Rather than the standard Thirlmere Reservoir circuit, this walk follows the quieter west shores of Thirlmere and then climbs to the secluded Harrop Tarn. The path down from the tarn offers wonderful views of the reservoir and the Helvellyn range.
Start and End Location: Armboth Car Park on the west shore of Thirlmere
Start Postcode: CA12 4TW
Distance: 9.2km
Time: 2.5 hours
Facilities: Public toilets in Armboth Car Park and Dobgill Car Park. Both toilets are currently closed for a refurb (August 2019)
GPX Download: Link below map
Grade: Medium lake walk with a few uneven paths.
Take the footpath at the south edge of the car park, signposted for ‘Thirlmere loop Lakeshore path’.
![IMG_8325 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8325.jpg)
![IMG_8326 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8326.jpg)
With the reservoir to the left, the path runs through woods and alongside picturesque stone beaches.
![IMG_8335 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8335.jpg)
![IMG_8332 2 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8332-2.jpg)
At the junction, turn left, following the sign for Dobgill.
![IMG_8341 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8341.jpg)
Continue through the trees, with great views of the northern tip of Thirlmere and Deergarth How Island.
![IMG_8343 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8343.jpg)
The path narrows and keeps following the treeline. After a short climb, the path reaches a wooden gate to the road. Turn left and immediately go through the second wooden gate. The steps climb to a bench and a small viewing point.
![IMG_8351 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8351.jpg)
Retrace your steps to the road and turn left, following the road only for a metre or two.
Turn left through the wooden gate, following the direction of the signposts.
![IMG_8354 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8354.jpg)
The very uneven and often overgrown footpath continues for approximately 1.3km before turning right to Dobgill car park.
![IMG_8355 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8355.jpg)
Go through the large wooden deer gate on the left side of the car park.
The path climbs towards a dry stone wall.
![IMG_8360 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8360.jpg)
Continue straight ahead, zig-zagging up the hillside, with the waterfalls on the left.
![IMG_8363 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8363.jpg)
The path levels out and the trees clear just as Harrop Tarn comes into view.
![IMG_8367 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8367.jpg)
Turn right and follow the wide forestry track.
At the junction, bear right, staying on the wide track.
![IMG_8372 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8372.jpg)
Continue straight ahead, following the direction of the yellow arrow signposts.
![IMG_8373 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8373.jpg)
Go through the wooden gate. The path gently weaves down the hillside, with great views of Thirlmere.
![IMG_8377 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8377.jpg)
Continue through the next gate and go straight ahead, following the track as it bears right.
The track eventually reaches the road.
Turn left. The quiet road leads back to the car park.
![IMG_8387 Thirlmere and Harrop Tarn Walk route and directions](http://steppingoutside.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8387.jpg)