# Tarn Hows

> Tarn Hows near Coniston looks like a natural mountain lake, but it is largely man-made: James Garth Marshall, who acquired the Monk Coniston estate in the…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/tarn-hows/

A landscaped tarn ringed by conifers and fells, with a level path around the water that suits families and buggies. Arrive early in high season, since the small car park off the Hawkshead road fills quickly.

Tarn Hows near Coniston looks like a natural mountain lake, but it is largely man-made: James Garth Marshall, who acquired the Monk Coniston estate in the 1860s, had three small tarns joined into one body of water to feed his sawmill in Coniston. He planted broadleaf trees, along with larch and spruce as temporary shelter for the young saplings. Because Marshall died before his plan was completed, the conifers were never removed and still shape the view today. In 1930 the National Trust bought large parts of the estate; Beatrix Potter and her husband William Heelis also bought land, and Potter left the remainder to the Trust.

The circular path is about 3.2 km (2 miles) long, and the circuit takes around an hour. It is a wide, firm gravel path with gentle slopes and a few short, steeper sections; the main path is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There is a pay-and-display car park, and dogs are welcome on leads.

- **Nearest town:** Coniston, United Kingdom
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 54.3970, -3.0350

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels.** Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
- **Hardknott and Wrynose passes (England).** Size limits for motorhomes and trailers (length 6.5 m). Alternative: Go round via the A595 coast road.

## Sources

- [The history of Tarn Hows - National Trust](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/tarn-hows-and-coniston/the-history-of-tarn-hows)
- [Tarn Hows circular walk - National Trust](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/tarn-hows-and-coniston/tarn-hows-circular-walk)

## Nearby

- [Kirkstone Pass](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b6-kirkstone-pass/) – 10 km
- [Hardknott Pass](https://camping-spirit.com/places/hardknott/) – 11 km
- [Honister Pass](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b6-honister-pass/) – 16 km
- [Wast Water](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b6-wast-water/) – 18 km

## FAQs

### Where is Tarn Hows?

Tarn Hows is in Coniston, United Kingdom, at GPS 54.3970, -3.0350. It is about 6 km from Ambleside.

### Can you camp near Tarn Hows?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hawkshead Hall Camping & Caravan Site, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 131 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Tarn Hows?

Places worth a stop nearby: Kirkstone Pass (10 km), Hardknott Pass (11 km), Honister Pass (16 km) and Wast Water (18 km).

### When is the best time to visit Tarn Hows?

No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Part of these destinations

- [Lake District](https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/lake-district/)