This is a large tarn – made even larger by Barrow Corporation who built the dam to create a new water supply for the town. Despite it’s artificial appearance it is still a fine water with an air of wild grandeur. Seathwaite Tarn covers 66 acres and lies at 1200ft on the west facing slopes of the Coniston fells overlooking the Duddon Valley.

Much of the tarn is deep and in places shelves quickly. Seathwaite Tarn had a reputation for large trout and plenty of them but the tarn suffered greatly from the acid rain episodes of the 1970’s and the fishing fell away. However there are signs of improvement and it may yet return to its former glory.

Permission to fish is required from the Newfield Inn at Seathwaite which is the best starting point for the walk to the tarn. Your £5.00 fee goes straight into the coffers of the local mountain rescue team. A sobering thought before your ascent to the tarn – but a good excuse to celebrate your safe return with a well earned pint from the same establishment.