National Trust - Tarn Hows, near Coniston, Cumbria LA22 0PP

Details

Accessibility

https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/assets/website/national/regions/lake-district/pdf/tarn-hows-access-statement.pdf

"Tramper mobility scooters are available to hire free of charge (donations are welcome). Short stay viewing car park with great views of the tarn.

Spaces for visitors with disabilities at the top of the main car park, by the pedestrian exit for the tarn. Blue badge holders park for free.

Accessible toilet

Located at the back of the main car park.

Seating available

Benches spaced out around the tarn, before or after steeper sections.

Accessible route and/or map

Firm gravel path around the tarn with some climbs and descents, suitable for pushchairs, prams, buggies, wheelchairs and mobility vehicles.

Powered mobility vehicle

Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters available to borrow (donations welcome). Please book 48 hrs ahead to avoid disappointment."

Brief description

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/tarn-hows-and-coniston/tarn-hows-circular-walk

"All the family can enjoy spectacular views of the high Lake District fells in every season, on this easy, accessible walk around a tree-lined tarn. With Tramper all-terrain scooters available to borrow, visitors who are less mobile can keep pace with their walking companions."

"Walking

DifficultyEasy*

Dog friendly**

Duration1 hour1 hour 

Accessibility: Easy***

Distance Miles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Full trail: 

Firm gravel path with some ascent and descent around tarn, optional path with climb to views. For further details, please see Terrain section.

Dogs on leads welcome. For further details, please see Facilities section.

Main path around tarn accessible for wheelchair users. Mobility vehicles available. For further details, please see Access section."

Address

National Trust - Tarn Hows

near Coniston, Ambleside

LA22 0PP

Email

"Contact our team by email or phone:

Our support team is available to answer your questions. Drop us a message, and we’ll respond as soon as we can. We're here Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 4pm.

Email: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Call us: 01539 724555"

Phone

Website

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/tarn-hows-and-coniston/tarn-hows-circular-walk

Directions

"On foot

Can be accessed from Hawkshead (2.25 miles) or Coniston (2.25 miles) via road and public footpaths, see OS map for routes.

By bus

Take the 505 service from Hawkshead to Coniston. Alight at Hawkshead Hill Chapel and follow road signs to Tarn Hows (about 1 mile). The walk will initially be via road, with a footpath option for part of the way.

Cycling

Note that cycling is not permitted around Tarn Hows itself. From Ambleside via A593, and then B5286 towards Hawkshead. After 1 mile turn right on the road to the Drunken Duck pub. Continue on this road for 2.5 miles and look for signs for Tarn Hows. 5.5 miles total. A major part of this route is by road.

From Coniston take the cycle track from Coniston towards Hawkshead (the cycle track follows the road). After Boon Crag, follow the sign to the left for the public bridleway, which rises steeply uphill to Tarn Hows. 2.25 miles total.

By road

From Ambleside take the A593, then the B5286 towards Hawkshead, then the B5285 towards Coniston. At the village of Hawkshead Hill, follow signs to Tarn Hows. Please do not follow satnav, instead follow signs for Tarn Hows from B5285, Coniston or Hawkshead Hill."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

2025: "By bus

Take the 505 service from Hawkshead to Coniston. Alight at Hawkshead Hill Chapel and follow road signs to Tarn Hows (about 1 mile). The walk will initially be via road, with a footpath option for part of the way."

Amenities

Tarn Hows car park, near Coniston, Cumbria, Pay and display, free for National Trust members.

Dogs on leads are welcome.

Toilets (including accessible toilet) and baby changing facilities in the car park.