Tarn Hows & Iron Keld Plantation: Historic Tarn & Woodland Walk | Family & Dog-Friendly Walking Guide

Published on by Mélodie

Discover the magic of the Lake District with this easy circular walk around the iconic Tarn Hows and historic Iron Keld Plantation near Coniston. Perfect for children, toddlers, and dogs, this pushchair-friendly trail offers breathtaking mountain views, accessible paths, and enchanting woodland scenery. This scenic route delivers unforgettable landscapes with minimal effort.

Walk Information

  • Distance: 5km
  • Duration: 2h
  • Ascent: +63 m
  • Level: Easy
  • Car Park: Tarn Hows National Trust car park, Ambleside LA22 0PP, Fees apply to non members of the national trust.
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes however only around Tarn Hows.
  • Dog Friendly: Yes, however can have cows in the fields and two stiles to cross.
Download PDF and GPX of the Walk (EN/FR)
Tarn Hows, Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria
Tarn Hows

Our adventure:

Last Saturday as the weather was looking nice, we decided to drive to Coniston to walk around Tarn Hows. I had heard about this famous tarn but we hadn’t been yet so it was time to visit it.

We arrived around 10h30 and the car park was full by the time we were ready to go exploring. I imagine that during summer months finding a space here might be tricky. This place is very touristic as it is perfect for family due to its wheelchair/pushchair friendly path. As it only takes around 1h to walk around the tarn we decided to extend the walk by going to Iron Keld Plantation. It is also possible to add Black Crag summit to the walk.

Find the walk to the Old Man of Coniston summit here.

Lake District National Park,
View of the surrounding summits

After crossing the little road, we went to observe the tarn before walking anti-clock wise around it. Marcus was enjoying walking on this large path. Nearly arriving at the end of the tarn, we turned right to leave the busy path and walk up to Torver Intake before entering Iron Keld Plantation. The path going to Torver Intake and around Iron Keld plantation was a bit rocky so we put Marcus in the back pack. As he was getting grumpy to be in the back pack, we met a group of cows that were resting in the plantation. They distracted Marcus for a little bit and that allowed us to exit the plantation without too much complaints. Once on the larger path, we let Marcus walk again and slowly we took the direction of the Cumbria Way and the path going to Tarn Hows. Several motorbikes, land rovers and another group of cows distracted and motivated Marcus to walk. Arriving again on the shore of Tarn Hows, we turned right to finish the round and reach the car park.

Find the Coniston Inn website here.

Tarn Hows, Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria
Tarn Hows in the distance

By then, it was time for lunch so we decided to stop at the Coniston Inn. The Coniston Inn is very nice, with a great beer garden, a fairy trail for the children and access to the shore of Coniston lake. Definitely worth to stop for food and drinks after a walk and of course they are dog friendly. After this nice lunch we drove back home and Marcus was fast asleep at the back of the car. Marcus really enjoyed the walk and the area is lovely. We will have to organise more walks like that.

Tarn Hows, Coniston, Lake District, Cumbria
Tarn Hows

Final Thoughts

Download & Go!

Download the free PDF and GPX of the walk here

Join the Conversation

Do you know this walk? Have you completed this walk, or do you know any similar or close-by walks you recommend?

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25 thoughts on “Tarn Hows & Iron Keld Plantation: Historic Tarn & Woodland Walk | Family & Dog-Friendly Walking Guide”

  5. Can definitely recommend Black Fell, superb views to Windermere from up there and one of the best smaller Wainwrights as well. The car park does get very busy and can require a bit of perseverance in the summer to get parked

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  8. I love the breathtaking views of the iconic Langdales and surrounding mountains in the background and the mysterious dark, mirror-like water hugged by trees. Tarn Hows is by far one of the most stunning tarns in the Lake District. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  12. If you go back that way – and you probably should – I’d strongly recommend going up Black Crag. It’s an easy climb especially when you’ve been up into Iron Keld, and the views on a good day are stunning

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    1. Thank you for the recommendation. We will definitely be back. We wanted to do Black Crag but it was a bit too much with a toddler. Hopefully next time he will be able to walk up on his own ☺️.

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      1. Yes, a youngster does restrict you (I can remember that even though it was a long time ago). Marcus did well as that was a fair walk as it was. And the hill will still be there when gets little older😊

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