Rambles with an artist Lantys Tarn

Lantys Tarn

Lantys Tarn painted in Pastels 

Start: Glenridding Gallery, Ullswater.

Three miles with approximately 530 feet of accent.

Walking boots recommended.

I was lucky the sun was shinning, skies of Blue and fabulous light, for this pretty trek up to lovely Lantys Tarn. This  easy fell walk  is suitable in just about any weather or season and time of day.

 It's a tarn that is like Marmite!!! It will either capture your heart or you will wonder where I see such beauty! I'm sure artists, photographers and poets all love it's simplicity and  peacefulness. Nestled between Scots Pines just off a well worn busy track to the summit of Helvellyn.

I started from the Glenridding gallery where you can see my painting of Lantys Tarn in pastel. Take the road between the shops and the quiet stream, which became a roaring river cascading down the fell side in the terrible floods of December 2015. Passing the Public Hall  on your right before the road turns into a track and begins this pretty walk through the wood, taking the left path sign-posted to Lanty’s Tarn, Helvellyn . If the light is right the stream is an interesting painting subject, or maybe a quick sketch. Watch out for a single yellow arrow pointing you left towards Lanty’s Tarn after the last pretty cottage, if you're quiet you may be lucky and see a Red Squirel.

The next section is the steepest on the walk, not very long and today with plenty of wild Foxgloves to stop, admire and catch the breath. I have decided that I think the Foxglove should be the flower emblem of The Lake District. What do you think? After the short steep section a wonderful bench appears like magic with stunning views across Ullswater. This could be another perfect sketch and we've not reached the tarn yet.

After contemplating the view from the bench, continue along the path, which, again briefly gets a little steeper, but with gorgeous views across to the surrounding fells, you will not notice. Reaching another gate DO NOT GO THROUGH IT, but bare left,  follow the path  sign-posted Striding Edge, Grisedale and head for the brow of the hill.  An oasis of trees can be seen down the path, a glimpse towards the secret tarn.

Here the sketching can begin, through the gate, which could make an ideal viewpoint with the old wall adding character. Stand and admire the fairyland pool, still water with reflected trees, drafts of light bring sparkle to the shallow tarn.

 On a day in  July,  clumps of soft hazy blue forget-me-nots grow on the waters edge adding a mystical feel. Decide whether to take the dry well walked path or the boggy barely trodden lake edge route, they both meet at the far end. It's probably there where the sketchbook will come out. A perfect place for a picnic or to enjoy the pure beauty of this Lakeland gem.

When you are ready to leave, the decision is yours either back the route you walked or after the tarn the path dips down a hill and, at about 300 metres, the path splits into two with a gate on each path. Views into the valley below will grab your attention with towering peaks in the ditance for the Wainwright bagger.

Take the left path and turn left and downhill after the gate. Head straight down the fell taking care on the steep accent with Sheep roaming and grazing all around. Head through the swing gate and onto the tarmac road heading right towards the main A592 Ullswater road passing a small caravan site next to the river. 

Turn left and carefully cross the road onto the pavement opposite. Continuing along past the Glenridding sign, with the lake coming into view taking the easy path through the trees. The path crosses back over the road and heads back to Glenridding  or a stopover at the lakeshore for a challenging sketch of colourful  rowing boats with many angles to get just right. I find a rough figure of eight can help with the shape. Or take the easy route and find a place for tea.

The Inn on the Lake is set in a stunning setting and Afternoon Tea is a total delight.