The best waterfall hikes and walks around Burnmoor Tarn

There are over 60 waterfall hiking trails around Burnmoor Tarn, offering a wide range of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging mountain ascents. The komoot community has explored these routes over 22,000 times.

Yes, there are 13 easy waterfall hikes in the area. A great option is the Stanley Ghyll Waterfall – Stanley Ghyll Trail loop from Eskdale, which is an easy 4.6 km route leading directly to the impressive Stanley Ghyll Waterfall. Another accessible choice is the Eskdale Mill – River Esk Northern Shore Trail loop from Eskdale, a 5.3 km path through the scenic River Esk valley.

The terrain around Burnmoor Tarn is diverse, ranging from gentle river valleys and meadows to rugged fells and more challenging ascents. You'll encounter paths winding through woodlands, alongside glacial lakes, and over open moorland, providing varied walking surfaces.

Absolutely, the region offers 35 moderate hiking trails. The Eskdale Mill – Blea Tarn loop from Eskdale is a popular moderate 10.4 km path that showcases varied scenery, including the historic Eskdale Mill and the tranquil Blea Tarn.

Beyond the waterfalls themselves, you can explore Burnmoor Tarn, one of the largest natural tarns in the Lake District, set amidst rugged fells. The area also features the historic Eskdale Mill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like red deer and curlews.

Many trails in the Lake District, including those around Burnmoor Tarn, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, and to check specific route details for any restrictions or challenging sections that might not be suitable for all dogs.

Spring and summer are particularly beautiful, as the meadows come alive with wildflowers and the weather is generally milder. However, the waterfalls are often at their most impressive after periods of rain, which can occur throughout the year. Autumn offers stunning foliage, while winter can provide a dramatic, serene landscape, though conditions may be more challenging.

Yes, for experienced hikers, there are 21 difficult routes. While not solely focused on waterfalls, longer routes in the area can lead to challenging peaks like Scafell Pike. For instance, the Scafell Summit – Scafell Pike summit loop from Eskdale is a demanding 24.3 km hike with significant elevation gain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,900 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of trails for different abilities, and the serene atmosphere of the glacial lakes and rugged fells.

Yes, many of the waterfall trails around Burnmoor Tarn are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Stanley Ghyll Waterfall – Stanley Ghyll Trail loop from Eskdale and the Eskdale Mill – Blea Tarn loop from Eskdale, which offer convenient round trips.

Parking is typically available near popular starting points for hikes. For routes originating in Eskdale, you can often find parking in or around the village. For trails closer to Wast Water, Wasdale Head car park is a common starting point. Always check specific route descriptions for detailed parking information.