Tarn Hows circular walk
An easy loop on a good path around Tarn Hows, the wooded tarn between Coniston and Hawkshead with the Langdale and Coniston fells behind.
- Distance
- 3.0 km
- 1.9 miles
- Ascent
- 38 m
- High point 210 m
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Walking time, no stops
- Grade
- Easy
- Circular
Take this walk with you
This route is on paths Google Maps knows, so the walking link follows it closely. The GPX is still the exact line. To see the line in Google Maps, open Google My Maps, create a map, choose Import and pick the KML file. It then appears in the Google Maps app under Saved, Maps.
Weather on this walk
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Tarn Hows is one of the most loved views in the Lake District: a tree-fringed tarn with little islands and bays, set in rolling country between Coniston and Hawkshead. The National Trust looks after it and describes the circuit as an easy, accessible walk.
The circuit follows a broad, well-surfaced path all the way round the water, through larches and pines and past little bays with the fells lined up beyond. It is gentle enough for almost anyone, with only a couple of short slopes, and it is lovely in every season.
The route
- 1
Car park to the tarn
Cross the road from the car park and follow the path down to the southern end of the tarn, where the famous view opens out.
- 2
Along the west shore
Bear left to walk anticlockwise along the western shore. The path rises and falls gently through the trees, with benches at the best viewpoints.
- 3
The north end
At the far end of the tarn cross the footbridge over the inflow and swing round to the eastern side.
- 4
Down the east shore
Follow the path south along the eastern shore, which is a little more open, with views back across the water to the Langdale Pikes.
- 5
Back to the start
At the southern end climb the short slope back to the road and the car park.
Questions people ask
How long is the walk around Tarn Hows?
About 2 miles (3.2 km), taking around an hour and a half at a relaxed pace.
Is Tarn Hows suitable for wheelchairs?
Much of the path is wide and well surfaced, but the Lake District National Park Authority says the route is no longer a full Miles without Stiles route, so some sections may be difficult.
Where do you park at Tarn Hows?
At the National Trust car park just south of the tarn. There is also a separate National Trust disabled parking area closer to the water.
More walks nearby
The Old Man of Coniston via the Coppermines and Walna Scar
Hard, 11.7 km, 772 m up, about 3 hours 30 minutes
Coniston's mountain by its most interesting line: up through the old copper and slate workings to Low Water and the summit, down by Goat's Water and Walna Scar.
Lingmoor Fell and Side Pike from Elterwater
Moderate, 11.6 km, 536 m up, about 3 hours
A small fell with a huge view: from Elterwater through old slate quarries to Lingmoor's ridge, over Side Pike above Blea Tarn, and back along Great Langdale.
Elterwater to Skelwith Force
Easy, 5.4 km, 36 m up, about 1 hour
A level riverside walk from Elterwater village, past the lake and through meadows to the falls at Skelwith Force. No stiles.
Food, drink and beds near the start
The Drunken Duck Inn
Gastropub, Barngates, £££, dogs welcome
A Lakes institution on the hillside at Barngates, with a lively bar, good food, rooms and wide views towards the Langdale Pikes.
The Black Bull
Traditional, Coniston, £, dogs welcome
Home of Coniston Brewing Co and their legendary Bluebird Bitter. A proper village local with world-class ales.
The Sun Inn Coniston
Traditional, Coniston, £
A 16th-century Coniston inn with Donald Campbell memorabilia on the walls and proper Lakeland character throughout.
Hill Top - Beatrix Potter
Heritage, Near Sawrey, ££
Beatrix Potter's beloved farmhouse preserved exactly as she left it, with her garden still blooming. Pure Lake District charm.
The Tower Bank Arms
Traditional, Near Sawrey, ££, dogs welcome
The pub immortalised in Beatrix Potter illustrations, next door to Hill Top. A charming National Trust village local.
Rothay Manor
Modern British, Ambleside, £££, dogs welcome
Elegant Regency-era hotel dining with a seasonal menu that lets the best Cumbrian produce speak for itself.