Tarn Hows – Total Beauty Guaranteed

Tarn Hows is probably on most people’s must-do list when visiting the Lake District.  And no wonder.  The tarn is unbelievably pretty, surrounded as it is by majestic mountains and a variety of trees and woodland which frame the edge of the idyllic water.  An easy, level walk takes you right round the tarn and there is a car park at the beauty spot – so it can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of mobility.

We recommend if you can, however, that you walk from Puddleduck House as the walk there itself is delightful and there are a number of routes up and back, meaning you needn’t come back the same way.  You can get to Tarn Hows in around an hour and a half – though coming back is a lot quicker 🙂

I struggle to pick a favourite route there as they all have so much beauty and distinction, but if I had to choose, I’d say the best route is up via the Cumbria Way – setting off from Shepherd’s Bridge Lane, just past the Coniston Sports and Social Centre.  You follow the Cumbria Way all the way to Tarn Hows and although it is a little more of a hike this way (possibly 2 hours to the tarn), the views are worth it. You even get views of the Langdale Pikes from this direction.

Tarn Hows is really viewed at its absolute best early in the morning, late evening or anytime really when the crowds disappear.  Ok, so does the Ice Cream van, but there’s always a downside to everything 🙂

The Higher Route to the east, overlooking the Tarn

However, if you do end up at the Tarn and are joined by a myriad of other people, the good news is that you can quickly escape into peace and tranquillity again by navigating your way alongside or up Tom Heights, heading further north and heading up Black Crag or heading up on the higher route to the east of the Tarn, towards Rose Castle Plantation.

If you go up the Rose Castle route, take time to take a right hand turn which leads you to Rose Castle itself – a gorgeous little 19^th century cottage in the middle of nowhere!

Rose Castle – a 19th century gem in the middle of nowhere!

Coming back, you could opt for the much quicker and easier route via Monk Coniston – and enjoy the views over Coniston Water at Monk Coniston as you head back down.

Happy Hiking!

Chloe x

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