Tarn Hows and Iron Keld Plantation

Start: Tarn Hows National Trust car park, Ambleside LA22 0PP, Fees apply to non members of the National Trust. 

(S/E) Exit the car park and cross the little road to walk towards the large path overlooking Tarn Hows. After admiring the view, take right (east) to walk around the tarn. Continue for a moment on this main path. 

(1) At an intersection of path continue straight on the main path until reaching a smaller intersection. 

(2) Pass the little stile to take the path on the right that goes out into the fields. Continue on this path towards Torver Intake. You can either take the path that goes up or the one turning around the summit. Once at the top of Torver Intake walk down and keep going straight (north east) until reaching a fence with a stile and a large path. 

(3) Pass the stile, cross the path to take pass another gate (nearly in front of the stile) and enter Iron Keld Plantation. Continue straight on the large path that is becoming rockier and smaller. 

(4) At an intersection with signboard, take left towards High Arnside. Continue on this path going around Iron Keld Plantation until reaching another intersection. 

(5) Turn sharp left towards Tarn Hows. Keep walking down to the entrance of the plantation. 

(6) Pass the gate and turn right on the large path (with stone walls on both sides). Continue on this large path (north-west) until reaching an intersection of paths with a wooden signpost and gate. 

(7) Take left, towards Tarn Hows and continue straight until reaching an intersection with Tarn Hows in front of you. 

(8) Take right on the main path to follow the shore of Tarn Hows. Continue straight along the shore of Tarn Hows until reaching the road. Cross it to find the car park (S/E). 

Parking: Tarn Hows National Trust car park, Ambleside LA22 0PP, Fees apply to non members of the national trust. 

Toilets: At car park.

Terrain: The path around the tarn is accessible to wheelchair and pushchair but not the path from (2)  to (8) 

Dog friendly: Yes, can have livestocks. 

Find more information to visit Cumbria and the Lake District National Park in Our Lake District Escapades website.