Little Tarn

Little Tarn sits just outside Keswick, a proper fell-side pool that punches above its weight. It's small - you could walk round it in twenty minutes - but the water reflects the surrounding fells in a way that makes you understand why people hike hours to find places like this. The approach is straightforward enough, a gentle climb through woodland that opens onto moorland, and suddenly you're stood at the water's edge with Skiddaw looming behind you. Worth doing, though don't expect solitude on weekends. Walkers will get the most from Little Tarn. It's not a destination in itself - you wouldn't drive from Manchester just for this - but as part of a broader fell walk it's genuinely rewarding. The water's cold enough to deter a dip, unless you're that type. Families with younger kids might find the approach a bit much for what amounts to a small mountain lake, though teenagers into hiking will appreciate the views without needing a full day's commitment. If you're based at Kestrel Lodge Campsite, just down the road, it makes an excellent half-day outing. Pair it with Forest Views Caravan Park's proximity to longer Lake District routes if you're planning a proper walking holiday. There's no charge and no facilities - bring what you need. Early morning or late afternoon suits the light best, especially in autumn when the fell colours catch the water properly. Winter's bleak but dramatic.