Tarn Hows Circuit

Located northeast of Coniston, Tarn Hows is a man-made lake. It was formed by the building of a damn in the first half of the nineteenth century that led to the transformation of three small tarns into the larger single tarn that exists today. The area is owned and maintained by the National Trust, who have created a pushchair and wheelchair friendly route that does a complete circuit around the tarn.

The path is level enough throughout the route that most pushchairs, including umbrella folding pushchairs, can navigate the path with ease. This is also a great route for pre-schoolers, as it is fairly short in length and there are plenty of benches to rest at along the way.

Despite its somewhat remote location, the area is a very popular walking spot, even out of peak season, and therefore it is advisable that you aim to arrive before 10am in order to be guaranteed a car parking space. There are limited facilities here, so you do need to pack refreshments and / or a picnic. The nearby towns of Coniston and Hawkshead are a short drive away and have places to eat.

Getting to the Car Park

From Coniston, take the B5285 towards Hawkshead. After approximately two-miles you will see the Forestry Commission High Cross car park on your right and opposite on the left a turning signposted for Tarn Hows. Take this left turning. After a short distance the road will fork with the Summer Hill Country House directly in front of you. Turn left, again signposted for Tarn Hows. Follow this road until you reach the National Trust car park, clearly signposted, on the left hand side. For a Google Maps link to the car park location, click here. Grid Ref SD 326 996

The Start of the Walk

Go out of the car park via the one way exit route (there is a path that runs alongside the road). Then, when the exit route turns left, continue straight, to where there is an information sign and a wooden barrier preventing cars entering the car park here. Go past the barrier (there is room for pushchairs) and cross the road, and directly opposite you will see the entrance to Tarn Hows with a National Trust sign.

Heading Down to the Tarn

Follow the path down, where you will get your first glimpse of the tarn. At the first fork in the path, turn left. At the second fork in the path, turn right. This downward path will bring you to the shore of the tarn.

The First Gate

You will see a gate at the end of the path down to the shore. This is wide enough for pushchairs to get through. Go through the gate and just beyond there is a path on the left leading up through woodland. Going up here will lead you to a waterfall, but it is not accessible for pushchairs. To continue on the circuit, go straight on.

Exploring the Woodland

The path continues along the shore of the tarn. Along the way there is plenty for children to explore, including a number of smaller paths that lead off into the woods for short distances before re-joining the main path. You may also spot various species of bird along the way, and fallen trees provide the perfect environment for a plethora of bugs. There are also wishing trees, where coins are hammered into fallen tree trunks in the hope of granting a wish.

Leaving the Cumbria Way

You will come to a fork in the path. This is where the Cumbria Way that you joined at the start of the route diverges away from this circuit to head towards Skelwith Bridge. Keep right to follow the main path around the tarn.

The Northern Edge of Tarn Hows

Continue to follow the path and you will reach another pushchair accessible gate to go through. Do be aware to close all gates as you pass them as Tarn Hows is frequently used for grazing animals. You should also keep dogs on a lead. The path turns sharply right with a stile on the left leading to a minor path up to the fells. At the northern edge of the tarn there is a bench. You are approximately half way around at this point, making this an ideal resting place.

Heading Back Toward the Car Park

The path veers back towards the south, through woodland where, again, there is plenty to explore. Fungus can be found growing on trees, and fallen tree trunks make a great balancing challenge. Paths off to the right lead down to the shore, where outcrops of land provide secluded picnic spots.

The Path to Hawkshead and Island View

You will come to another fork in the path with the left hand fork leading up and signposted towards Hawkshead. For a slightly longer walk, you can take this path and either follow it straight up to the second NT car park (reserved for blue badge holders) and then follow the road back to the main car park, or you can take a left turn off this path towards Rose Castle Cottage, and then follow the disused quarry track back to the road. However, to continue back to the car park, take the left fork, where you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the tarn and its largest island.

The End of the Walk

After going through a gate, you will come to a fork in the path. The left fork leads up towards the Blue Badge car park and road. The right fork leads back down towards the shore of the tarn where you started the walk. Going this way will allow you to avoid walking on the road. When you reach the shore, simply turn left to take the path back up to the car park.