Tarn Hows, Coniston

Tarn Hows is a small tarn wrapped in trees two miles north-east of Coniston, with the fells stacked up behind it. The National Trust path goes all the way round in just under two miles and is accessible enough that there are Tramper mobility scooters to borrow, which tells you everything about the gradient.

That makes it a good first 'real' Lake District walk for young children, and a sensible one with a pushchair. Parking is the problem: it is small, busy in the holidays and £7 for two hours if you are not a member. Children who want more of a climb can come up from Glen Mary Bridge alongside Tom Gill and its waterfalls, then do the loop.

What it costs: Free to walk. Non-member parking £7 up to two hours, £8.50 up to four hours, £10 all day, paid through the JustPark app (code 80693). National Trust members park free.

Know before you go

Parking is paid through the JustPark app, so set up an account with payment details before you go and have the code (80693) ready.
The car park is small and fills at peak holiday times. Arrive early, or have older children walk up from Glen Mary Bridge beside Tom Gill, which is steep but has a 30-foot waterfall on the way.

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