Introduction
Blackbeck Tarn is the second tarn of Haystacks, always overshadowed by the more famous Innominate Tarn.
Blackbeck Tarn is tear-dropped shaped, with gently sloping sides to the east and south and crags to the west. There is higher ground all around, with only a narrow outlet to the north-west, so the tarn sits in a sheltered bowl and is a popular wild camping location. Blackbeck Tarn is the largest of the many tarns on Haystacks, perhaps twice the size of Innominate Tarn.
If it wasn't for its more popular neighbour Blackbeck Tarn would be more highly regarded. It is surrounded by heather clad slopes with craggy outcroppings, and with great views of Great Gable along the full length of the tarn. Its fairly simple shape perhaps counts against it,
Statistics
Grid Reference of centre: NY 201 127
Altitude: 1,600ft
Map
How to Reach
The standard way to reach this tarn is along the main summit path on Haystacks, which runs from Scarth Gap in the west to Dubs Bottom and the area below Fleetwith Pike in the east. This end of the path can be reached either from Honister Pass (either along the dismantled tramway, which makes a great path, or along the quarry tracks), or from Gatesgarth in Buttermere.
A third option for anyone staying at Black Sail YHA is to follow the that runs up Loft Beck. When the path curves right above the steepest section leave it and continue on towards the lowest point on the skyline - the tarn will come into site once over the top of the hill here, and should be to your north-west.
Walks
Three of our walks visit Blackbeck Tarn - Haystacks from Buttermere, Haystacks from Honister and Brandreth from Buttermere.
Inflows
A couple of minor becks flow into the southern end of Blackbeck Tarn.
Outflow
Black Beck flows out of Blackbeck Tarn, and drops rapidly down into Warnscale Bottom where it joins Warnscale Beck, which then flows into Buttermere.
Other Features
-