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Tarn Hows and Coniston
Majestic views and peaceful walks in beautiful countryside
near Coniston, Cumbria
Important notice
The road to Tarn Hows is currently impassable due to abandoned vehicles. We are working with the relevant agencies to get them removed. Snow and Ice is still affecting the wider area so is best avoided. We will update when conditions improve.
Opening times for 8 December 2023
Asset Opening time Tarn Hows Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedCar park
No overnight stays or camping.
Toilet
Dogs
Tramper mobility scooters are available to hire.
Designated parking
Powered mobility vehicle available
Tramper mobility scooters available to use around the tarn. Donations welcome.
Level access/terrain
By road
2 miles north-east of Coniston and north-west of Hawkshead. Signposted from B5285
Parking: Limited car parking spaces and car park likely to be busy at peak holiday times. Parking free for Members; charge for non-members. The road to Tarn Hows is not suitable for large coaches. No overnight stays or camping.
On foot
From Coniston and Hawkshead
By bus
Service from Hawkshead to Coniston drops off a mile away. The road to Tarn Hows is not suitable for large coaches. No coach parking.
By bicycle
On road (please note no cycling around tarns)
Planning your visit
Article
Borrow a Tramper at Tarn Hows
Borrow a Tramper mobility vehicle, a free to use all-terrain scooter which makes Tarn Hows more accessible to those who are less physically able.
Article
Visiting Tarn Hows with your dog
Find out which areas of Tarn Hows you can explore with your dog. Tarn Hows is a two pawprint rated place.
Highlights
Tarn Hows Walk
Tarn Hows offers an accessible, circular, one-and-three-quarter-mile walk through beautiful countryside, with majestic mountain views.
Tramper mobility scooters
We have two Tramper mobility scooters available to use at Tarn Hows.
Dogs
Find out which areas of Tarn Hows you can explore with your dog. Tarn Hows is a two pawprint rated place.
Top trails
Trail
Tarn Hows circular walk
Take in stunning views of the Lake District fells as you follow this easy, accessible route around a tree-lined tarn, with a Tramper mobility scooter available to borrow.
Trail
Tom Gill to Tarn Hows walk
An exhilarating way to arrive at Tarn Hows, via a challenging but beautiful woodland climb alongside Tom Gill and its surging waterfalls.
Trail
Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows walk
Walk from the head of Coniston Water to Tarn Hows via this picturesque route passing through woodland, farmland and the Walled Garden at Monk Coniston Hall. Look out for wildlife along the way including red squirrels, otters and hares.
Places to stay
Rose Castle Cottage
A two-bedroom cottage just above Tarn Hows with heaps of character in the heart of the Lakes.
Rose Castle Cottage
A two-bedroom cottage just above Tarn Hows with heaps of character in the heart of the Lakes.
Outdoor activities
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About Tarn Hows and Coniston
Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing by the tarn.
Tarn Hows is located in the low level hills between the villages of Coniston and Hawkshead and is ideal for a walk or cycle trip from either. It's a favourite with both regular and first-time visitors to the area and is popular with artists and photographers who love the setting and the views.
History
Article
The history of Tarn Hows
Discover more about Tarn Hows, James Garth Marshall’s vision to create a designed landscape from three natural tarns and why his vision was never completed.
Our work
Article
Our work at Tarn Hows and Coniston
To look after special places such as Tarn Hows and Coniston, read about the regular conservation work that takes place every day so that it is protected for everyone, for ever.
Article
Lake District locations star in Swallows and Amazons
Discover some of the 2016 film’s most adventurous settings, from secret moorings to hilltop farms, and find out how to see the places that originally inspired Arthur Ransome.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Tarn Hows and Coniston.