How big is Watendlath Tarn actually?

It covers about ten acres with an average depth of nearly five metres. That's actually larger than several bodies of water in Britain that call themselves 'lakes'—the 'tarn' name doesn't mean it's small.

What's a hanging valley?

It's a valley carved by a smaller glacier that couldn't keep pace with the larger glacier below it. When the ice retreated, Watendlath was left perched above Derwentwater in a hollow that filled with water from the surrounding fells.

Where does the water from Watendlath Tarn go?

It drains northwest through Watendlath Beck, which tumbles over Lodore Falls on its way down to Derwentwater.

Think the Lakes Are Special? Meet the Tarns

Watendlath Tarn: Small Name, Decent Size

Covers about seven acres and reaches roughly 17 metres deep in places. It's not smaller than most village ponds—tarn is just the name it's always had, and the Victorians weren't wrong to find it worth the visit.

4 November 20267 min read