Tarn Hows walk
Near Coniston and Hawkshead, Lake District
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
What to expect
Tarn Hows is a beautiful man-made tarn, surrounded by woods and views of the Langdale Pikes and the Coniston Fells, and managed by the National Trust. A level, well-made circular path of about one and a half to two miles goes all the way round, making it one of the most accessible walks in the Lake District. It is popular with families, pushchairs and wheelchair users.
Tips before you go
- The path is surfaced, so it suits pushchairs and many wheelchairs.
- The car park is busy and fills up in summer, so go early or late.
- Combine it with Hawkshead or Coniston for lunch.
Book or plan it
Prices and availability change, so compare. These are affiliate links.
Where to base yourself
Ruskin's lake, an Old Man and a quieter side of the southern Lakes
A weekend in HawksheadCumbriaA car-free village of whitewashed cottages and Beatrix Potter
A weekend in Lake DistrictCumbriaEngland's biggest national park: lakes, fells and cosy villages
What to pack
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear
Related activities
This easy circular walk follows the shoreline of Buttermere, a small, perfectly proportioned lake surrounded by high fells.
Wild swimming in the Lake DistrictButtermere, Derwentwater and Rydal Water, Lake DistrictThe Lake District has some of the most popular wild swimming in England, with lakes such as Buttermere and Derwentwater and small tarns in the hills.
Windermere lake cruiseBowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, Lake DistrictWindermere is England's largest natural lake, about 10 miles long.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tarn Hows suitable for wheelchairs?
Much of the circular path is surfaced, and many visitors with wheelchairs and pushchairs use it, though some sections have slopes.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.