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Beatrix Potter's Moss Eccles Tarn walk

Lake District

Moss Eccles Tarn, in the Lake District, Cumbria
Moss Eccles Tarn in the Lake District | © National Trust Images/Pete Tasker

This gentle walk leads to one of Beatrix Potter's favourite places, Moss Eccles Tarn in the Lake District. This is where the children's author spent time painting, while her husband fished. It is a great introduction to the place Beatrix loved the most and also included in her books.

Near to

Hill Top 

Start point

Near Sawrey, grid ref: SD370956

Trail information

Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Duration 50 mins
Dog friendly**
  1. *Several short sections are steep and trail can be muddy after wet weather. For further details, please see Terrain section.

  2. **Please keep dogs on a lead as livestock graze this route all year round. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

  • Total stages: 7

    Total stages: 7

    Start point

    Near Sawrey, grid ref: SD370956

    Stage 1

    Turn right at Anvil Cottage and walk past the cottages and houses along Stoney Lane.

    Stage 2

    Follow the lane uphill, out of the village.

    Stage 3

    Walk through the gate, following signs for Claife Heights and Moss Eccles Tarn.

    Stage 4

    Reach Moss Eccles Tarn, which is on the left.

    Stage 5

    Retrace your steps, until you reach a fork in the path. Take the left-hand fork towards Far Sawrey.

    Stage 6

    Arrive at Far Sawrey, passing the Cuckoo Brow Inn on your left. Turn down the lane on your right towards St Peters Church, signposted Near Sawrey and Hill Top.

    Stage 7

    Pass through the farmyard, and continue walking by the white cottages. Before you reach the church, turn right onto the footpath, signposted for Near Sawrey. Walk through the fields, crossing Wilfin Beck. Follow the footpath back into Near Sawrey village.

    End point

    Near Sawrey, grid ref: SD370955

    Trail map

    Beatrix Potter Moss Eccles Tarn walk trail map
    Beatrix Potter Moss Eccles Tarn walk trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Near Sawrey, Cumbria, LA22 0LF

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