Escape the hustle and bustle of Glenridding with this fantastic short walk that quickly gets you high above the village. The route climbs steeply through woodland to the peaceful Lanty's Tarn, a perfect spot for a quiet picnic. While the tarn itself is charming, the real highlight is the stunning view of Ullswater from the nearby viewpoint of Keldas, making the steep ascent entirely worthwhile.
The Walk at a Glance
1.5 - 2 Hours
Circular Route
3 Miles / 4.8 km
Steep ascent
Moderate
Stony paths
Dog Friendly
A good workout!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start in Glenridding
Start from the main pay-and-display car park in Glenridding (CA11 0PD). Walk into the village and take the lane beside the shops that runs alongside Glenridding Beck, signposted "Mires Beck" and "Helvellyn".
2. The Steep Climb
Past the village hall and cottages, the lane ends. Turn left, signposted "Lanty's Tarn". A stone-pitched path now begins to climb very steeply up through Grisedale Brow woods. Take your time on this section.
3. Keldas Viewpoint
Go through a kissing gate at the top of the woods. The path traverses right to another gate. Don't go through, but instead turn sharp left up the fellside. A short climb brings you to the top of Keldas, a fantastic viewpoint with a bench, looking out over Glenridding and Ullswater.
4. Lanty's Tarn
From the viewpoint, descend slightly and go through the gate on your right. This leads you directly to the secluded Lanty's Tarn, nestled amongst larch trees. It's a beautifully tranquil spot, named after a local 18th-century landowner.
5. The Descent
Follow the path around the tarn and past its small dam. This leads you down to a farm track. Turn left onto the track, which winds its way back down through Brownend Plantation, eventually rejoining the path along Mires Beck which you can follow back into Glenridding village.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Parking: Glenridding has a large pay-and-display car park, which is also the main starting point for Helvellyn, so it gets extremely busy. Arrive early.
- Refreshments: There are several pubs, cafes, and shops in Glenridding to refuel after your walk.
- Footwear: The paths are steep and stony, so sturdy walking boots are highly recommended.
- Onward Routes: Lanty's Tarn is on one of the main paths to Helvellyn. You'll see many more serious hikers heading for the high fells.
More to Explore Nearby
Helvellyn and Striding Edge
Glenridding is the traditional starting point for the ascent of Helvellyn, England's third highest mountain, often tackled via the thrilling and exposed scramble of Striding Edge.
Ullswater 'Steamers'
Enjoy a different perspective of the fells by taking a cruise on a historic Ullswater 'Steamer' from Glenridding pier. You can travel to Howtown, Aira Force, or Pooley Bridge.
Aira Force Waterfall
Just a short drive or a lovely 3-mile walk along the lakeshore path from Glenridding is the spectacular Aira Force, a 65-foot waterfall in beautiful woodland grounds.