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With its lush woodland, dramatic views over the Langdale Pikes and Coniston Fells, and pebble beaches edging calm water, it’s easy to see why Tarn Hows is one of the best pram-friendly walks in the Lake District. But despite its natural beauty, Tarn Hows is actually man-made, created in the 1860s when three smaller tarns were joined together as part of the Monk Coniston Estate, with many of the surrounding trees planted at the same time.
Previously owned by Beatrix Potter and now cared for by the National Trust, this easy circular route follows a well-maintained clockwise path around the tarn, where iconic Herdwick sheep graze alongside incredibly tame Belted Galloway cattle that can often be found cooling off in the water on warm days. Finish with an ice cream from Joey’s Café back at the car park, or grab a coffee to enjoy as you stroll.
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When planning your visit to the National Park, please arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds if visiting over sunny weekends or school holidays. Please also take all litter home with you, don’t bring BBQs, and park your car in designated parking areas. Also, please use these walks as a guide; access and stiles may change.
PARKING INFORMATION: Please do not rely solely on the postcode for parking directions. In the National Park, a postcode can cover a large area. Postcodes are only provided as guidance. Please either use the Google Maps point or what3words, which are provided on every walk guide.
Tarn Hows walk map
On all Lake District family walks it’s a good idea to have an Ordnance Survey paper map with you, even if you have your phone on you. For this walk you need the Ordnance Survey Explorer OL7 (English Lakes South-eastern Area). It’s also a good opportunity to show young kids the map features and get them started with map reading.
Need to know
DISTANCE OF WALK: 3 km / 1.9 miles
TERRAIN: Firm gravel path with some areas of relatively steep ascent and descent around the tarn. Though most of the path is smooth, there are patches with heavy root growth and larger stones.
PARKING: National Trust Tarn Hows car park (click here for Google map location). Postcode is: LA22 0PP. Parking is free for National Trust members. Non-members: £7.00 up to 2 hours; £8.50 up to 4 hours; £10 all day. Parking payment can be made through the JustPark app or at the car park’s machines.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: woodland, dramatic views over the Langdale Pikes and Coniston Fells, pebble beaches.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Allow 1 hour for adults walking with a pram, but up to an 1.5 if younger children are joining on foot (with additional time for paddling in good weather).
TOTAL ASCENT: 63 metres
FACILITIES: There are toilets with changing facilities available in the National Trust car park at the beginning of the walk, as well as ‘Joey’s café’ serving hot and cold drinks, and a variety of snacks.
The route
START: National Trust Tarn Hows car park
Click here for Google Map point
Grid reference: SD 3261 9953
Post code: LA22 0PP
what3words: ///eclipses.immunity.shameless
Route follows a clockwise direction.
1. Exit the car park, crossing the road beside the National Trust ‘Tarn Hows’ information sign to the wide gravel path opposite. After 50m, follow the path as it forks away left towards the tarn’s edge.
2. As you reach the water, continue ahead to pass through a wooden gate which leads you clockwise around the tarn. Follow this clearly defined path, enjoying stops on the tarn’s various pebble beaches and benches. Blue National Trust direction arrows labelled ‘Tarn Hows’ guide you if needed.
3. Keep following the main gravel path, ignoring a route which forks left signposted ‘Skelwith Bridge and the Langdales’. 250m after this fork, you will reach a second wooden gate which leads you to the tip of the tarn, marked by a wooden bridge. This is a lovely little paddling spot.
4. The path then leads into woodland. Ignore paths joining the main route on both the left and right. Continue ahead, emerging out of the trees to stunning views of the tarn from above.
5. Pass through a final gateway, continuing on for 250m before taking a left fork which leads uphill to run parallel to the road. Follow this path until returning to the car park’s entrance.
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