Red Tarn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Tarn |
|
|---|---|
from the Helvellyn summit
|
|
 Red Tarn
Location in Lake District
Red Tarn
Location in Eden
|
|
| Location | Lake District, Cumbria |
| Coordinates | 54°31′42″N 3°00′31″W / 54.52833°N 3.00861°W |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
| Max. depth | 25m (82 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 718m (2,356 ft) |
Red Tarn is a small mountain lake located in the beautiful Lake District in England. You can find it high up on the side of Helvellyn, which is one of the highest mountains in the area. This special lake sits beneath famous ridges like Striding Edge and Catstye Cam.
Red Tarn is not just any lake; it's a home for the very rare and endangered Schelly fish. It also has an interesting past, having once been used to power a mine. Today, it's a popular spot for people who love hiking and nature.
Contents
How Red Tarn Was Formed
Red Tarn was created a very long time ago by a glacier. Imagine a giant river of ice slowly moving down the mountain. As it moved, it carved out a deep hollow in the rock.
When the climate warmed up, this huge glacier melted. The water filled the hollow, forming the lake we see today. This type of lake, formed by glaciers in mountain areas, is often called a "tarn."
Home to Rare Fish
One of the most amazing things about Red Tarn is that it's a habitat for the Schelly fish. This fish is very rare and can only be found in a few lakes in the Lake District.
The Schelly fish is a type of whitefish. It's a very important part of the lake's ecosystem. Scientists work hard to protect these special fish and their homes.
A Look Back in Time
In the 1800s, Red Tarn was used for something very different. A dam was built using large rocks to make the water level higher. This raised the water by about eight or nine feet.
The water from the tarn was then used to power the Greenside Mine at Glenridding. This mine dug for lead and other minerals. So, Red Tarn played a big role in the local industry back then.
Visiting Red Tarn Today
Today, Red Tarn is a peaceful place. It's a favorite stop for hikers climbing Helvellyn. Many people take a break by its shores to enjoy the stunning mountain views.
The tarn is located at an altitude of 718 metres (about 2,356 feet) above sea level. It's also quite deep, reaching about 25 metres (82 feet) at its deepest point. It's a great spot to connect with nature and see the beauty of the Lake District.
Other Red Tarns
It might be a bit confusing, but there's actually another lake in the Lake District called Red Tarn! This second Red Tarn is much smaller. It's located between two other peaks, Pike of Blisco and Cold Pike, which are west of the Langdales area.
