Walk of the Month: Tom Gill to Tarn Hows

For September’s edition of Walk of the Month, we’re heading to the mesmerising landscape of the Lake District to one of the most-visited beauty spots in the area, Tarn Hows. Many holidaymakers drive to Tarn Hows but if you’re a seasoned walker and fancy a bit of a challenge, this route will reward you with spectacular scenery and views across Wetherlam and Coniston Old Man too.

“Tarn Hows: dawn” by blinking idiot / CC BY-ND 2.0

The walk:

This dog-friendly 1.6 mile route will take around an hour to complete. Although don’t be fooled by the short length of time it takes- this route is demanding with steep terrain, some uneven paths and rock scrambling required. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility or novice fell-walkers but it is well worth the challenge for the more experienced.

The route:

The route begins at the car park at Tom Gill, Mary Glen Bridge. From here, head past the ticket machine and cross the wooden bridge. Go through the gate and follow the narrow path alongside the gill. Here, the path climbs up a rocky section before crossing the gill-side with the beck below. The Tom Gill waterfall is best viewed from the path as it ascends on the left-hand side.

“Early morning at Tarn Hows” by blinking idiot / CC BY-ND 2.0

Stay on the left-hand side of the gill, passing a gate and following the path. Make sure you take due care on the rocky sections as you approach Tarn Hows. Then take a right on the main track through the gates.

As you reach this majestic lake, stop in front of the bench at the three-way junction and take the path on the far left along the edge of the tarn. Follow the path as it ascends uphill and past some trees on your left. When you reach a T junction, head right continuing uphill towards the road. Follow the path alongside the road, bearing left until you reach the junction with the road, opposite the car park.

Here, turn right and head along the road towards Coniston, passing a cattle grid. Follow this round for a quarter of a mile as it winds its way down, offering stunning views across Yewdale. At the junction, take the track on the right through the gates marked ‘Tarn Hows Cottage’. With the wall on your left and the views on your right, continue to follow the track towards the cottage.

As the track bends to the right, go through the gate past the front of the cottage and out through another gate into the fields. Turn left and follow the wall downhill. At the end of the wall, go through the small gate and continue down the slope keeping the hedge to your right. You’ll then need to go through another small gate in the hedgerow and turn left downhill.

Once you’ve reached the bottom of the hill, turn right along the edge of the field with Yew Tree Farm (which was used in the film, Miss Potter) on the opposite side of the road. Head out of the field, through the gate and over the wooden bridge back into the car park.

To view the full route map, please click here.

Book a holiday cottage in the Lake District

If you’re planning your own trip to Tarn Hows, make sure you take a look at this handpicked collection of holiday cottages in the Lake District. We’ve over 850 cottages to choose from and we’d be delighted to help you find the perfect property for your holiday.