit area of High Doat

The northward view from the high point of the modest hill, High Doat near to Seatoller in Borrowdale. Castle Crag lies at the centre of the image with the Skiddaw group in the distance, the highest tops hidden in mist.

Trevor Littlewood

Path on slope of Castle Crag

The path crossing the image is one descending from Castle Crag which rises out of the image to the right. The less clear path immediately in front of the camera position leads to a rock and seat where there's an inscribed tablet telling of the gift to the nation of the land surrounding Castle Crag by Agnes Hamer in memory of her husband, Sir William. Beyond, the valley of Broadslack Gill is overlooked by the broken east face of High Spy.

Trevor Littlewood

Bracken covered slope descending towards Seatoller

The slope is on the minor hill, High Doat, south-west of its summit. The central, sunlit hill is known as Thornythwaite Fell which has little individual identity and is basically a rising ridge continuing to Glaramara, a summit on the skyline above.

Trevor Littlewood

Path to Dale Head summit from Honister Hause

A public footpath follows the fence up the hill from Honister Hause to the top of Dale Head.

Graham Robson

Path climbing to Dale Head

The public footpath which climbs the fellside from Honister Hause to the summit of Dale Head.

Graham Robson

Dale Head summit

The windswept summit of Dale Head which sits at the head of the Newlands valley.

Graham Robson

Path on Hindscarth Edge

Looking along the path which follows the top of the ridge between the summits of Dale Head and Hindscarth.

Graham Robson

Newlands Valley

Looking down into the Newlands valley from Hindscarth Edge. The precipitous crags on the western flanks of High Spy and Maiden Moor can be seen on the far side of the valley.

Graham Robson

Hindscarth Crags

Looking towards Hindscarth Crags on the eastern flank of Hindscarth fell from the footpath crossing Hindscarth Edge between Dale Head and the aforementioned fell top.

Graham Robson

Hindscarth Edge

Looking along the narrow ridge top between the fell summits of Dale Head and Hindscarth.

Graham Robson

Shelter on Hindscarth

One of two shelters at or near the top of Hindscarth. This one is positioned at the northern end of the short summit ridge at a point that permits panoramic views into the valleys below.

Graham Robson

Hindscarth summit

The highest point on Hindscarth is marked by a roughly built shelter. It is smaller than the shelter located to the north which has better views but is lower.

Graham Robson

Below Low Scawdel

Looking across from Castle Crag. Old mine workings are visible.

Ian Taylor

South from Castle Crag

Looking up Borrowdale from Castle Crag, with the relatively low wooded fell, High Doat, in the centre. Glaramara (centre), Great End and Scafell Pike (right) are beyond.

Ian Taylor