Styhead Tarn is a small mountain tarn situated in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England. Nestled at the head of the Styhead Gill valley on the slopes of Scafell Pike—the highest peak in England—the tarn lies at an elevation of approximately 580 m (1,903 ft) above sea level. It is a popular waypoint for walkers and climbers traversing the region’s high‑level footpaths, notably the route between Wasdale and Borrowdale.
Contents
- [[Geography]]
- [[Hydrology]]
- [[Access and Recreation]]
- [[Flora and Fauna]]
- [[Historical and Cultural Significance]]
- [[References]]
- [[External Links]]
Geography
Styhead Tarn occupies a shallow, corrugated basin carved by glacial action during the last Ice Age. The tarn covers an area of roughly 0.4 ha (1 acre) and reaches a maximum depth of about 3 m (10 ft). Its surrounding catchment consists of rocky outcrops, scree slopes, and the stony streambed of Styhead Gill, which drains the tarn into the River Derwent.
The tarn lies at the foot of several notable peaks:
- Scafell Pike (978 m) – England’s highest summit, located ~1 km to the south‑west.
- Great End (909 m) – a prominent ridge forming the eastern flank of Styhead Gill.
- Sty Head – a mountain pass at 530 m, crossing the watershed between Wasdale and Borrowdale.
Hydrology
Water entering Styhead Tarn primarily comes from precipitation, snowmelt, and runoff from the surrounding slopes. The outflow, Styhead Gill, descends swiftly through a series of cascades before joining the River Derwent near the hamlet of Styhead. Seasonal variations cause the tarn’s water level to fluctuate, with higher levels in late autumn and early winter.
Access and Recreation
Styhead Tarn is a well‑known waypoint on several classic Lake District routes:
- Wasdale–Borrowdale Walk – A high‑level crossing that uses the Sty Head Pass, with the tarn providing a natural rest point.
- Scafell Pike Ascent – Many climbers approach the summit via the Sty Head route, passing the tarn shortly before the final ascent.
- Great Gable Circular – A longer ridge walk that skirts the tarn on its northern side.
The tarn is reachable via a well‑maintained footpath from the Sty Head car park (grid reference NY 198 107). The area is open year‑round, but winter conditions can render the paths icy and hazardous; proper equipment and experience are advised.
Flora and Fauna
Despite its altitude and exposed position, Styhead Tarn supports a modest assemblage of alpine and sub‑alpine species:
- Aquatic plants – Common water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) and a few tufts of pondweed (Potamogeton spp.).
- Birdlife – Frequent sightings of European stone‑chat (Saxicola rubicola), meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis), and occasional golden‑eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) soaring overhead.
- Invertebrates – Aquatic insects such as mayfly and caddisfly larvae, which provide food for the resident brown trout (Salmo trutta).
The surrounding scree hosts hardy mountain flora, including alpine lady‑fern (Athyrium distentifolium) and various saxifrages.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The tarn has long held a place in the cultural landscape of the Lake District:
- Guidebook prominence – First mentioned in 19th‑century walking guides (e.g., Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells) as a scenic landmark.
- Literary references – Appears in poems and travelogues describing the remote beauty of the Wasdale area.
- Mountain rescue – The proximity of the tarn to popular climbing routes makes it a common assembly point for the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team during emergencies.
References
- Wainwright, A. (1965). Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells – Wasdale. Westmorland Gazette.
- Ordnance Survey. (2022). OS Explorer Map OL6: Lake District – South-eastern Area.
- Lake District National Park Authority. (2021). Ecological Survey of High‑Altitude Tarns.
- British Geological Survey. (2019). Geology of the Scafell Pike Area.