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Burnmoor Tarn

Wild Swimming Spot

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Moorland, Lakeside, Mountain

Swimming

Summer

Peter Trimming / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Burnmoor Tarn is a large, lonely tarn lying out on open moorland high between the valleys of Eskdale and Wasdale, in the western Lake District. It is one of the biggest natural tarns in the district, a wide sheet of water in a hollow on the fells, far from any road and reached only on foot across mi...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

1

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

8 day, 2 overnight

The Boot Inn – Boot, Eskdale, The Woolpack Inn – Eskdale, Brook House Inn​

Scafell View Apartment

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Burnmoor Tarn?
Cumbria holds this remote body of water high up on Eskdale Fell. Walkers usually reach the site by following an old packhorse route climbing from a nearby village.

What type of place is Burnmoor Tarn?
Burnmoor Tarn is a large natural mountain lake in the Lake District fells of Cumbria.

When is the best time to visit Burnmoor Tarn?
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures if you fancy a proper swim in the wild. Clear mornings during July and August present the finest conditions for a hike up the fell.

What can you do at Burnmoor Tarn?
Swimming in the dark glacial water provides a proper wilderness experience. Hikers also enjoy exploring the high moorland ridges and photographing the old Victorian fishing lodge on the shore.

How long should I spend at Burnmoor Tarn?
Allocating half a day ensures you have ample time to complete the walk from the valley and enjoy a dip. Serious walkers often stay longer to combine the tarn with a trek up Scafell Pike.

Where do I park at Burnmoor Tarn?
Spaces for ten vehicles exist near the trailheads, split into eight day and two overnight slots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Burnmoor Tarn?
The Boot Inn, The Woolpack Inn, and Brook House Inn offer three spots for a hearty meal after your descent. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Burnmoor Tarn?
Scafell View Apartment provides a comfortable base in the local area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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