Kentmere Tarn

Kentmere Tarn is a small body of water in the Kentmere valley, Cumbria, inside the Lake District. It lies in a quiet farming valley east of Windermere. The draw here is the story: a lake that was drained, mined, and then reborn in a new shape.

What is Kentmere Tarn?

Today's tarn is not the original glacial lake. It is water that filled an old pit. The first lake was drained in the first half of the 19th century, in the 1830s or early 1840s, to create farmland. The ground turned out sour and waterlogged, and a second attempt in the 1870s fared no better.

The lake bed held a thick layer of diatomite, a pale earth made of the silica shells of microscopic algae that settled over thousands of years. In the 20th century it was dug out on an industrial scale, using draglines among other equipment. When the works closed, water flooded the pit. The result is the narrow tarn on the map now, smaller than the lake it replaced.

What will you see?

You will see a long, slim stretch of water edged by meadows and the dry-stone walls typical of Cumbria. Gentle hills close in around the valley, with the Kentmere fells beyond. From above, the industrial past shows more clearly, since the outline of the pit and the flat ground around it differ from a natural lake setting.

The valley carries other marks of that history. Draining the lake and bogs upset the River Kent. The peatlands had once released water slowly, keeping the river steady. Afterwards its flow swung widely, which disrupted the mills downstream. The answer was Kentmere Reservoir at the head of the valley, authorised by an 1845 act and finished in 1848.

How do you get to Kentmere?

Kentmere village sits a few miles from Staveley, and Kendal is roughly 8 km beyond that. Driving is easiest, along a narrow lane from Staveley. Parking is limited, so leave the car near the village church and continue on foot. Public transport in the valley is thin: take a train or bus to Staveley, then walk or take a taxi.

When should you go?

Spring and early autumn are best, with long days and drier paths. Summer is calmer here than around Windermere or Ambleside. In winter, wind and rain dominate and footpaths turn muddy. Wear waterproof boots in any season.

What else can you combine with a visit?

The valley is a popular start for hill walks. The longest route is the Kentmere Horseshoe, a circuit over the surrounding summits. A shorter stroll along the river and to St Cuthbert's church fills half a day. There are no visitor facilities at the tarn, so bring your own food and water.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kentmere Tarn a natural lake?

Not in its present form. The original lake was drained in the 19th century, and today's tarn formed when the diatomite pit flooded.

What is diatomite?

A light sedimentary rock made from diatom shells. It is used for filters, abrasives and insulation, among other things.

Can you swim here?

There is no organised swimming area or equipment hire. The tarn works mainly as a viewpoint and a short-walk destination.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, the valley is open to all. Respect private farmland and keep to marked paths.