Loughrigg Tarn
Located near the village of Elterwater, west of
Ambleside, Loughrigg Tarn is one of Lakeland's hidden treasures; a tarn of outstanding beauty set among pretty, rolling, wooded fells. Loughrigg Tarn is almost circular, and the view north west to the rugged profile of the Langdale Pikes is an enchanting scene that is hard to beat. The tarn is popular with local anglers, and the shallow waters at the tarn's edge are covered in a carpet of beautiful waterlilies during summer months.
The short climb to the summit of the adjacent Loughrigg Fell is well worth the minimal effort, as this small peak offers some surprisingly dramatic views over Ambleside, Windermere, the Great Langdale valley and most of the fells in southern Lakeland.
William Wordsworth described Loughrigg Tarn as 'A most beautiful example' and is responsible for giving the tarn its nickname, Diana's looking glass (after Lake Nemi, the 'mirror of Diana', in Rome's Alban hills).
And soon approach Diana's Looking-glass!
To Loughrigg Tarn, round, clear and bright as heaven!"