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South Lakeland

Tarn Hows

Easy hikes and walks around Tarn Hows

4.6

(13737)

115,308

hikers

1,101

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Tarn Hows are characterized by a picturesque, tree-lined tarn nestled amidst wooded hills and conifer forests. The area offers panoramic views of distant Lake District fells, including the Langdale Pikes and Coniston Old Man. Tom Gill, a stream draining the tarn, features several cascading waterfalls. Well-maintained paths make the terrain accessible for various easy walks.

Best easy hiking trails around Tarn Hows

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Around Tarn Hows — Lake District National Park, a 2.0 miles (3.2 km) trail that takes about 51 minutes to complete. This circular route offers views of the tarn and surrounding woodlands.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Tarn Hows, Tom Gill & Tom Heights loop — Lake District National Park, an easy 2.8 miles (4.5 km) path. This route combines the tarn circuit with a visit to the Tom Gill waterfalls.
  • Local hikers also love the Tom Ghyll Waterfalls – Tarn Hows loop from Holme Fell, a 2.9 miles (4.6 km) trail leading through woodland and past waterfalls, often completed in about 1 hour 26 minutes.
  • Hiking around Tarn Hows is defined by a tree-lined tarn, wooded hills, and cascading waterfalls. The network offers options for various ability levels, with many routes suitable for easy walks.
  • The routes in Tarn Hows are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 12,000 reviews. More than 100,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Tarn Hows's varied terrain.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

4.7

(52)

541

hikers

#1.

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

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

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

Easy

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

Easy

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

Easy
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Tips from the Community

David Howells
May 4, 2026, Holme Fell Summit

Holme Fell is a 317-metre (1,040 ft) Wainwright summit often accessed from Glen Mary Bridge. It has a nice steep but manageable ascent that passes through some beautiful bluebell fields along Yew Tree Tarn and has a good path for most of the way to the top. It has a cairned summit, and I wish I could say it has views to die for…but we didn't see a thing today being such a claggy, overcast day!

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henry973calvi
July 15, 2025, Ivy Crag

Thanks for sharing such great information, I highly appreciate your hard-working skills as the post you published have some great information which is quite beneficial for me, I hope you will post more like that in the future https://www.marykayintouches.com

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A walk around Tarn Hows will give you views of the lake from different places. And you will always discover new things on the lake.

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A small pay and display car park at Glen Mary Bridge. Free for National Trust members. Ideal starting point for a walk to Tarn Hows via the Tom Gill waterfalls.

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According to an age-old tradition, you can make a wish if you leave a coin at such a tree. Because people have a lot to wish for, several trees are now full of coins. According to an article by the BBC, the idea originated in Scotland around 1700. There, people thought that if you hammered a coin into a tree trunk, you could be cured of the illness you were suffering from at the time. Of course, something like that is always worth a try. (Mixed Grill)

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Well worth the climb!

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Amazing views down over the surrounding area.

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Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a fast flowing stream with two spectacular waterfalls. There is a path along it up to Tarn Hows. Or if you leave Tarn Hows down to Glen Mary car park.

Translated by Google

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are there around Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 380 routes suitable for a relaxed outing. These paths allow you to explore the picturesque tarn, wooded hills, and cascading waterfalls at a comfortable pace.

Are the easy trails around Tarn Hows suitable for families with children or pushchairs?

Yes, many easy trails around Tarn Hows are very family-friendly. The popular circular walk around the tarn, such as Around Tarn Hows, features well-maintained, wide, and firm gravel paths. This makes it suitable for pushchairs, prams, buggies, and even wheelchairs, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hikes at Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows is a dog-friendly area, and you can certainly bring your dog on the easy hikes. To protect the local wildlife, including Herdwick sheep and Belted Galloway cattle, and for the comfort of other visitors, please keep your dog on a lead, especially around livestock and in busy areas.

Are there any waterfalls to see on the easy hiking routes?

Yes, the charming Tom Gill waterfalls are a notable natural feature accessible via easy hiking routes. Trails like Tarn Hows, Tom Gill & Tom Heights loop and Tom Ghyll Waterfalls – Tarn Hows loop from Holme Fell incorporate these beautiful cascading falls into their paths, offering a pleasant woodland walk.

What kind of natural features and viewpoints can I expect on an easy hike around Tarn Hows?

Easy hikes around Tarn Hows offer stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter the picturesque, tree-lined tarn itself, surrounded by wooded hills and conifer forests. The area provides spectacular, panoramic views of iconic Lake District fells like the Langdale Pikes, Coniston Old Man, and the Helvellyn range. On clear days, the tarn's surface creates mirror-like reflections of the sky and mountains.

What is the best time of year to visit Tarn Hows for easy hiking?

Tarn Hows is beautiful year-round, but its beauty is particularly celebrated in autumn and winter. The vibrant autumn foliage and crisp winter air offer a unique charm for easy hikes. However, the well-maintained paths make it accessible and enjoyable in all seasons.

Are there any circular easy walks available?

Yes, circular routes are a highlight of easy hiking around Tarn Hows. The most popular activity is an easy, family-friendly circular walk around the tarn itself, such as Around Tarn Hows. Other options like Tarn Hows, Tom Gill & Tom Heights loop also offer circular paths.

Where can I park for easy access to the trails?

Tarn Hows is owned and managed by the National Trust, which provides a car park for visitors. This car park offers convenient access to the main circular tarn walk and other easy trails in the area. Fees may apply, so it's advisable to check the National Trust website for current parking information.

Is Tarn Hows accessible by public transport for hikers?

While Tarn Hows is a popular destination, direct public transport links can be limited. It's often more accessible by car. However, connecting trails allow for longer hikes to and from nearby villages like Coniston and Hawkshead, which may have better public transport options. From these villages, you could then walk to Tarn Hows.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Tarn Hows?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 12,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning, picturesque scenery, the well-maintained and accessible paths, and the tranquil atmosphere. The mirror-like reflections on the tarn and the charming Tom Gill waterfalls are frequently highlighted as favorite features.

Are there options for longer easy hikes that connect to other areas?

Yes, Tarn Hows is integrated into a network of paths that allow for longer, yet still easy, hikes. You can find routes that connect to nearby villages such as Coniston and Hawkshead, offering an extended exploration of the surrounding Lake District landscape beyond the immediate tarn area.

Can I hire mobility scooters for the trails?

Yes, for those with limited mobility, Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters are available for hire. This service ensures that a wider range of visitors can enjoy the well-maintained, accessible paths around Tarn Hows and experience its natural beauty.

Most popular routes around Tarn Hows

Hiking around Tarn Hows

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