Beacon Tarn

Another weekend, another opportunity for some "tarn bagging"!

We prefer to keep away from the crowds and for this walk we started in the quiet village of Water Yeat at the southern tip of Coniston Water. After about half a mile of farm track we were out on the moors and following sheep tracks (with the help of the GPS) until we reached Beacon Tarn. A lovely, peaceful walk on gently undulating terrain which led us to a true beauty spot.

The walk was full of interest: ancient, deciduous woods; flowers and funghi; spaghnum moss; plenty of curlews and other birds.




We began alongside a wall with verdant fields around us
but soon we were wandering across soft bracken without any clear path
Plenty of mosses and small rock plants

and tiny flowers

The dead-looking juniper is everywhere

All along our route, small becks crossed the path

Beacon Tarn - calm water in a beautiful setting

A small copse on the tarn's bank
Beyond the tarn, the Lakeland mountains were hidden by low cloud


An isolated tree

A miniature fungus amongst the grass

We had the hills to ourselves - not a soul to be seen

Looking back over the gate that marks the edge of the moors

On the very edge of the fells, at Cockenskell, we came across a beautiful garden
After the walk, we stopped at Coniston to enjoy the view in the afternoon sunshine
Just north of Coniston we passed Yew Tree Tarn and stretched our legs on the shore