Tarn Hows circular walk
All the family can enjoy spectacular views of the high Lake District fells in every season, on this easy, accessible walk around a tree-lined tarn. With Tramper all-terrain scooters available to borrow, visitors who are less mobile can keep pace with their walking companions.
Near to
Tarn Hows and ConistonStart point
Tarn Hows car park, near Coniston, CumbriaTrail information
*Firm gravel path with some ascent and descent around tarn, optional path with climb to views. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Main path around tarn accessible for wheelchair users. Mobility vehicles available. For further details, please see Access section.
***Dogs on leads welcome. For further details, please see Facilities section.
Total stages: 4
Total stages: 4
Start point
Tarn Hows car park, near Coniston, Cumbria
Stage 1
From the car park, cross the road and take the left-hand fork following the track down to the lakeside. Pass through the gate and continue on the track in a clockwise direction around the tarn.
Early morning at Tarn Hows in autumn | © National Trust/Paul Harris Stage 2
Follow the track as it continues around the tarn to a point where a path crosses the main route. Continue straight ahead around the tarn and back to the car park if you need a level, surfaced path, or are using a mobility scooter or pushchair. Otherwise, to extend the walk and take in more views, pass through the gate to the left of the track and proceed uphill to an upper track. Continue on this track in the direction signposted to Coniston, Hawkshead and Old car park until reaching the short stay Viewing car park.
Keep right on the main track if you're using a mobility scooter or pushchair | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey Stage 3
From the car park, cross the road and pass through the gate following a footpath across the field, keeping the tarn on your right-hand side. This path can be muddy in bad weather. An alternative is to follow the road back towards the main car park.
Stage 4
Continue on the track as it passes downhill and up again, before descending back through a gate into to the main car park.
Belted Galloway Cattle Tarn Hows, Lake District, Cumbria | © National Trust / Paul Harris End point
Tarn Hows car park, near Coniston, Cumbria
Trail map
Map of the Tarn Hows circular walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
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.
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.
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