Red Tarn

Red Tarn is a classic glacial corrie tarn located in the English Lake District. It sits dramatically below the summit of Helvellyn, which is the third-highest peak in England. The lake is famously flanked by two celebrated ridges known as arêtes.

Red Tarn is flanked by two famous arêtes: Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Hikers attempting to summit Helvellyn in the Lake District often traverse these narrow, dramatic ridges. The tarn sits directly in the glacial hollow beneath both precipices.

Red Tarn is a glacial tarn that was formed during the last Ice Age in the English Lake District. A massive glacier carved out the deep hollow beneath the summit of Helvellyn. When the ice melted, the basin filled with water to create the lake.

While Red Tarn attracts visitors, swimming in it is extremely cold and generally reserved for highly experienced cold-water swimmers. The tarn sits high beneath Helvellyn in the Lake District, flanked by the perilous Striding Edge. The waters are freezing year-round due to the high alpine altitude.