Blind Tarn

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Cumberland Carlisle

England

Blind Tarn

Track Near Clesketts I was forced off the main right of way by a large herd of cows with calves in the fields near Tortie. — Track Near Clesketts Credit: Michael Graham

Blind Tarn is a tranquil freshwater pool located in the district of Cumberland, in the North West region of England. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of the Lake District National Park, this natural gem offers a serene and scenic retreat for nature enthusiasts and visitors alike.

With a surface area of approximately 2 hectares, Blind Tarn is a relatively small body of water, yet it boasts remarkable beauty and ecological significance. Surrounded by verdant hills and lush woodlands, the tarn is a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a mesmerizing sight.

The tarn is home to various species of freshwater fish, including trout and perch, making it a popular spot for anglers. The tranquil atmosphere and abundance of wildlife also attract birdwatchers and nature photographers, who can capture stunning images of waterfowl, such as mallards and teal, as well as the occasional heron or kingfisher.

The shoreline of Blind Tarn is adorned with vibrant vegetation, including reeds and rushes that fringe the water's edge. These provide valuable habitat for a variety of amphibians and insects, adding to the area's biodiversity.

Visitors to Blind Tarn can enjoy the peaceful ambiance by taking a leisurely stroll around its perimeter, or simply sit and admire the breathtaking views. The tarn offers a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to connect with nature and experience the serenity of this enchanting freshwater oasis.

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Blind Tarn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.926491/-2.6617275 or Grid Reference NY5759. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track Near Clesketts

I was forced off the main right of way by a large herd of cows with calves in the fields near Tortie.

Michael Graham

Old Quarry, Forest Head

Impressive line of brick columns by the main quarry

Michael Graham

Kirkhouse Farm

From the mid 18th to early 19th centuries, the Earl of Carlisle's coal and mineral operations were managed by successive colliery agents, who lived at this property in Kirkhouse. They were also responsible for running the farm, which provided food for the workers and horses. The last agent became a leaseholder, creating the firm of Thompson & Sons, which carried on until 1908 (information from 'Colliery settlements in east Cumberland', Harris 1974 Link

). The front of the Grade II listed farmhouse can be seen here NY5659 : Kirkhouse Farmhouse .

Rose and Trev Clough

Office Cottage, Kirkhouse

This house with a clock on the wall, built around 1836, was originally the office for the Earl of Carlisle's collieries. Kirkhouse is a quiet hamlet today, compared to the 19th century when there was a busy depot here servicing the coal and mineral industries Link

. The cottage is a listed building - more information at Historic England Link

Rose and Trev Clough

Victorian postbox, Kirkhouse

It is on the farmhouse wall at Kirkhouse Farm.

Rose and Trev Clough

Field walls, Kirkhouse

The near wall, beside the road, is covered in mosses and ferns but there is practically no vegetation on the far wall. At the end of the latter is an unusual little square building, bearing some resemblance to a dovecote.

Rose and Trev Clough

Lowthian Hall, Kirkhouse

There is a stone plaque over the door, inscribed 'LOWTHIAN CHURCH HALL 1928'. This fooled us for a bit into thinking it was a converted building, but since found out the church hall was demolished, and this house built in around 2003.

Rose and Trev Clough

Telephone box at Kirkhouse

Next to an entrance to the old graveyard of Farlam parish church.

Rose and Trev Clough

Farlam Old Churchyard

Belonging to the parish church of St Thomas a Becket, Farlam, which is situated at Kirkhouse.

Rose and Trev Clough

Family headstone of Joseph Bell, Chief Engineer, Titanic

Joseph Bell was born in Farlam in 1861. He joined the White Star Line in 1885, and worked his way up to the position of Chief Engineer on the Titanic. He, and all the engineering crew, went down with the ship when it sunk in 1912. This is the gravestone of Joseph's mother, brother and great grandfather. An inscription in memory of the engineer was added - presumably shortly after the disaster. See NY5659 : Memorial inscription to Joseph Bell - Titanic victim . For more information about Joseph Bell, see Link

and Link

Rose and Trev Clough

Memorial inscription to Joseph Bell - Titanic victim

Joseph Bell was Chief Engineer on the Titanic. As the stricken ship began to flood, he and his staff remained at their posts. Their efforts prevented the boilers from exploding and maintained power for the wireless and lighting, buying time for others to escape. All 35 engineers and electricians perished (information from Wikipedia Link

). A tribute to Joseph was added to the headstone of his family's grave in Farlam churchyard, shortly after his death (photos of site here Link & Link ). The stone had eroded over the years, and was restored in 2014 Link

. Note the unconventional spelling of 'grater' - 2nd row from bottom.

Rose and Trev Clough

Joseph Bell memorial, Farlam Old Churchyard

Showing the surroundings of the red sandstone grave marker described in this photo NY5659 : Family headstone of Joseph Bell, Chief Engineer, Titanic .

Rose and Trev Clough

Kirkhouse Gasworks

Former colliery gasworks. Gas was generated from coke ovens. Built in 1883 for the Earl of Carlisle, to provide lighting to the houses and workshops in the locality. The building was converted to a colliery foundry c.1920. It was Grade 2* Listed in 1984.

Matthew Hatton

Bog Cottages

Now derelict, this row of cottages was built c.1883 to house workers for the nearby coke ovens and gas works. They are in rapid decline.

Matthew Hatton

Old Building at Kirkhouse Gasworks

Originally marked as engine shed, it is later shown as ore hopper. The large metal door seems to be located where a rail line may have entered, and then presumably coal or coke was loaded into waiting waggons. It is of sandstone and brick construction, and clearly of two different building periods.

Matthew Hatton

Kirkhouse Farmhouse

Built in the late 18thC with alterations c.1833 and additions in the mid 19thC. This was the house of the colliery agent for the Earl of Carlisle's collieries, James Thompson (later the lessee of the collieries). It was used as an office, and was converted into a farmhouse in the early 20thC. It was Grade 2 Listed in 1984.

Matthew Hatton

Trees on the left mark the Lord Carlisle's Railway

The Brampton and Hartleyburn Railway, first pioneered by the Lord of Carlisle's agent James Thompson, used this line to reach the collieries and smelter works at Tindale and limestone quarries at Foresthead and Clowsgill Limeworks.

Matthew Hatton

Memorial to a Soldier of WW1

Joseph Fairlamb Remembered with Honour Private 17464, 11th Bn., Border Regiment who died on 19 January 1915 Husband of Mrs. M. Barnes (formerly Fairlamb), of Crooks Tannery, Scotby, Carlisle

Matthew Hatton

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Blind Tarn is located at Grid Ref: NY5759 (Lat: 54.926491, Lng: -2.6617275)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Carlisle

Police Authority: Cumbria