Best lakes around Winton are characterized by their diverse natural settings, often featuring limestone landscapes and unique geological formations. This area offers a variety of water bodies, including tarns and ponds, nestled within scenic fells and dales. Visitors can explore these natural features, which range from tranquil, secluded spots to larger tarns with notable viewpoints. The region provides opportunities for appreciating varied natural environments.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
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This is quite a large tarn above Birk Dale, and near a road, but for some reason apparently not visited so often. For a third-largest body of water in the Dales (excluding reservoirs), this is surprising. This is a pleasant place to stop at, slightly tucked away from it all. A small measure of peace.
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On OS Maps, this tarn is actually unnamed but a place next to it is called Paradise, hence the name "Paradise tarn". It's a lovely little tarn, with an island of sorts in the middle; quite picturesque, and the paths go very usefully around it, so you will be able to appreciate it from different angles.
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This tarn and, in fact, the surrounding area, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): this is largely because of the limestone areas that surround it. The tarn is a marl lake, with lots of ferns around it. A beautiful place with a rugged feel to the area.
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This is a nice little pond near Lookingflatt Farm, surrounded by green fields and pastures (far greener and less brown in the summer). It's just a pleasant little body of water, which seems to have been left to its own devices a bit, rather than being overly managed, which is always nice. Some maps have the name of the pond as Tileklin, but given the number of kilns in the Dales, somehow I think Tilekiln is the correct one.
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This section of road runs between approx 250m and 320m altitude through amazing limestone landscapes and past Sunbiggin Tarn, an SSSI. Excellent views south to the Howgills. Snow poles on the exposed sections so could be cold and icy in the winter months. Orton Scar cafe is a great place to refuel and is very cycle friendly.
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A dramatic objective, which makes for a marvellously secluded lunch spot. As you unwind by the serene waters, drink in the views of the Howgill Fells, Wild Boar Fell and the nearby escarpment that leads to limestone pavement of Great Asby Scar.
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The most popular water bodies around Winton include Sunbiggin Tarn, a natural monument and marl lake known for its limestone features and SSSI designation. Visitors also highly appreciate Paradise Tarn for its picturesque setting with an island, and Birkdale Tarn, a large and peaceful tarn above Birk Dale.
Yes, Paradise Tarn is noted as family-friendly, offering picturesque views and paths to explore. Additionally, Tilekiln Pond is another pleasant, unmanaged body of water surrounded by green fields, suitable for a relaxed family visit.
The region around Winton is characterized by diverse natural settings, including limestone landscapes, fells, and dales. Sunbiggin Tarn is a marl lake surrounded by ferns and is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its significant limestone features. You can also find notable viewpoints offering expansive vistas of the Howgill Fells and Wild Boar Fell.
You can find excellent scenic views, particularly from the road past Sunbiggin Tarn, which offers views south to the Howgill Fells. Paradise Tarn also serves as a viewpoint, allowing visitors to appreciate its picturesque setting from various angles.
The area around Winton offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging loops like the 'Tan Hill Inn – Tan Hill Road Climb loop' or 'Morland Village – Orton Scar Café loop'. For running enthusiasts, there are trails such as 'Frank's Bridge, Kirkby Stephen – The Pink Geranium Café loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes like 'Tan Hill and Rogan's Seat loop'. You can explore more options on the cycling guide, running guide, and MTB guide for Winton.
While specific walking trails directly around each lake are not detailed, the region's landscape of fells and dales suggests opportunities for walks. For more structured hiking and running, you can refer to the Running Trails around Winton guide, which features routes of varying difficulty, including easy loops and more challenging long-distance runs.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of these water bodies. For instance, Sunbiggin Tarn is appreciated as a marvellously secluded lunch spot with stunning views of the surrounding fells. Birkdale Tarn is valued as a pleasant, quiet place to stop, slightly tucked away from main routes.
Yes, Sunbiggin Tarn is described as a 'marvellously secluded lunch spot' where you can unwind by the serene waters and take in views of the Howgill Fells, Wild Boar Fell, and the nearby escarpment.
Absolutely. Sunbiggin Tarn is designated as a natural monument and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique limestone features and its status as a marl lake. The surrounding area also features amazing limestone landscapes.
While specific seasonal advice for each lake isn't provided, the region's landscape, particularly the exposed sections of roads near places like Road Past Sunbiggin Tarn with Views of the Howgills, can be cold and icy in winter months, suggesting spring, summer, and autumn might offer more comfortable conditions for exploration.
Yes, the Orton Scar Cafe is mentioned as a great place to refuel and is very cycle-friendly, located near the area of Road Past Sunbiggin Tarn with Views of the Howgills.
Some names have interesting origins. For example, Paradise Tarn is actually unnamed on OS Maps, but a nearby place called 'Paradise' led to its popular designation. Similarly, Tilekiln Pond's name likely refers to the historical presence of kilns in the Dales area.


Still not found your perfect lake around Winton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.