Tarn Hows offers a popular and picturesque circular walk in the Lake District, near Coniston, Cumbria. Here are the key details about the Tarn Hows walk:
- Route and Distance : The main circular walk around Tarn Hows is about 3 km (1.9 miles) long with a gentle ascent of around 125 feet (38 meters). It can be walked clockwise or anticlockwise, with the clockwise direction recommended for first-time visitors to maximize the views
- Path and Accessibility : The path is mostly smooth and compact stone, suitable for pushchairs and some wheelchairs, though there are some short rougher sections and steeper gradients up to 1:5 in places. The route is well maintained and includes benches for resting and enjoying the scenery
- Scenery and Features : Tarn Hows is a man-made lake created in the Victorian era by damming three smaller tarns. The surrounding landscape was designed with planted trees and farmland to create a picturesque setting. The walk offers stunning views of the Coniston hills and Langdale Pikes, making it very scenic
- Starting Point : The walk typically starts from the Tarn Hows National Trust car park near Coniston (postcode LA22 0PW). Facilities include toilets and sometimes an ice cream van in summer. The route is accessible by car and public transport, with the nearest bus stop about 1.4 km away
- Extensions and Variations : For those wanting a longer or more varied walk, there are options to extend the route by heading uphill to an upper track or combining the Tarn Hows walk with nearby trails like the Cumbria Way, which passes through the area
In summary, the Tarn Hows walk is a relatively easy, family-friendly circular route with beautiful views and good facilities, making it a highly recommended walk in the Lake District
