Lake District 18th April 2012

Tarn Hows (Hawkshead) Wednesday 18th April 2012
(Pathfinder Guide: Central Lakeland Walk#18) 6.3 Miles

Having spent a day shopping in Ambleside/Keswick on Tuesday (based on bad weather report) we decided upon another short walk on Wednesday (again based upon a mixed weather report of dry-ish in the morning to heavy rain in the afternoon).

Tarn Hows is a fairly popular National Trust tourist spot near to Hawkshead village on the opposite side of Windermere. We had not visited either before, and decided to head up to Ambleside and then down to Hawkshead, rather than the small car ferry across Windermere. I am guessing this may be the quicker (and cheaper) option in reality, unless you hit it right for the ferry departure time. I think the ferry is about £3.80 as we did it in 2011. 

Arriving in Hawkshead around 10:30 we used the large pay and display which was quite expensive at £5 for 3hrs.

Hawkshead is a lovely little village with a few pubs and tourist shops with little nooks and crannies to explore. At this time of the year it was not too busy, but I can imagine peak season it could become a little overcrowded with coach parties and the like (judging by the size of the large car park v small village). No doubt the Beatrix Potter connections and shops/memorabilia play up to this. The Hawkshead Relish shop must also be visited with over 100 locally produced relishes and jams on offer.

An ascending lane took us out of the village and then across pasture land suitable signposted with the way to Tarn Hows.

Along the way there were some good views of the surrounding fells, and a mix of open countryside and short woodland stretches before we arrived at the National Trust car park for Tarn Hows.

The large Tarn was impressive and the surrounding woodland enhances the beauty of the area. It is easy to see why this is a frequently visited spot. Would be nice on a summers day for a picnic/short walk with large car park and grassy areas around. Perhaps we will be back and combine a walk around the tran with a walk to Coniston just a few miles away.

Leaving the Tarn, soon after, we ascened a long stony track before levelling out again to smoother tracks and views across Esthwaite Water, Claife Heights and the distant fells.

A short stretch of narrow road walking brought us back into Hawkshead village.

A quite interesting walk particularly the village itself and the beauty spot of Tarn Hows. Some short inclines but generally low level and fairly level with good views of the surrounding fells.
Enjoyable for many reasons. (and the wet weather held off till we had finished the walk)

Our Walk Score: 7/10

(We returned to Hawkshead on Thursday as the weather was very showery, and spend more time perusing the few shops and visited one of the many tea rooms for tea/coffee and cake)