Tarn Hows
4.5
About
Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk and picnic, or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing by the tarn. There is a mobility scooter available for use for those who are less able to get around the Tarn.
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41 within 5 kms
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99 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- DaveQ2324Poole, United Kingdom481 contributionsBeautiful idyllic placeThis tarn is a must to visit, It’s a National trust place and is well paved all around the lake/tarn, an easy walk of around an hour at a steady pace. Wheel chair accessible. Narrow roads lead to a fairly large car park.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2023
- ScotinEnglandSt Anne, United Kingdom1,741 contributionsWonderful walkingA great walk on firm pathway round the tarn in wonderfully sunny weather. Clear signs and plenty of shady spots to sit on benches in the shade if so desired.£5 a car in the National Trust car park if not a member!! Walk length around 2 miles but worth it! Great atmospheric scenery. Worth a visit!Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 May 2023
- pesue1Nuneaton, United Kingdom571 contributionsBeautifulOne of the great spots in the country, tricky drive to get here. Few parking spaces. There are toilets and walks of various difficultiey. The views are stunning ,but we were surprised at the number of trees felled by storms. Beautiful national trust placeVisited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 September 2023
- Ellis P5 contributionsPicturesque casual easy lakeside walkThe views were very beautiful. We went on an evening and it made for a great easy short walk to unwind at the end of the day. There is a full gravel path leading all the way around the lake and a viewpoint part way through plus access to a waterfall. The gravel path sometimes strays from the lake however there are other less used tracks you can follow for further access towards the water.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 September 2023
- holidaymanWashingtonWashington, United Kingdom2,122 contributionsNot what it used to be.At it's best when the trees are in full Autumnal colours. It used to be one of the most picturesque spots in the Lake District but has now been spoiled by becoming too touristy. There is a single track road with the odd passing place. We were almost run off the road by a descending transit van, then a jaguar 4x4 and a lambourghini; none of whom thought anyone else had any entitlement to be on the road.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 September 2023
- Gareth Davies63 contributionsBeautiful lake.An amazing lake to walk around. It is stunningly beautiful with amazing views. In my opinion, it is the prettiest lake in the Lake District. Parking is free for blue badge holders and access is surprisingly good - it is a single track road but with plenty of passing places.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 29 September 2023
- Anuj_MithaniMumbai, India3,924 contributionsSerenityThis is an easy circular path around a tranquil body of water, close to the village of Hawkshead. We found parking at the National Trust managed paid parking lot by the tarn. The machine only takes coins (£5 charge), but the local NT representative was kind enough to change notes for us. As you walk the path, remember to go through one the gates to a signposted viewpoint for some wonderful panoramas – only a short climb up. Tarn Hows was a favourite spot of the author Beatrix Potter and and it’s easy to imagine why.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- Laura TMiddlesbrough, United Kingdom7,002 contributionscircular 2 miles walk around the water on good paths - pram accessibleThis is a circular 2 miles walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. There is a very accessible walk on a good, flat path which took us around 1 hour at leisurely pace with our pushchair. The walk starts from Tarn Hows Car Park; parking is £5 for 2 hours or free for National Trust Members. There is more information on this walk on the National Trust website. The path goes up and down a lot, quite steeply in places. We were fine with our heavy duty pram, but a wheelchair user would definitely struggle. Although the paths are very good they are made from lots of very small stones / shale, so quite bumpy. There were a few areas that were very steep and bumpy, but mostly like the few photos I've attached, to show the ups and downs of the path. We weren't that impressed by the views, certainly not like many of the photos on here! but it was an overcast day when we visited. We have been struggling to find walks we can do with the pram as 14 month old is getting too heavy to carry all day and this walk is ideal for anyone in same situation. We will return again another year when in the area, and hope for better weather next time!Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1Â 390 reviews
Excellent
1Â 075
Very good
257
Average
40
Poor
12
Terrible
6
Andrew W
55 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Arrived on a cold and rainy day with very few other around and a storm brewing. Managed to walk the shortest route and see the raw beauty of the place. Will be back.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJJP1
Appleby-in-Westmorland, UK1Â 298 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Even though it was a half term Sunday, there were still spaces in the car park mid afternoon, and the clouds lifted and the colours were sublime .
For the full effect, add in Black Crag, which with the circuit of the Tarn, takes two hours.
