What’s not to love about the Lake District?
Teeming with natural beauty, idyllic towns and a seemingly endless array of hiking trails, we most recently had the pleasure of visiting the incredibly picturesque Tarn Hows.
While the standard route around the tarn only comes in at around 2 miles long, there are also a number of ways to extend your ramble, making it an ideal location for ramblers of all abilities.
Did you know? – The Monk Coniston Estate – where Tarn Hows is situated – was previous owned by Beatrix Potter, later being left to the National Trust after her passing.
To give you the full lowdown on the best walks in the area, we thought we’d compile this ultimate guide so you’re fully prepped come the day of your outing!
Interested in finding out more? Let’s get to it 👇👇
Where is Tarn Hows?
Tarn Hows Car Park Address: Ambleside LA22 0PP
Nestled between the quaint villages of Hawkshead and Coniston, Tarn Hows is easily accessible just off the B5285 road from either town.
Tarn Hows is approximately a 1.9-mile drive from Hawkshead, while a slightly longer 3.4 mile journey from Coniston. If visiting by car, either of these options should get you from the town to the car park in under 10-minutes.
Best Tarn Hows walks
Standard Tarn Hows Circular
For those wanting an easy-going yet pleasant stroll, the standard Tarn Hows Circular walk might just be for you.
A relatively flat and easy-to-follow 2-mile loop around the tarn’s shimmering waters, along the way you’ll be treated to gorgeous vistas throughout. Plus there’s also an optional uphill path to the east of the tarn which you can climb for even more breath-taking views from above.
For those bringing kids along for the outing, they’ll certainly be thrilled to also see the mysterious wishing tree on the walk, which is embedded with coins from those who’ve made a wish.
Be sure to bring some coppers with you!
There’s really no need to give you a step-by-step guide for this route, since the footpath around the tarn is super easy to follow and well laid out throughout. Even better, it’s also accessible for wheelchair users.
From the Tarn Hows Car Park, simply follow the signs around the Tarn and away you go!
💡 Top tip – For more gentle walking trails, be sure to browse through our ‘9 Easy Walks In The Lake District’ blog post
Circular Trail From Monk Coniston
Monk Coniston Car Park: Coniston LA21 8AA
An alternative route for seasoned ramblers wanting something a little more adventurous, the circular trail from Monk Coniston should be right up your street.
A 7-mile hike through hilly woodlands, open fell land & around the popular tarn, this moderate trail should take most between 2-3 hours to complete.
While nothing overly challenging, those unaccustomed to longer treks may be huffing and puffing during some of the hilly segments, though the spectacular views you’ll enjoy throughout make it all worth it!
Circular Trail from Monk Coniston: Step-by-step guide
- From Monk Coniston Car Park, immediately opposite the road you should see a sign post labelled Monk Coniston.
- Head through the gate and follow the trail up the gentle incline.
- Stick to the footpath until you come to a road crossing. Check there’s no oncoming traffic before crossing over and make your way up the hilly woodland.
- Be sure to stick to the main path and not deviate onto any of the off-shoot trails.
- Once reaching the road at the top of the hill, you should see Tarn Hows straight ahead.
- Head through the gate to the right of the road beside the picnic benches. Follow the trail and enjoy the views of the tarn from above before dropping down and following the standard circular walk around the Tarn.
- Once making your way around the Tarn, take the uphill path towards & past Tarn Hows Car Park, following the one-way exit road towards Coniston.
- Stick to this path for a short while before taking the first footpath on your right to Tarn Hows Cottage.
- Just before reaching the cottage, take the first footpath on the left, which descends down towards Boon Crag Farm.
- Once arriving at the bottom of the hill, turn left and continue past the farm, turning right at the road onto a footpath leading you back to Coniston Water.
Monk Coniston Boat Ride
Likewise – while you can simply park at Monk Coniston to begin this trail – you also have the option of catching a ride on the historic steam boat from Coniston Pier to Monk Coniston before beginning the ramble.
A whopping 84-foot long Victorian steam-powered boat restored by the National Trust in 1980, what better way to take in the glorious lakeshore views!
Coniston to Ambleside (via Tarn Hows)
For the veteran hikers amongst you, perhaps you’d like to tackle this 8.5 mile one-way hike from Coniston to Ambleside?
Taking you along a segment of the legendary Cumbrian Way, this walk incorporates both Tarn Hows & Loughrigg Tarn before approaching the idyllic village of Ambleside.
Located to the north of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is also fantastic spot for wild-swimming. What better way to finish your hike than with a refreshing dip in the Lake District’s most iconic lake!
I’ve never actually taken on this route, so for the full breakdown I’d recommend heading over to the following guide created by Where2Walk here.
Is there a waterfall at Tarn Hows?
If you’re wanting to check out a nearby waterfall during a visit to Tarn Hows, then you’d be best off taking the Tarn Hows ramble starting from Tom Gill.
A short but steep climb with cascading waterfalls in full view as you hike towards the the Tarn, this route is only 1.6 miles in total, though the ascent is sure to get your quads burning!
For the full lowdown on approaching via this route, you’re best bet would be to check out the official National Trust guide here.
More resources
Interested in exploring more of the local area? Then be sure to check out our recent post listing ‘6 Of The Best Coniston Walks To Hike in 2023’!
Likewise, for more Lake District resources, why not trawl through our recent ‘10 Spectacular Lake District Walks’ post? Regardless of hiking ability, I’m sure you’ll find something that’ll tickle your fancy!
And lastly, if you’re interested in camping during your visit to the Lakes, then be sure to check out our post on 5 Of The Very Best Lake District Campsites!
Happy walking 🚶🚶