Tarn Hows

History

Tarn Hows is a picturesque body of water located in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England. The area was originally three natural tarns owned by the Marshal family of Monk Coniston.

In the 1860s, James Garth Marshal, the owner of the Monk Coniston estate, decided to create a new body of water to feed his sawmill in Coniston. He dammed the lower tarn and surrounded it with a bold, ornamental planting scheme. Marshall’s original plan was to create a formal garden with a series of waterfalls, but he later changed his mind and opted for a more naturalistic approach.

When the Tarns and its setting came up for sale in 1929, they were bought by Beatrix Potter. She sold the half containing Tarn Hows to the National Trust and bequeathed the rest of the estate to the Trust in her will.

Over the years, the National Trust has made a number of changes to the area, including moving the car parks to a less obtrusive place in the 1960s and general footpath and road improvements to minimize the damage caused by visitors. Tarn Hows was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1965 due to its unique landscape and wildlife.

Location

Tarn Hows is located in the Lake District National Park in North West England. It is approximately 2 miles northeast of Coniston and about 1.5 miles northwest of Hawkshead. The area is easily accessible by car, with a National Trust car park available at the southern end of the tarn. Visitors can pay to park their cars here and explore the area on foot.

The area is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers stunning views of the mountains. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is particularly well-known for its circular path around the tarn that is level and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

In addition to the circular path, visitors can also explore the surrounding areas with their dogs. However, it is important to note that there are certain areas of Tarn Hows that are off-limits to dogs, so visitors should check the National Trust website for more information before bringing their furry friends.

Sustainable Exploration

Tarn Hows is a beautiful natural area that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is important to explore this area responsibly and sustainably to ensure that it remains a pristine environment for future generations to enjoy. Here are some tips for sustainable exploration:

Responsible Exploration

When exploring Tarn Hows, it is important to be respectful of the natural environment and the wildlife that call it home. Here are some ways to explore responsibly:

• Stick to designated trails and paths to avoid damaging delicate ecosystems.
• Do not disturb or feed the wildlife. Observe them from a safe distance.
• Take your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly to keep the area clean and free of litter.
• Do not pick or disturb plants. Leave them for others to enjoy.

Mobility Vehicles

Mobility vehicles, such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters, can be a great way for people with mobility impairments to explore Tarn Hows. However, it is important to use them responsibly to avoid damaging the environment. Here are some tips for using mobility vehicles in a sustainable way:

• Stick to designated paths and trails that are suitable for mobility vehicles.
• Do not drive off-road or on delicate ecosystems, such as grasslands or wetlands.
• Do not disturb wildlife or their habitats.
• Follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the park authorities regarding the use of mobility vehicles.

By exploring Tarn Hows responsibly and sustainably, visitors can help to preserve this beautiful natural area for future generations to enjoy.

Facilities

Tarn Hows offers a range of facilities to ensure visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Toilets and Baby Changing Facilities

There are toilets available for visitors to use at the main car park. Baby changing facilities are also available.

Parking

There is a parking area available for visitors to use. However, please note that there is a charge for parking.

Tramper Mobility Scooters

For visitors with mobility issues, Tarn Hows has two Tramper mobility scooters available to use. These all-terrain scooters can be booked in advance and are a great way to explore the area.

Dogs

Visitors can bring their dogs to Tarn Hows. However, there are some areas where dogs are not allowed. It is important to check the signage in the area to ensure that you are following the rules.

Ice Cream Van

During the summer months, an ice cream van is usually available at the main car park. This is a great way to cool down after a walk and enjoy a sweet treat.

Visiting Tips

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tarn Hows is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful. However, this also means that it can be quite busy during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Accessibility

Tarn Hows is an accessible location with a 1.5-mile path around the tarn that is level and well-maintained, making it suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. There are also a few easy-to-open gates along the way. However, it’s important to note that there are some steep hills and steps leading to the viewpoints, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Parking and Entrance Fees

There is a National Trust car park at Tarn Hows, which is free for National Trust members. Non-members will need to pay a parking fee, which is currently £6 for the day. There is also a small shop and toilet facilities available at the car park.

Entry to Tarn Hows is free for everyone, and there are no admission fees or charges for using the paths or facilities. However, donations are always welcome to help support the ongoing maintenance and conservation of the area.

Walking to Tarn Hows

The majority arrive by car, driving up the narrow, twisting road that leads up to the Tarn. But there is another way to get to Tarn Hows that is a little more strenuous but very rewarding, and that most visitors are unaware of. That path takes you along the lovely Tom Gill, a tumbling stream with not one, but two lovely waterfalls.

To access the Tom Gill route, park in the National Trust parking lot on the right side of the A591 about a mile north of Coniston (before reaching Yew Tree Tarn).

The path is well-marked and ascends the slope of Tom Gill through lovely forests. The going is not tough, although it can be steep at spots and slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

After approximately 5-10 minutes, the route arrives at the first waterfall. A few hundred yards farther up leads you to the second, more magnificent waterfall. The waterfalls down Tom Gill are equally as stunning as more well-known falls such as Stock Ghyll Force, although they are less frequented.

Five minutes farther up, past the second set of falls, you’ll reach Tarn Hows, where you may connect to the circular trail around the lake. A trip up Tom Gill may also be combined with a longer walk to Yew Dale, or you can simply stroll from the car lot along a flat road to Yew Tree Tarn, where there are more paths through the woods.

When the crowds have dispersed, the best time to walk up Tom Gill is in the evening. If the weather is clear, Tarn Hows’ surface is like a mirror, reflecting the hills and sky – quite wonderful!

Conclusion

Tarn Hows is a stunningly beautiful area in the Lake District, with a rich history and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The National Trust has done an excellent job of preserving the natural beauty of the area while also making it accessible to visitors.

Visitors to Tarn Hows can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The area is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and a variety of bird species.

While Tarn Hows is a popular tourist destination, the National Trust has taken steps to minimize the impact of visitors on the environment. This includes moving car parks to less obtrusive locations and improving footpaths and roads to reduce damage caused by visitors.

Overall, Tarn Hows is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and the great outdoors. With its stunning scenery and rich history, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.