Tom Gill to Tarn Hows walk, Coniston
Thinking of driving up to Tarn Hows? Walking up this short approach heightens the magic.
Waterfalls, woodlands and wonderful views
Take the steep path through woodland and past the waterfalls, stopping off at the iconic beauty spot of Tarn Hows. The return route offers spectacular views of the high fells of Wetherlam and Coniston Old Man.
Map
Start:
Car park at Tom Gill (at Glen Mary Bridge), grid ref: SD321998
1
From the car park, head past the ticket machine and over the wooden bridge. Go through the gate to take the narrow path alongside the gill.
2
The path climbs up a rocky section before traversing the gill-side with the beck below. The waterfall is best viewed from the path as it ascends on the left side.
Tom Gill Beck
The titular Tom Gill is the fast-flowing stream outlet from Tarn Hows that rushes through the wooded Glen Mary ravine. The waterfall, which drops 30 feet (9m) has been an attraction to visitors for much of the 20th century and is especially spectacular after heavy rainfall.
3
Passing a gate, follow the path, keeping on the left-hand side of the gill. Take extra care on the last rocky section as you approach Tarn Hows. Head right on the main track through the gates.
Herdwick sheep
Herdwicks are the traditional breed of sheep in the Lake District. They have grazed the fells for several hundred years, influencing the way the landscape looks today. The black fleeces of the lambs turn increasingly grey as they age.
4
In front of the bench, at the three-way junction, take the path on the far left along the edge of the tarn. It sweeps around the bank and uphill, past some trees on your left.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is part of a designed Victorian landscape. It was created by damming the outflow of Tarn Moss to create one large tarn, a mountain lake or pool. The head of water, with typical Victorian ingenuity, was used to create power for sawmill machinery. Seemingly every direction you look in at Tarn Hows creates a picture-postcard view, providing the weather is on your side.
5
At the T-junction, go right, continuing uphill towards the road. Stay on the path as it follows alongside the road a little way above you, bearing left until you reach the junction with the road, opposite the car park.
6
Turn right and head towards Coniston, along the road, passing a cattle grid. Follow the road for about ¼ mile (0.4km) as it swings its way down, opening out breathtaking views of Yewdale.
7
At the junction, take the track on the right through the gates marked Tarn Hows Cottage. With the wall on your left and views on your right, follow the track towards the cottage.
8
Follow the track swinging down to the right. Go through the gate, keeping straight on past the front of the cottage and out through another gate into the fields. Turn immediately left, following the wall downhill.
9
At the end of the wall, go through the small gate. Continue down the slope, keeping the hedge and fence line to your right. Go through a small gate in the hedgerow, then turn left downhill.
10
At the bottom of the hill, head right along the field edge, with Yew Tree Farm on the opposite side of the road. Head out of the field, through the gate and over the wooden bridge into the car park. Yew Tree Farm is a typical Lakeland hill farm and was famously used in the film Miss Potter. Although this was not her home, Beatrix Potter once owned it and helped the tenants to set up the first tea-room.
End:
Car park at Tom Gill (at Glen Mary Bridge), grid ref: SD321998
