Wild Swim Atlas

    Watendlath Tarn

    Rosthwaite, Lake DistrictLakeFree, open all year

    Directions
    Getting there

    Watendlath Tarn is a National Trust mountain tarn in Borrowdale, reached by a single-track road and surrounded by Lake District fells.

    Water
    Lake
    Entry
    Parking is pay and display; free for National Trust members who register.
    Facilities
    National Trust car park, accessible toilet
    Managed by
    National Trust

    Getting there

    Watendlath is reached by a minor single-track road from the Borrowdale road via Ashness Bridge. The National Trust suggests Watendlath, CA12 5UW, or grid reference NY275163; parking is pay and display.

    54.5353, -3.1217

    Get directions

    Rules to know before you go

    • Do not swim alone.
    • Enter the water slowly and check conditions.
    • Swim along the shoreline so you can exit easily.
    • Do not swim after drinking or taking drugs.
    • Do not swim if algae is suspected.
    • Avoid areas used by boats.

    Swimming spots nearby

    All of Lake District
    Free, open all year2 mi

    Blea Tarn

    Lake
    Borrowdale
    Free, open all year3 mi

    Tarn at Leaves

    Lake
    Rosthwaite Fell, Borrowdale, Borrowdale
    Open, free access3 mi

    Harrop Tarn

    Lake
    Wythburn Forest, Borrowdale
    Free, open all year3 mi

    Black Moss Pot

    River
    Langstrath Valley, Borrowdale, Borrowdale

    Questions about Watendlath Tarn

    Can you swim at Watendlath Tarn?

    Yes. Public swimming is allowed at Watendlath Tarn under the Lake District’s general guidance for most lakes and tarns, but there is no stated designated swim area or lifeguard.

    Does it cost anything to swim at Watendlath Tarn?

    Parking is pay and display; free for National Trust members who register.

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    DirectionsOfficial site