Family Walks in the Lake District - Tarn Hows

Sometimes my walks are shorter than usual, often due to time constraints like the first or last walk of a trip when travelling takes up a good part of the day. Another reason is to walk with my wife Lil, family, or friends who aren't afflicted by the serious walking habit I cannot shake off! Despite the lack of real distance, I truly enjoy these walks, particularly seeing Lil enjoy the wonderful outdoors as much as I do. This short walk is one of her absolute favorites.

The walk to Tarn Hows starts from the car park at Glen Mary Bridge. Before reaching the tarn, there is a short walk through Lane Head Coppice and Harry Field Wood along a narrow, uneven path beside Tom Gill, featuring short ascents and descents. Lil managed it wonderfully and was thrilled by the series of small, pretty waterfalls cascading down Tom Gill.

Tarn Hows is beautiful, creating an idyllic scene even in the depths of winter. However, do not be fooled into thinking it's entirely natural—it's part of a designed Victorian landscape created by damming the outflow of Tarn Moss. The result is a stunning, highly attractive view in every direction that has inspired countless photographs and works of art.

Banks of white snow on the low-lying fells created unique patterns during our visit, proving that nature always puts its own stamp on manicured settings.

One constant all year round at Tarn Hows is the abundance of wildlife. Geese, ducks, moorhens, and other species delight in the breadcrumbs and titbits shared by visitors. After taking in the views for a final time, Lil and I returned to Glen Mary Bridge via an easier track from the south-west edge of the tarn, before heading into Ambleside for a warming lunch.