Coniston to Tarn Hows Circular Walk

5.8 miles (9.4 km)

This circular walk takes you from Coniston to Tarn Hows. The route Cumbria Way.... The route begins in the centre of Coniston and Follows trails north along the lake before climbing towards Monk Coniston. The route ascends through the woodland of the Hill End Plantation before emerging at Tarn Hows where there is a fine circular trail around the tarns. The return leg follows a section of the waymarked Cumbria Way through Tarn Hows Wood before arriving back in the village.
Walk Report October 22nd 2026 By David Parks:
We started in the centre of Coniston, a traditional Lakeland village with stone cottages and a strong connection to the surrounding fells and lake. The route heads north alongside Coniston Water before climbing away from the shore towards Monk Coniston. I enjoyed the changing views along this stretch, with the lake providing a lovely backdrop and the wooded slopes giving the landscape a distinctly Lakeland feel. It is worth looking back towards the water as you gain height, particularly when the weather is clear.
The walk passes Monk Coniston, a historic estate with some impressive trees and woodland. The grounds were shaped in the nineteenth century by James Garth Marshall, who also played a major part in creating the landscape around Tarn Hows. I liked the contrast between the more open lakeside views and the quieter paths beneath the trees. There is plenty to look out for along the way, from unusual conifers to birds moving through the woodland canopy, and the paths feel pleasantly removed from the village.
The climb through Hill End Plantation brings another change of scene, with woodland tracks leading gradually towards Tarn Hows. This is one of the most photogenic spots in the Lake District, with the water surrounded by wooded hills and the higher fells forming a dramatic backdrop. I found myself stopping several times to take in the views across the tarn, where the reflections and small wooded islands give the scenery a different character from the open expanse of Coniston Water. Although it looks like a natural mountain lake, Tarn Hows was created in the nineteenth century by combining smaller tarns and building a dam.
The circular path around Tarn Hows is a real highlight in its own right. The well-maintained gravel trail provides changing viewpoints as it curves around the water, with benches along the way for anyone wanting to pause and enjoy the scenery. I was pleased to spot some of the local birdlife among the trees, and the quiet stretches made a welcome break from the climb. The distinctive black-and-white Belted Galloway cattle sometimes graze nearby too, adding a little character to the landscape. It is easy to understand why so many visitors make time for this circuit, even when they have come to the area for a longer walk.
Tarn Hows is also a good place to stop for refreshments. Joey’s Café near the car park is known for its coffee, cakes and light food, making it tempting to settle down for a while before setting off again. There are toilets at the car park, and benches around the tarn if you would rather bring a snack and enjoy it outdoors. The main circular path is generally straightforward, although there are some short climbs and descents, and the tracks can become muddy after wet weather.
For the return to Coniston, the route follows a section of the waymarked Cumbria Way through Tarn Hows Wood. I enjoyed the quieter woodland atmosphere after spending time beside the water, with the path winding through trees before the landscape gradually opens up again on the way back towards the village. It is a satisfying finish to a walk that combines lakeside scenery, historic estate woodland and one of the Lake District’s best-loved viewpoints.
This circular walk offers much more than a visit to Tarn Hows alone. The stretch beside Coniston Water, the woodland around Monk Coniston and Hill End Plantation, and the views around the tarn all give the day a good variety. I would allow time to complete the circuit of Tarn Hows and enjoy a coffee or cake at Joey’s before following the Cumbria Way back to Coniston.