Tarn Hows – 5 Ways to Walk

We are taking a break from our 5 Ways to Walk series focussing on the highest and most dramatic Lake District mountains. Instead we’re looking at various different ways in which the beautiful Tarn Hows can be enjoyed.

Whether it’s an invigorating morning walk, a family afternoon hike or a romantic evening stroll, there’s a route to suit.  Family-friendly, the walks below are ideal for walkers of all ages and there’s a route for nearly all abilities.   

1. Circular route from Tarn Hows car park.

Clockwise or anticlockwise the choice is yours. If it’s your first visit however then we would recommend walking the circular route in a clockwise direction to really maximise the wonderful views you can enjoy en route.

Simply park up at Tarn Hows National Trust Car Park, cross the lane and take the path leading downhill directly towards the tarn. The path leading to the left side of the tarn will take you round in a clockwise direction.

It’s worth noting that the car park can get busy on weekends and holidays, so arriving early for a post-breakfast walk or late for an after-dinner stroll will avoid the busiest times of day.

2. From Coniston village

Tarn Hows can be walked from Coniston village on footpaths – with very little walking on roads required. This route takes in sections of Coniston Water lakeshore before a gentle climb up forest paths and eventually emerging at Tarn Hows.

From the village centre, head down Tilberthwaite Avenue, go past The Crown Inn, cross the bridge and continue past Smithy Cottage on the footpath parallel to the road. Stay on the footpath alongside the B5285 as it sweeps left and leaves Coniston Water behind.

You’ll come to a small hamlet of houses. Go past these, you’ll need to go onto the road for a few moments, but the footpath quickly restarts. Go through the gate and across the footbridge. The path then comes out on a lane. Go straight across the lane and take the track heading up into the forest.

Eventually you’ll come to a fork in the track with both paths signposted Tarn Hows. The left path emerges at the main Tarn Hows Car Park and the one to the right at the mini car park slightly to the east. You can take either but we took the left, arriving at the main car park and the following the route around Tarn Hows above (1).

3. From Tom Gill via the waterfalls

This walk starts at Glen Mary Bridge National Trust car park, near Tom Gill, grid ref: SD321998. There is also further layby parking alongside Yew Tree Tarn with a footpath close to the parking area which quickly takes you away from the road and up to the waterfalls.

Many visitors to Tarn Hows may not even realise the waterfalls are so close by – these cascades are definitely worth a visit however and this route takes in all the waterfalls from Yew Tree Tarn to Tarn Hows.

From the car park go through the gate into the woods and follow the signposted waterfalls path which roughly follows the beck (on your right) uphill. There are several sections of waterfalls with short paths branching off to better view the falls if required. There are some steepish and rocky sections which can be slippery when wet so care is needed.

The path, and river, emerge at Tarn Hows. You can then turn right or turn left and complete a loop of the tarn before retracing your steps back down past the waterfalls.

4. Bag a Wainwright on your way round

For Wainwright baggers or those simply looking to extend a stroll around Tarn Hows into a longer walk, then a diversion to Black Fell is a most worth-while one. While modest in height, the simply beautiful 360 degree views from the top are why it was included in Wainwright’s 2014 fells and why a visit to the summit is one to remember forever.

On a loop of Tarn Hows, at its most northerly tip and close to a footbridge, take the stile heading north. Cross the enclosure then go through the gate onto a wide track with dry stone walls on each side. Turn right to head uphill. After 200 metres turn left to take the forest track. After 300 metres go through the gate onto open fell side and immediately take the footpath on the right. Follow this obvious path to the summit of Black Fell which is marked with a trig column and Black Cragg plaque.

Enjoy the incredible views of Coniston Water, Windermere and Langdale before retracing your steps to Tarn Hows and resuming your loop of the tarn.

5. Tarn Hows from Hawkshead  6 miles

If you’re staying in one of our Far Sawrey Cottages then a great option is to start your walk in Hawkshead. Once you’ve finished, there are ample inviting places to eat and drink in Hawkshead village, making this a complete afternoon out during your break in the Lakes.

From the Post Office in Hawkshead village head north towards the Red Lion. Take the first left, go under the archway and up Vicarage Lane. After about 100 yards take the footpath on the right across the field and up the hill. Go through a gate stile and follow the track through a small wood and over stream. Follow path across a farm track and straight forward to the road. Turn left into Hawkshead Hill and then  turn right sign posted Tarn Hows. At the next junction turn right towards Knipe Fold. After about 200 yards turn left onto the footpath. Follow the path through a hamlet and 2 gates.

At the top in a clearing watch out for small stile in a wall on the right, take this and walk across field towards a the National Trust cottage overlooking Tarn Hows.  Follow the track behind the cottage then take zigzag down to the main tarn path.

Turn left or right to complete a circuit of the tarn before tracing your steps back to Hawkshead.