“A craggy southern front, a switchback ridge, a cluster of small but very beautiful tree-girt tarns, and a great quarry that reveals the core of colourful slate lying beneath the glorious jungle of juniper and birch, heather and bracken, make this one of the most attractive of Lakeland's fells”
A Wainwright
The beautiful stretch of land, in the triangle between Ambleside, Coniston and Hawkshead, although comprising of very little high ground is full of charm, rolling countryside and some breathtaking views.
There are however two felltops in this area which when combined together from Tarn Hows make a magnificent walk, full of ever changing views and charm.
This route combines the summits of Black Crag with it's views east towards and over Windermere and Holme Fell with it's sunning views over Coniston Water.
Along with these views the walk combines crags, quarries, tarns and a few reservoirs on the way as well as some great views of the higher fells around Coniston and Langdale.
“The lovely countryside around the head of Windermere is delightfully pictured, this being the best viewpoint for the sylvan charms of the area between Ambleside, Wray Castle and Hawkshead”
A Wainwright
From Tarn Hows we will follow the path around the beautiful tarns before climbing north to the Iron Keld Plantation, once a forested strip of land on the fellside but now cleared of it's trees.
The path continues climbing over the rough fellside to the summit of Black Crag, a wonderful viewpoint of the land towards Windermere and beyond.
We will descend west by Hollins Bank to cross the road and follow the track to High Oxen Fell, an ancient farm dwelling before descending to Hodge Close.
Hodge Close was mined for nearly 2000 years up until the 60's and was the source of much of the local roof tiles. Nowadays it is the domain of the rock climber and the diver, the lower sections of the quarry are now flooded and divers swim the tunnels below the water.
After exploring the mines we will walk south, passing some now disused reservoirs, just above the treeline and climb through bracken and heather to the summit of Holme Fell, the best viewpoint over the length of Coniston Water.
From Holme Fell we will descend east by Yew Tree Tarn where we will cross the road and climb through the trees back to Tarn Hows and our start point.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Tarn Hows Car Park
Postcode: LA21 8AQ
Grid Reference: SD 326 995
Directions
Tarn Hows is well signposted off the road between Coniston Village and Hawkshead, we will meet in the main car park.
Bus Services
Thre are no bus services to Tarn Hows.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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Thanks to TLDW Review by Nigel and Marion McCormick
We had a fantastic day yesterday walking up from Tarn Hows to Black Fell and Holme Fell. The views were stunning and the help and support given by TLDW was superb. It was a very interesting route with some beautiful views and a day we will always remember. Thanks to TLDW. (Posted on 18/05/2024)
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Good short walk Review by Angela
Another great walk. Good lower level walk but still interesting varied terrain. Scenery was amazing. Great views all around. (Posted on 16/08/2018)
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A really enjoyable walk Review by Richard Cyster
A really enjoyable walk and not too demanding. Good leadership and good company. (Posted on 08/04/2017)
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