Things to see and do at Tarn Hows and Coniston

Take the trail round the tarn

With a manageable length of less than two miles this is a great trail for all the family to enjoy on foot. The track is suitable for baby buggies and wheelchairs, although there are a few short hilly sections. A Tramper Mobility scooter is available to use so everyone can get involved.

With open countryside around, kids will be able to tick off a few of the things on our 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 list.

Trail orienteering

Trail orienteering - or Trail O - combines tricky map reading challenges with the accessibility of a surfaced track. Look for features marked beside the trail, and as you go round decide which of the visible markers is the right one. Our course is suitable for beginners at 'standard' level, but you will need to know how Trail O works before giving it a go.

Download our standard orienteering map (PDF / 0.6MB) download

Download our extended orienteering map (PDF / 0.6MB) download

See the answers to our orienteering maps (PDF / 0MB) download

Drive less - see more

Tarn Hows makes a great destination on foot or by bike from Coniston and Hawkshead - or beyond. There's also a great network of paths nearby, including the atmospheric Tom Gill with its wildlife-rich woodland and tumbling waterfalls.