Where is Small Water in the Lake District?

Small Water is in Mardale above Haweswater, below Harter Fell and Mardale Ill Bell. Its centre is close to OS grid reference NY 455 100.

How do you walk to Small Water?

The usual approach is from Mardale Head on the path towards Nan Bield Pass. A visit to the tarn is roughly 3 miles (4.8km) out and back, with a sustained mountain ascent. Check weather, access and an up-to-date map before setting out.

Are there four Lake District tarns called Small Water?

Reliable mapping and gazetteer evidence does not support the former claim that four separate Lake District tarns carry this mapped name. This guide refers to the well-documented Small Water in Mardale above Haweswater.

Think the Lakes Are Special? Meet the Tarns

Small Water: The Mardale Tarn Above Haweswater

Small Water is the mountain tarn above Haweswater on the Nan Bield route. Here is its verified location, useful route context and why precise place-names matter.

8 August 20264 min read