Tarn Head Moss

Downs, Moorland in Lancashire South Lakeland

England

Tarn Head Moss

Goat's Water from Dow Crag View down Easter Gully to Goat’s Water from near the summit of Dow Crag. — Goat's Water from Dow Crag Credit: Adrian Taylor

Tarn Head Moss is a vast expanse of moorland located in Lancashire, England. Situated in the county's Downs region, it covers a significant area and is known for its unique natural beauty and ecological importance.

The moss is characterized by its undulating terrain, with stretches of open heathland interspersed with patches of dense vegetation and peat bogs. The landscape is dominated by heather, gorse, and bracken, creating a diverse and colorful display throughout the year. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds such as curlews, lapwings, and golden plovers.

Tarn Head Moss is known for its role in water management, acting as a natural reservoir by retaining rainwater and slowly releasing it into local streams and rivers. The moss plays a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle and supporting the surrounding ecosystems.

In addition to its ecological significance, Tarn Head Moss also holds historical importance. The area is dotted with remnants of ancient settlements, including stone circles and burial mounds, indicating human presence dating back thousands of years. These archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the region's rich and varied past.

Tarn Head Moss is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Its vast open spaces and unspoiled landscapes provide a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

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Tarn Head Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.383511/-3.1430216 or Grid Reference SD2599. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Goat's Water from Dow Crag

View down Easter Gully to Goat’s Water from near the summit of Dow Crag.

Adrian Taylor

Crag rim at summit area of Coniston Old Man

Snow residues lie at the edge of broken ground at the summit of the mountain. The crag rim and broad ridge extend initially to the north-west before turning north. The Scafell group of mountains lie in the distance at the centre of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Northern slope of Dow Crag

The darker slope rising to the left reaches Dow Crag. Goat's Hause is the col at the left side of the image from which a stream groove descends. Harter Fell is the pyramidal peak at the centre of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Boulders at shore of Goat's Water

Goat's Water lies between two mountains of the Coniston group. The Old Man of Coniston rises unseen to the right, Dow Crag, to the left, across the lake. Goat's Hause is the col in the distance.

Trevor Littlewood

Path rising towards Goat's Hause

The path is partly constructed using rocks set into the ground to minimise erosion. More work on the route seems to be planned - along the path line, below the image centre there are bagged boulders awaiting use to improve or repair the way. Goat's Hause is the obvious dip on the horizon.

Trevor Littlewood

Path between Brim Fell and Swirl How

Steven Brown

Path on Savin Hill

Steven Brown

Looking from Dow Crag towards Buck Pike

Steven Brown

Trig point atop The Old Man Of Coniston

Steven Brown

Benchmark, Coniston Old Man

Detail of the flush bracket benchmark on the Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar on the summit of Coniston Old Man. The flush bracket, benchmark number S5473, is on the south-west face of the pillar and marks a height of 802.233m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn), last levelled for height in 1950 (location photograph SD2797 : Triangulation Pillar, Coniston Old Man). Prior to 1974 this was the highest benchmark in the county of Lancashire.

Adrian Taylor

Triangulation Pillar, Coniston Old Man

The stone built Ordnance Survey triangulation pillar on the summit of Coniston Old Man. The pillar was constructed in 1950. The flush bracket benchmark number S5473 on the south-west face of the pillar marks a height of 802.233m above mean sea level (Ordnance Datum Newlyn) last levelled for height in 1950 (detail photograph SD2797 : Benchmark, Coniston Old Man). This was the highest located triangulation pillar in the county of Lancashire until 1974.

Adrian Taylor

Seathwaite Tarn (after Alfred Heaton Cooper)

Alfred Heaton Cooper painted Seathwaite Tarn before the dam was built in 1907. His picture can easily be found on the Internet. This photograph is close to the same view. The photograph shows the dam, and the water level is higher than in Heaton Cooper's day. Heaton Cooper's picture (at least in its reproductions) is squeezed in horizontally, but is otherwise a very accurate depiction of the scene.

Alan Jolley