For those of you that are thinking of going onto the hills I would strongly recommend that you read the advice given by the Mountain Rescue organisation of England and Wales. To read this advice, which will open in a new page please click HERE. If you would like to make a donation to the Mountain Rescue organisation which is purely voluntary please click HERE. Please make the time to read the advice page.

What a brilliant day to visit The Tarns. Blue skies and cotton wool clouds made this short walk a delight every step of the way. If I have to complain about anything it was that the breze was just strong enough to spoil any decent reflections. Even my breathing seemed to be better than on the last two walks so I am hoping that it was due to a possible reaction to my annual Flu jab and also a Pneumo jab. We were a little late in setting off due to the A591 being closed between Windermere and Ambleside. In the end we decided to go via Coniston.

Looking over Coniston Water towards Selside. The breeze was rippling the water so unfortunately no reflections today.

Looking up Coniston Water from Brown Howe.

Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man from near Beckstones

Parked up at Tom Gill and just starting the short walk up to The Tarns

The lower falls

Tom Gill fall....not much water today after a recent dryish spell

Before long we arrived at The Tarns

The dam built in 1865 which created The Tarns

       Before 1865 - 3 small tarns and an area of marshy land                               And after the one large tarn we have today

For more information on the history of the area click HERE (opens in new page)

Walking around The Tarns

We managed to find a seat on the western side and were soon in conversation with a couple from West Cumbria.

Looking over The Tarns to Wetherlam

We decided to walk back a little way to take the path up to the old car park

Being that little bit higher opens up the views more. Here to Black Crag.

Close up Wetherlam

I think we were just about at the road here with a view over Black Crag to the Eastern Fells

Langdale Pikes

The car park although not full wasn't far off. The ice-cream van was in attendance but I resisted today.

A Belted Galloway bull makes a fine forefround to the view over Holme Fell to the Langdale Pikes

He was totally unconcerned at our presence. Apparently they have two layers of fur. The tough waterproof outer skin and an undercoat like a beavers fur. Another piece of useless information!

Making our way down back to Tom Gill

But first a bite to eat at the delightful Yew Tree Farm. Once owned by Beatrix Potter in the 1930's and featured as "Hill Top" in the film Miss Potter starring Rene Zellweger.

Please note: From 1st November 2009 the cafe will be closed indefinitely apart from group bookings (15 or more)

The old spinning gallery.

Next Walk:      17th October 2009 - Lake District - On Gummer's How we saw a Virgin

Last Walk:       12th October 2009 - Lake District - Little Mell Fell and a visit to Rheged

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