Tarn Hows
A small lake ringed by pine forest and hills, with a gentle trail around the water. It is the most photogenic and easiest walk in the Lake District.
Tarn Hows lies between Hawkshead and Coniston. In the 19th century, the Marshall family dammed several small tarns, joined them together and planted trees around the shore. Beatrix Potter later bought the estate and passed it on to the National Trust. The lakeside trail is about 2.5 km long, flat, and parts of it are suitable for pushchairs. It takes about 1 hour to walk, and the water reflects the pine trees and the distant Langdale Pikes. The National Trust car park charges a fee, but members park for free. Parking is tight on summer weekends. You can also walk up from Hawkshead in about 1 hour.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hawkshead
- Coniston Water & Steam Yacht Gondola
- Brantwood
- Grizedale Forest
- Grasmere & Dove Cottage
- Wray Castle
- Hill Top
- Great Langdale