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Red Tarn Walk

5.59 miles (9 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This circular walk from Glenridding climbs to Red Tarn on the eastern flank of Helvellyn, beneath Striding Edge and Catstye Cam. It's a fairly challenging 6 mile route which reaches a height of over 2300ft at the heigh points. You can extend the walk by clmbing up to the Helvellyn peak from the tarn but this is a challenging scramble and only recommended for experienced climbers.
The walk starts from the car park at Glenridding Bridge and follows footpaths south west to the lovely Lantys Tarn. The route then climbs to Hole-in-the-Wall with fine views of the fine countryside of Grisedale. Shortly after you come to Red Tarn, a popular resting spot for hikers on the way up to Helvellyn. The tarn was formed when the glacier that carved out the eastern side of Helvellyn had melted. The lake along with three others in Lake District is a habitat for the very rare and endangered Schelly fish. If you would like to continue to the Helvellyn peak you can head up to Swirral Edge next to the northern side of the tarn. It's a challenging section and will require good conditions and a head for heights.
This route then descends along Red Tarn Beck on a path which sits in between Glenridding Common and Birkhouse Moor. You continue towards Glenridding Beck with pretty waterfalls to enjoy on the way. The descent continues toward Rattlebeck Bridge, with a final waterside stretch along the beck, taking you back into Glenridding.
To continue your walking in the area you could try the climb to Helvellyn from Thirlmere or visit a wonderful waterfall on the Glenridding to Aira Force Walk.

Red Tarn OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Red Tarn Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Photos

Lanty's Tarn - geograph.org.uk - 1216781

Lanty's Tarn

Fine Day in Grisedale - geograph.org.uk - 746932

Fine Day in Grisedale

Path to Red Tarn - geograph.org.uk - 649074

Path to Red Tarn

Red Tarn and Catstycam - geograph.org.uk - 1414301

Red Tarn and Catstycam

Red Tarn and Catstycam - geograph.org.uk - 1414301

Red Tarn and Catstycam

Rowten Beck and Leat - geograph.org.uk - 303056

Rowten Beck and Leat

Weir on Glenridding Beck - geograph.org.uk - 1003073

Weir on Glenridding Beck

Glenridding Beck - geograph.org.uk - 1503009

Glenridding Beck

GPS Files

GPX File

Red Tarn.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Red Tarn.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)