Introduction
Low Tarn sits on a shelf some way to the south of the summit of Wasdale Red Pike. The tarn appears to sit sideways along the full length of this shelf, but drains from the narrow end. When approached from the south-east the tarn appears to be almost on the same level as the ground in that direction, so comes into sight very late.
Low Tarn is roughly rectangular, running north-east to south-west. The surrounding area is dotted with tiny unnamed tarns and is well worth exploring.
Low Tarn isn't a great viewpoint - the flat surrounds block the view of lower fells nearby, or of Wast Water, but there is a good view of the western side of Yewbarrow.
Statistics
Grid Reference of centre: NY 161 093
Altitude: 1,700ft
Map
How to Reach
Low Tarn doesn't sit on any footpaths, so it takes a bit of cross country work to reach it.
The tarn can be reached from the valley of Over Beck. Head up the valley until you reach the flatter area around Gosforth Crag Moss (about half a mile short of Dore Head). At this point turn left and head up the generally grassy slopes to the left of Great Knott and Gosforth Crag. This brings you to Low Tarn's shelf from the south-east. The tarn comes into sight quite late, but the shelf itself is an obvious feature.
Low Tarn can also be reached from the summit ridge. Head south from the main summit. Just before you reach the southern end of the summit ridge turn west (right) and head down the slope. As you go curve around to the left to avoid the crags above Scoat Tarn and the steep ground to the south-west of the southern summit. This will bring you onto a fairly gentle slope that runs right down to Low Tarn.
The obvious route, up Brimfull Beck, is blocked by some very steep ground above Over Beck.
Walks
None of our walks visit Low Tarn.
Inflows
No Becks flow into the tarn.
Outflow
Brimfull Beck flows south out of the southern tip of the tarn and flows into Over Beck, which then runs south into Wast Water.
Other Features
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