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Tarn Hows

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Tarn Hows

Things to Do around Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a distinctive region within the Lake District National Park, characterized by its picturesque man-made tarn set amidst gently wooded hills. The landscape features a blend of accessible, well-maintained paths and more rugged routes that extend into the surrounding fells, offering varied terrain for outdoor pursuits. This area provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, gravel biking, and more.

Things to Do in Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows offers numerous routes for outdoor enthusiasts, catering to…

127

Routes

4.7

(707)

Average rating

6442

People visited

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Hiking in Tarn HowsSee all
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4.7

(46)

518

hikers

Around Tarn Hows — Lake District National Park

3.19km

00:51

40m

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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4.8

(40)

229

hikers

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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5.0

(4)

137

riders

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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1

runners

4.09km

00:30

80m

80m

Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

Hard
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3.0

(1)

27

runners

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Hard
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard
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Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate
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Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Top attractions in the region

Tarn Hows

Lake

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Family-friendly hikes around Tarn Hows

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Things to Do around Skelwith

Frequently asked questions

What is Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows is a man-made tarn located in the Lake District National Park, managed by the National Trust. It is known for its picturesque landscape, created in the 19th century by joining three smaller tarns and extensive tree planting. The area offers panoramic views of prominent Lake District fells.

What outdoor activities are available in Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Jogging, Road cycling, and Gravel biking. The region provides routes suitable for different skill levels, from accessible paths to more challenging trails. More than 729,000 visitors have explored the area on komoot.

What are the most popular hiking trails in Tarn Hows?

The most popular hiking trail is the circular walk around the tarn, which is approximately 1.5 to 1.75 miles (2.4 to 2.8 km) long. This path features firm, well-maintained gravel surfaces and gentle gradients. More challenging routes extend to areas like Black Fell, offering elevated perspectives. Find more options in the Hiking around Tarn Hows guide.

Are there easy or family-friendly hiking routes in Tarn Hows?

Yes, the main circular walk around Tarn Hows is considered easy and family-friendly, suitable for all abilities due to its well-maintained paths. Mobility scooters (Trampers) are available for hire to enhance accessibility. Explore options in the Family-friendly hikes around Tarn Hows guide.

Are dogs allowed on trails in Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows offers dog-friendly routes, making it a suitable destination for visitors with pets. Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but owners should ensure they are kept under control. Specific guidance can be found in the Dog-friendly hikes around Tarn Hows guide.

Can I go road cycling in Tarn Hows?

While direct cycling around the tarn's main path is restricted, the minor roads leading to and from Tarn Hows are popular for road cycling. These routes often feature steady climbs and descents with scenic views. Discover suitable routes in the Traffic-free bike rides around Tarn Hows guide.

Are there gravel biking routes in Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows and its environs provide terrain suitable for gravel biking. Routes often combine forest tracks, bridleways, and minor roads, connecting to areas like Grizedale Forest. These offer a diverse experience, from smooth gravel to more technical sections. Refer to the Gravel biking around Tarn Hows guide for more information.

What natural features or landmarks can be seen in Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows features the picturesque man-made tarn itself, offering reflections of surrounding fells like the Langdale Pikes and Coniston Old Man. The Tom Gill waterfalls, with water cascading over several small falls, are another notable natural attraction. Wildlife such as Herdwick sheep and Belted Galloway cattle can often be seen grazing.

How long is the main circular walk around Tarn Hows?

The main circular walk around Tarn Hows is approximately 1.5 to 1.75 miles (2.4 to 2.8 km) in length. This well-maintained path is generally flat and suitable for a leisurely stroll. The duration of the walk varies depending on pace, but it can typically be completed within an hour.

How can I access Tarn Hows by public transport?

Tarn Hows can be accessed by public transport, with bus services connecting to nearby areas. Visitors can plan routes that start or end near bus stations for convenient access. Consult the Hikes from bus stations around Tarn Hows guide for specific routes.

How popular is Tarn Hows on komoot?

Tarn Hows is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 729,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The region maintains an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 78,000 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.

What komoot guides are available for Tarn Hows?

Komoot offers various guides for Tarn Hows, including Hiking around Tarn Hows, Family-friendly hikes, and Gravel biking around Tarn Hows. There are also guides for running, dog-friendly routes, and traffic-free bike rides. These resources provide detailed information and route suggestions for different activities.

How can I find more information or contact Tarn Hows?

For more information, the official website for Tarn Hows is provided by the National Trust at nationaltrust.org.uk/tarn-hows-and-coniston. For general enquiries, the National Trust can be reached at +44 344 800 1895. For specific bookings, such as mobility scooters (Trampers), a dedicated number is 07919 111620.

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