It is lovely around there, yes it's desolate in a sense, but peaceful and atmospheric as well. Much, much quieter than the nearby Three Peaks area, possibly because of the lack of paths or well-known summits. Somehow always seems to be misty and wet underfoot as well...
I've encountered the ponies (quite startling to come upon in the mist. I didn't know they were feral, had assumed they were owned but turned out to graze like the New Forest ones) but never been down to Sand Tarn. How strange to find a sandy beach like that in the middle of the hills!
I wonder what kind of trees were being planted. That'll certainly change the character of the area, no doubt for the better of course.