For the full effect, add in Black Crag, which with the circuit of the Tarn, takes two hours.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7Â 002 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
This is a circular 2 miles walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. There is a very accessible walk on a good, flat path which took us around 1 hour at leisurely pace with our pushchair.
The walk starts from Tarn Hows Car Park; parking is £5 for 2 hours or free for National Trust Members. There is more information on this walk on the National Trust website.
The path goes up and down a lot, quite steeply in places. We were fine with our heavy duty pram, but a wheelchair user would definitely struggle. Although the paths are very good they are made from lots of very small stones / shale, so quite bumpy. There were a few areas that were very steep and bumpy, but mostly like the few photos I've attached, to show the ups and downs of the path.
We weren't that impressed by the views, certainly not like many of the photos on here! but it was an overcast day when we visited. We have been struggling to find walks we can do with the pram as 14 month old is getting too heavy to carry all day and this walk is ideal for anyone in same situation.
We will return again another year when in the area, and hope for better weather next time!
The walk starts from Tarn Hows Car Park; parking is £5 for 2 hours or free for National Trust Members. There is more information on this walk on the National Trust website.
The path goes up and down a lot, quite steeply in places. We were fine with our heavy duty pram, but a wheelchair user would definitely struggle. Although the paths are very good they are made from lots of very small stones / shale, so quite bumpy. There were a few areas that were very steep and bumpy, but mostly like the few photos I've attached, to show the ups and downs of the path.
We weren't that impressed by the views, certainly not like many of the photos on here! but it was an overcast day when we visited. We have been struggling to find walks we can do with the pram as 14 month old is getting too heavy to carry all day and this walk is ideal for anyone in same situation.
We will return again another year when in the area, and hope for better weather next time!
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anuj_Mithani
Mumbai, India3Â 924 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This is an easy circular path around a tranquil body of water, close to the village of Hawkshead. We found parking at the National Trust managed paid parking lot by the tarn. The machine only takes coins (£5 charge), but the local NT representative was kind enough to change notes for us. As you walk the path, remember to go through one the gates to a signposted viewpoint for some wonderful panoramas – only a short climb up. Tarn Hows was a favourite spot of the author Beatrix Potter and and it’s easy to imagine why.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gareth Davies
63 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
An amazing lake to walk around. It is stunningly beautiful with amazing views. In my opinion, it is the prettiest lake in the Lake District. Parking is free for blue badge holders and access is surprisingly good - it is a single track road but with plenty of passing places.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
holidaymanWashington
Washington, UK2Â 122 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
At it's best when the trees are in full Autumnal colours. It used to be one of the most picturesque spots in the Lake District but has now been spoiled by becoming too touristy. There is a single track road with the odd passing place. We were almost run off the road by a descending transit van, then a jaguar 4x4 and a lambourghini; none of whom thought anyone else had any entitlement to be on the road.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellis P
5 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
The views were very beautiful. We went on an evening and it made for a great easy short walk to unwind at the end of the day.
There is a full gravel path leading all the way around the lake and a viewpoint part way through plus access to a waterfall.
The gravel path sometimes strays from the lake however there are other less used tracks you can follow for further access towards the water.
There is a full gravel path leading all the way around the lake and a viewpoint part way through plus access to a waterfall.
The gravel path sometimes strays from the lake however there are other less used tracks you can follow for further access towards the water.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pesue1
Nuneaton, UK571 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
One of the great spots in the country, tricky drive to get here. Few parking spaces. There are toilets and walks of various difficultiey. The views are stunning ,but we were surprised at the number of trees felled by storms. Beautiful national trust place
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Signs up saying keep dogs on leads but lots of dogs were let loose. Jumping in the water which is not allowed. No wildlife seen when there usually is. People were ignoring all warning signs. Even one family let their naked child go in the Tarn to splash about. Now it is over run by ignorant people with dogs and poo! Needs better monitoring. It said Belted Galloway but there wasn't anything. Years ago there were plenty of Ducks, Sheep, Cows, Butterflies etc.. Yet ruined by people who just don't care.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SageTraveler
San Diego700 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Like many trails in the Lake District, there are no limits on which to choose, or where it leads.
Head out, walk & let your eyes drink in the moment.
