Beatrix Potter's Moss Eccles Tarn walk
This gentle walk leads you up to one of Beatrix Potter's favourite places, Moss Eccles Tarn. This is where she spent time painting, whilst her husband fished. It's a great introduction to the place Beatrix loved the most, before or after your visit to Hill Top House.
Map
Start:
Near Sawrey
1
Turn right at Anvil Cottage and walk past the cottages and houses along Stoney Lane.
Points of interest
Anvil Cottage appears as an illustration in 'The Tale of Samuel Whiskers’.
2
Follow the lane uphill, out of the village.
3
Walk through the gate, following signs for Claife Heights and Moss Eccles Tarn.
Points of interest
Alfred Wainwright described Moss Eccles as the "most attractive" tarn on Claife Heights.
4
Reach Moss Eccles Tarn, which you'll see on your left.
Points of interest
This is where Beatrix Potter came to paint and relax in the evenings with her husband, William. She bought part of the tarn in 1926, planting the water lilies and stocking it with fish. It was left to the National Trust when she died as part of her bequest.
5
Retrace your steps, until you reach a fork in the path. Take the left hand fork towards Far Sawrey.
6
Arrive at Far Sawrey, passing the Cuckoo Brow Inn on your right. Turn down the lane on your right towards St Peters Church, sign posted Near Sawrey and Hill Top.
7
Pass through the farmyard, and continue walking past the white cottages. Before you reach the church, turn right onto the footpath, sign posted for Near Sawrey. Walk through the fields, crossing Wilfin Beck. Follow the footpath back into Near Sawrey village.
Points of interest
This land is all part of Hill Top Farm, bought by Beatrix Potter in 1905. It's still a working farm today, run by a National Trust tenant.
End:
Near Sawrey
