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.
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.
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.
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.
End point
Tarn Hows car park, near Coniston, Cumbria
Trail map
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.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in the Lake District
From gentle ambles to more challenging hikes, these are some of the best walks to explore the heart of the Lake District.
Borrow a Tramper at Tarn Hows
Borrow a Tramper mobility vehicle, a free to use all-terrain scooter which makes Tarn Hows more accessible to those who are less physically able.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Exploring Tarn Hows and Coniston
Explore the varied landscape of the Lake District around Tarn Hows and Coniston. With endless walk and cycle routes and a Tramper to borrow, there’s something for everyone.
The history of Tarn Hows
Discover more about Tarn Hows, James Garth Marshall’s vision to create a designed landscape from three natural tarns and why his vision was never completed.