Head out, walk & let your eyes drink in the moment.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rob432016
Trowbridge, UK1 contribution
Are the paths suitable for a portable mobility scooter
Nt S
Ambleside, UK1 contribution
Hi rob432016. Thank you for your question. The 1.6 mile loop around the Tarn is accessible for wheelchairs. There are some slopes so we would recommend booking in one of our mobility scooters for free on site. They have been tried and tested by a host of happy visitors! Head to the Tarn Hows website for more information. We hope you visit us soon.
andilis10
Settle, UK26 contributions
Are the seats safe to sit on? They look really weathered and fragile
Nt S
Ambleside, UK1 contribution
Thank you for your question. Our Tarn Hows benches do take a bit of rough treatment from the elements, but are regularly inspected by our team of Rangers for safety and repaired throughout the year. If you do notice any problems please flag these up to the National Trust staff in the main car park. We will always be glad to help!
Juliet Fellows-Smith
Senior Visitor Experience Officer (Outdoors)
South Lakes Property
Pooja l
5 contributions
Hi am planning to do a 10 day trip from 23rd Dec’16 to 2nd of Jan’17 covering, a) 1/2 days in lake district (23rd / 24th Dec), b) 3/4 days (25-28) in Edinburgh and c) 3/4 (29th - 2nd) days in London.
What are the must do things in each place?
Are there any special Christmas events in Edinburgh for which we need to book tickets ahead of time ?
Also is it worthwhile to do the highlands / Scotland? Can we cover Edinburgh + Highlands in 3-4 days or need more time?
We are planning to drive down from Chester (where i currently work) to Edinburgh – Are there any places that we can see enroute?
From there to London, what are the best options for travel - Will travel by train/bus be worthwhile or flight options?
Are we missing out by not doing some other places which are better than say Lake District?
Sorry for the long list of questions, I am new to UK and would appreciate any help?
lovehols15
Croydon, UK49 contributions
Lake District is worth a visit but you will need a car to get around. Country pubs in the Lakes have open fires and are a good place for 'a pie and a pint' but make sure the driver isn't driving as roads are twisty in places
Pooja l
5 contributions
I am planning for 2day trip in lake district on Dec 24 and 25..suggest me some very important places to cover
Westonsupermackem
Weston super Mare, UK254 contributions
The walk around Tarn Howes takes about an hour. The path is very good and there's plenty of parking. If you have a car suggest you take the ferry across Windermere to Hawkeshead. There are some nice pubs and cafes. From there Tarn Howes is well signed
Amandajaneg80
Douglas, UK39 contributions
Hi, is the walk suitable for a buggy?
Thanks in advance
jeanf438
Derbyshire, UK205 contributions
hard surface path around the Tarn.. suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and motorised disability scooters. x
travellerblah
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
How cold does Tarn Hows get in January?
travellerblah
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
The water temperature please.
Jonathan W
Kendal, UK84 contributions
And yet you gave it 2 stars?????
37terri
Greater Manchester, UK20 contributions
Only Beverley L from Leeds gave this walk two stars. The rest of us were 5 or 4. It is definitely worth the higher rating. Her remark was for lack of signposting, but this is a walk best done with aa area map. If you follow that, you will find the route quite easily.
Arc M
Hampshire, UK57 contributions
The Motor Scooters are free to hire from the National Trust Volunteer on site: You do need to ring and book the day before going as they are pretty busy during the summer months.
The NT Website has all the contact details for these.
ScotinEngland
St Anne, UK1Â 741 contributions
Agreed with the previous post. Quite flat hard paths. Easy to navigate if a bit steep in one or two short sections
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Claim your listingTARN HOWS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarn Hows
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tarn Hows:
- Beatrix Potter's Half Day Lake District Tour Including Lake Cruise (From RÂ 2Â 045,08)
- Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees (From RÂ 2Â 219,62)
- Lake District Rail Day Trip from London (From RÂ 6Â 547,81)
- Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day - includes Hill Top and Cruise (From RÂ 2Â 718,33)
- 6 hour Private tour of the Lake District. (From RÂ 8Â 978,04)
- Hotels near Tarn Hows:
- (1.18 km) Yewfield Vegetarian Guesthouse
- (2.65 km) Walker Ground Manor
- (2.80 km) Bank Ground Farm - B&B and self-catering cottages
- (2.84 km) Ivy Guest House
- (3.91 km) Randy Pike
- Restaurants near Tarn Hows:
- (3.15 km) The Green Housekeeper Cafe
- (2.90 km) The Little Ice Cream Shop - Hawkshead
- (3.11 km) Herdwicks Cafe
- (5.15 km) Lanty Slee's Elterwater
- (6.92 km) Tacos Del Sol Ambleside