Brown Cove Tarn

I'm starting to loose track of how many tarns I've described as "not being on the route to anywhere in particular". Well, here's another one, Brown Cove Tarn - found high among the fells above Glenridding in a wonderfully secluded combe. To say the very least, this tarn has in a breathtaking setting, enclosed by Catstye Cam, Helvellyn, Helvellyn Lower Man and Whitesite.

Despite its appearance, the tarn is in fact a natural pool, I suspect however, that the current outline bears little resemblance to its original shape. This was taken away when in 1860 a dam was built to allow water to be stored in the cove. The water could then be used when it was needed for the mines found lower down the fellside.

Map and Gallery:

 Location Map

 Secluded the tarn may be, but unlike many other out of the way tarns, this one is quite easy to find. From Glenridding simply follow Greenside Road as far as the mines and continuing on the obvious route between the buildings stay on the track running almost parallel to Glenridding Beck for approx one and a half mile until you reach the dam. At the dam / sheepfold, continue straight ahead (off path) until you pick up a narrow path where you'll turn left into Brown Cove.
Alternatively at the dam. Leave the track, cross over onto the opposite side of the beck and follow its course uphill and into Brown Cove.

 Crossing over what remains of the dam at the end of the tarn.

 This is an iron pipe and valve found in the wall of the dam. The pipe passed straight through the dam and the valve was used to control the flow of water into the water channels which lead down to the mines.

 This picture shows the outflow side of the dam where you can see the 'other end' of the iron pipe.