Coniston & Hawkshead Walks

Between Coniston Water and Windermere lies one of the most rewarding corners of the southern Lakes. There's a proper mountain in the Old Man of Coniston, one of the most famous views in England at Tarn Hows, and the rolling woods of Grizedale Forest. Picturesque villages and a rich industrial and literary history complete the picture. It suits every kind of walker, from families to fell-baggers.

Why walk here

The range of walks is the draw. The Old Man of Coniston is a classic first "big fell": a circular route past old copper mines, mountain tarns and the crags of Dow Crag. For something gentler, the Tarn Hows and Tom Gill circular climbs past woodland waterfalls to the tarn. The Black Crag walk starts from the same car park and adds a low Wainwright summit with a far-reaching view. Over the hill, the Force Falls walk in Grizedale Forest winds past forest sculptures to a waterfall beside an old mill.

History is everywhere. Copper was mined above Coniston for centuries. John Ruskin lived at Brantwood on the shore of Coniston Water. And much of the land around Tarn Hows is in the care of the National Trust thanks to Beatrix Potter, who bought the Monk Coniston estate in 1930.

Getting there and around

The seasonal 505 bus links Windermere and Ambleside with Hawkshead and Coniston. Check the timetable before you travel, as services are reduced outside summer. Grizedale has no regular bus service. By car, the Walna Scar Road car park above Coniston and the National Trust car parks at Glen Mary and Tarn Hows fill early on fine days.

Where to base yourself

Coniston village has pubs, cafés, shops and the Ruskin Museum, plus cruises on Coniston Water aboard the steam yacht Gondola. Hawkshead is a characterful village of whitewashed cottages with tearooms and inns, and the Beatrix Potter Gallery. Both make excellent bases, with dozens of walks within a short drive.

When to visit

Tarn Hows is loveliest on a still morning, when the islands and pines reflect in the water, and in autumn when the trees colour. Waterfall walks are best after rain. The Old Man needs a settled forecast; in winter its summit and the Dow Crag side hold snow and ice.

More to explore

Ambleside and Grasmere are a short drive north. See our Ambleside & Grasmere guide. To the south, the market town of Ulverston is covered in our Ulverston & Furness guide. Wainwright baggers should browse the full Wainwright walks collection.