The serene and relatively unknown Harrop Tarn, surrounded by pine trees and perched 300m above Thirlmire, which is just a short walk from the car park

Harrop Tarn – a hidden Lake District gem

Harrop Tarn is a secluded and picturesque mountain tarn nestled in the Lake District of England, near Thirlmere. It is surrounded by dense woodlands and rugged fells, creating a tranquil setting that attracts walkers and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape. The tarn is quite accessible via a short scenic walk from Dobgill car park, where a well-marked trail leads through lush forests and alongside cascading waterfalls before opening up to the serene waters of Harrop Tarn. The tarn itself is relatively small but offers stunning reflections of the surrounding trees and hills, making it a favorite spot for photographers and those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake District.

The origins of Harrop Tarn date back to the last Ice Age, when glacial activity shaped the dramatic landscapes of the region. Today, it is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds such as herons and ducks, as well as an abundance of aquatic plants. The tarn’s remote and sheltered location makes it an excellent place for solitude, far removed from the more crowded tourist spots in the Lake District. Whether visited on a misty morning or a sunny afternoon, Harrop Tarn remains a hidden gem, offering a true sense of wilderness in one of England’s most beloved national parks.

Harrop Tarn – 2 walking route ideas

Below I have shared 2 walking route ideas, a very short one just to see Harrop Tarn which is great with kids – and a longer route featured in Trail Magazine (which I havent yet done!)

#1 HARROP TARN WALK
– SHORT ROUTE FROM DOBGILL CAR PARK

This is a really short route to see Harrop Tarn, which is 1 mile in total and a very family friendly walk. I’d recommend the path straight out of Dobgill Car Park as this is the most well-defined path. Don’t let the short distance fool you thouh as you’ll get the blood pumpng on the uphill. You might want to have a mooch around the Tarn once up there and maybe even a picnic if the weather is nice. To come back I’d recommend going the way you came as the path to the south flank of Dob Gill isn’t well defined and can be wet and very boggy in a lot of places. 

# HARROP TARN WALK 2
– LONG ROUTE INC. GREENUP EDGE & ULLSCARF

Here’s a route featured in Trail Magazine. Decent hill fitness is required, but the distance and ascent are far from daunting for most competent hillwalkers. It has good fell paths throughout, with steepness in a few places. It’s a very boggy walk though. First-rate navigation skills are required because the paths are indistinct in a few places, particularly the Wythburn Head to Greenup Edge section. Click the button below to view the full route desciption on OS Maps