Goats Water is a very accessible tarn being within easy reach of the Walna Scar track from Coniston over to the Duddon Valley. Vehicles can be parked at the end of the metalled road from Coniston which saves several hundred feet of uphill leg work.

There are plenty of small trout in the tarn and, reputedly, small char which can be caught on the fly – although I have yet to see one. A full circuit of the water involves either some enjoyable boulder hopping or the arduous business of picking your way through difficult, and potentially leg breaking, terrain. Which one depends on your age, balance and degree of athleticism?

Apart from the fishing the other main attraction is the magnificent mountain scenery and the rocky backdrop of Dow Crag, a pioneer site of Lakeland rock-climbing.

NB. The high tarns of Lakeland are wonderful places to visit and a privilege to fish. Their trout populations are unique and vulnerable. Nearly all of those you catch will be small fish – please treat them kindly and put them back.