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.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.7
(52)
541
hikers
3.19km
00:51
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(33)
87
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(4)
13
hikers
4.59km
01:26
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(12)
171
hikers
4.32km
01:29
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
40
hikers
6.60km
01:51
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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