One of the Tourist ‘Hot Spots’ here in the English Lake District of Cumbria is an area often known as ‘The Tarns’ or ‘Tarn Hows’.
It is indeed a beautiful spot and when there are not too many visitors it is also a peaceful location for contemplation. It is suggested that poets and writers such Wordsworth and Ruskin used the area for their inspiration.
But Tarn Hows, like most of our countryside, is not just as nature intended. Much of our countryside has been changed over the centuries by industry. Here the Tarns have been changed with the profits from that industry. In 1862 the industrialist Marshall family acquired the Tarns. In those days there were 3 separate Tarns (lakes). The Marshalls had the area ‘landscaped’ and 3 Tarns became 1… but now with there trade mark islands and footpaths around. The story continues i,n 1930 Beatrix Potter (of Peter Rabbit fame) purchased the estate. A keen promoter of the National Trust she later gave half the estate to the Trust and arranged for them to purchase the balance.
The Trust maintains open access to the Tarns, for some the trails may be a little too tidy, but they do permit all abilities to explore and discover hidden corners and experience this jewel in Lakeland.
29th APRIL
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 