The Tarn Hows Walk is one of the easiest circular walks in the Lake District. The well-maintained paths make it accessible for all, and if you stick to the path it should only take you around one hour.
We parked the campervan that we’d loaned from All Seasons Leisure at Low Wray Campsite on the first night of our three day Lake District road trip and headed to Tarn Hows early in the morning. The tarn’s striking landscape was blissfully empty and still when we arrived.
Why is this short Lake District walk among the best hikes for non-hikers? Well, the Tarn Hows walk offers visitors sensational views over the water and hills beyond, but it’s one of the easier walking trails. This makes the Tarn Hows walk the go-to route for anyone who wants to get a taste of the outdoorsy side of the Lake District, while having plenty of time afterwards to warm up in a cosy pub in one of the picturesque nearby villages by lunchtime.
In the spirit of adventure, we strayed from the beaten path of the Tarn Hows walk and stumbled upon a few hidden gems nearby, including a magnificent waterfall!
How to get to Tarn Hows
Ideally, you should stay in nearby Coniston if you’re planning to walk around Tarn Hows in the morning. From the town it’s a ten minute drive via the B5285.
If you’re driving to Tarn Hows from Ambleside, take the A593 and B5286. The journey should take 17 minutes.
From Windermere, Tarn Hows is a 25 minute drive via the A591.
The roads are narrow and winding, so stay alert. There’s every chance you could have to stop for wandering cows!
Where to park for the Tarn Hows walk
Tarn Hows is two miles north-east of Coniston and north-west of Hawkshead. The roads narrow as you get closer, so if you’re taking the bus from Coniston to Tarn Hows be prepared to walk for about a mile until you reach the entrance.
There’s a carpark run by National Trust – put LA21 8DP into your Sat Nav. It costs £5 to park there. These car parks are free if you’re a National Trust member – you can become a member here.
Even from the carpark, the views over Tarn Hows are really quite spectacular!
The circular Tarn Hows walking route
Originally three natural tarns, the guy who bought the area in the 1860s remodelled it to better highlight the dramatic surrounding landscape. Local author and illustrator Beatrix Potter later purchased some of the land, which she then sold to the National Trust.
There is a level 1.5 mile path around the tarn that is suitable for wheelchairs. You can enjoy a gentle walk or veer off the path and get some more strenuous exercise in.
The website recommends tackling the walk in a clockwise fashion, but hadn’t read it so we went anti-clockwise.
There were so many moments while we walked around Tarn Hows where we were stopped in our tracks at the breathtaking beauty in front of us. Framed mainly by conifer trees, the cool, clear water of the tarns would be perfect for swimming in during the peak of summer. Shame I hadn’t packed my cozzie!
You’ll can spot sycamore, beach, alder, cherry and willow trees on the walk.
Having set out early in the morning, we only passed two other couples during the walk, but towards the end there were a handful of larger groups.
If you’re looking for peace and tranquility, the best time of day to do the Tarn Hows walk is early morning. We did pass a few grazing calves though, who seemed entirely unbothered by our presence.
How to find the Tarn Hows waterfall
We strayed a little from the beaten path at the end and climbed over the fence and down, following the sound of water, to see the magnificent waterfall in Glen Mary. There’s a carpark nearer the waterfall here, where you can park and hike up towards the waterfall instead. More logical than our slightly roundabout way!
Still feeling energetic, we followed the water down to the road and crossed over to see Yew Tree Tarn.
In all honesty, Yew Tree Tarn felt slightly underwhelming and the walk back to the road was muddy! I think it would be a much more impressive sight in the sunshine.
Back at the carpark, I swooped on the National Trust ice cream van that had opened while we were walking. That sticky toffee cone tasted so good after a morning of movement! It was £2.50 for one scoop of ice cream and the money goes straight to the National Trust. Having just experienced the natural beauty they work diligently to maintain, I was more than happy to fork out and support them.
Where to eat near the Tarn Hows walk
The Drunken Duck in Ambleside is a seven minute drive from Tarn Hows. If you’re heading into Coniston after your walk, try Steam Bistro.
We packed a mini picnic and I’m glad we did!
What to wear for the Tarn Hows walk
Even if the weather has been dry for a few days, you’re bound to get muddy if you choose to scramble down to the waterfall so decent waterproof hiking boots are essential.
If you’re going to stick to the path, trainers should be fine.
As with all UK adventures, packing a waterproof jacket and wearing layers is definitely wise!
I’ve affiliate linked my tried-and-tested travel gear below.
My pink waterproof jacket is available here (also available in grey)
Ladies hiking boots available here
The comfiest leggings available here
Even if you’re not much of a walker, the Tarn Hows walk is one of the most scenic yet gentle trails in the Lake District. It was the first thing we did during our road trip. After it, I felt I’d had sufficient exercise to warrant spending the remainder of the trip simply strolling around the postcard-perfect villages and stuffing my face in cosy Lake District pubs.
Have you found a similarly pleasant easy walk in the Lake District? Let me know in the comments!
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