Glenridding to Lanty’s Tarn

A Short Woodland Walk with Hidden Lake Charm

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This gentle trail is a real Lake District treat: a serene woodland ramble capped by a private-feeling tarn. It’s perfect for a calming escape, a family outing, or anyone craving a low-effort route with woodland magic and hidden water views.

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Walk Snapshot

• Location: Glenridding, Ullswater
  
  
• Distance: ~3–4 km loop
  
  
• Time: 1–1.5 hrs
  
  
• Ascent: ~150 m
  
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
  
• Route Type: Out-and-back or circular
  
  
• Start & Finish: Glenridding village car park
  
  
• Dog & Kid Friendly: Yes—wooded paths, short distance, and a peaceful tarn too
  
  

Route Description

Start – Glenridding

Begin in the village centre or car park. Cross the bridge over Glenridding Beck and follow signs for “Mires Beck/Helvellyn.” The track leads into woodland, where you’ll find two path options: either a rooty winding path or a slightly rockier, direct route .

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Midway – Woodland Ascent

The trail climbs steadily through mixed trees, passing the remains of an old shooting lodge. A small gate leads onto open fellside above the woods .

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Summit – Lanty’s Tarn

Once over the wall, follow the path to the tranquil Lanty’s Tarn. Named after Lancelot Dobson and later dammed for ice and fishing by the Marshall family of Patterdale Hall  , the tarn is a lovely lunch spot surrounded by trees and often calm, even in mid-winter.

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Optional Detour – Keldas Knoll

A short sidestep uphill leads to the Keldas viewpoint—great for a quick summit moment above the tarn and lovely Ullswater views.

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Return – Loop or Reverse

Return to the tarn, then follow the path through fields and gates to join a farm track. Cross the small stone bridge over Grisedale Beck, walk alongside the road back to Glenridding, or follow woodland permissive paths to return directly.

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Highlights

• Secret Tarn: Lush, tucked away, and utterly peaceful—year-round
  
  
• Woodland Canopy: Birdsong, shade, and seasonal beauty during spring and autumn
  
  
• Ullswater View: From Keldas, enjoy a glimpse across the lake to Helvellyn
  
  
• Low Effort, Big Feel: Manageable distance with tranquil scenery and an authentic fell feel
  
  

Facilities & Nearby Conveniences

• Parking: Glenridding pay-and-display (~£3 for 2 hrs in summer)
  
  
• Toilets: Public facilities available in Glenridding
  
  
• Refreshments: Cafés, pubs, and ice cream shops around the village
  
  
• Other Attractions: Easy links to Aira Force, Ullswater Steamer rides, and longer Ullswater Way stretches
  
  

Tips for the Walk

1. Footwear: Good tread is useful—paths may get muddy after rain
   
   
2. Bring a blanket or mat for a lakeside picnic by the tarn
   
   
3. Keep kids close near Keldas—there’s a small crag drop-off
   
   
4. Extend your day: either by walking along Ullswater Way or catching a steamer back to your car
   
   

Final Thoughts

This Glasgow–to–tarn stroll is low-effort and high in charm: subtle woodland steps, a hidden lake, optional vantage point, and Ullswater views—all in under 90 minutes. It’s ideal for families, dogs, or those needing a restorative escape from the daily grind.

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Photo by Rodion Kutsaiev on Unsplash