Black Crag Walk — Tarn Hows & Tom Gill Circular Guide

Black Crag Walk — Tarn Hows & Tom Gill Circular Guide

Wainwright · Southern Fells · 323m

Wainwright · Southern Fells · 323m

The Black Crag walk in full — a circular route linking Tom Gill waterfalls, Tarn Hows and a Wainwright summit above Coniston. Free GPX, parking, timings and tips.

Distance 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
Ascent 217 m
Time 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Difficulty Easy-moderate
Dog Friendly On lead

Walk Description

The Black Crag walk is one of the great value-for-effort days in the southern Lakes — a gentle circular route that strings together tumbling waterfalls, the Lake District's most famous tarn and a genuine Wainwright summit, all for barely 200 metres of climbing. From Glen Mary Bridge the path follows Tom Gill up through woodland past a series of pretty cascades to burst out at the shore of Tarn Hows, the beloved beauty spot with its island-studded water and postcard views of the Langdale Pikes. Beyond the tarn a quiet path climbs through the reclaimed woodland of Iron Keld to the modest but far-seeing top of Black Crag, crowned by its National Trust trig point. Despite standing only 323 metres high, the summit is a superb viewpoint — a low fell perfectly placed to look out over Windermere, Coniston Water, Wetherlam and the higher central fells. Easy enough for families and improving walkers yet ticking off a real Wainwright, this is one of the most rewarding short circuits in the whole district.

Starting Point Glen Mary Bridge National Trust Car Park (LA21 8DP)
Key Landmarks Tom Gill Waterfalls, Tarn Hows, Iron Keld Plantation, Black Crag Trig Point (323m)
01

Glen Mary Bridge & the Tom Gill Waterfalls

Start at the Glen Mary Bridge roadside car park and take the path that climbs beside Tom Gill into the trees. This is the loveliest opening of any walk in the area: the beck tumbles down through a wooded ravine in a succession of waterfalls and cascades, the biggest a fine cataract framed by mossy rock and overhanging oaks. The path is steady but never steep, climbing gently alongside the water on good, well-used trails. Take your time here — there are pools, plunge basins and photo spots at every turn — before the gill levels off and the trees begin to thin, a sure sign the tarn is close.

02

Tarn Hows

The path emerges rather magically at the outflow of Tarn Hows, one of the most photographed views in England. Framed by conifers and rolling fell, this island-dotted tarn — actually a Victorian landscaping of several smaller pools — reflects the Langdale Pikes and the Coniston fells on a still day. Turn left and follow the broad, level circular path anticlockwise around the shore; this stretch is largely accessible and hugely popular with families. Watch for the grazing Belted Galloway cattle that the National Trust use to manage the grassland, and keep dogs on a lead. Roughly halfway round, look for the path breaking away uphill to the north for Iron Keld and the summit.

03

Iron Keld to the Summit

Leave the tarn and climb the quiet track up through Iron Keld, once a dense commercial spruce plantation and now an open, evolving woodland being returned to native trees — a peaceful, birdsong-filled contrast to the busy tarn shore. Pass through a gate onto open access land and follow the path as it rises gently over rougher, sometimes boggy ground to the little rocky top of Black Crag. The final approach is short and easy, and the summit reveals itself as a neat outcrop crowned by a white trig pillar in the care of the National Trust.

04

The Summit (323m) & Views

For such a low fell the summit of Black Crag is a revelation. The all-round view takes in Windermere to the east, Coniston Water to the south, and a beautifully framed sweep of the higher fells to the north and west — the spiky Langdale Pikes, Wetherlam, and the Coniston range. Note that the fell itself is properly called Black Fell; its summit rocks and the trig point carry the name Black Crag, which is why you'll see both names on maps. It's a fine, breezy spot for a rest before the return.

05

The Descent to Glen Mary

From the summit, retrace your steps back down through Iron Keld to rejoin the Tarn Hows circuit, then complete the shore path back to the outflow where you first arrived. From here, drop back down the Tom Gill path beside the waterfalls to Glen Mary Bridge — an easy, downhill finish with the cascades for company. If you'd prefer a change of scene you can vary the return using the higher woodland tracks, but the gill descent is the prettiest way to round off the walk.

Route Essentials

  • Parking: The Glen Mary Bridge National Trust roadside car park (LA21 8DP) is the ideal start for the full circular and fills up fast on fine days. If it's full, the large main Tarn Hows car park (pay-and-display, free for NT members) is a short distance away — though starting there means you miss the Tom Gill waterfalls on the way up.
  • Naming confusion: Don't be thrown by the map — the fell is listed by Wainwright as Black Fell, while its summit and trig point are named Black Crag. You're in the right place; it's the same top.
  • Terrain: Mostly good paths, but the stretch through Iron Keld to the summit can be notoriously boggy even in summer, so waterproof boots are recommended. The Tom Gill path has some rocky steps beside the falls.
  • Family & dogs: The Tarn Hows circuit itself is largely level and buggy-friendly, but the climb to Black Crag via Iron Keld is not suitable for pushchairs. Keep dogs on a lead near the Belted Galloway cattle around the tarn.
  • Facilities: There are toilets and an ice-cream van (in season) at the main Tarn Hows car park. The nearest pubs, cafés and shops are in Coniston and Hawkshead, both a short drive away.
  • Make a day of it: Combine the walk with a visit to Hawkshead village or the shores of Coniston Water for a full, gentle day out in the southern Lakes.
  • Safety Notice: The GPX file and route information on this page are for general guidance only. Always carry an OS map and compass, check the weather forecast, and tell someone your plans before setting out. You walk at your own risk.

Route Map

Distance
-- km
Ascent
-- m
Difficulty Easy-moderate

Video Guide

What to Bring

  • Waterproof walking boots (boggy ground near the summit)
  • Waterproof jacket and a warm layer
  • Water bottle for everyone
  • Snacks or a picnic for the tarn or summit
  • OS Explorer OL7 map
  • Phone with the OS Maps app
  • Camera for the waterfalls and Langdale views
  • Sun protection on clear days
  • Dog lead (cattle graze around Tarn Hows)
  • A few coins for the pay-and-display car park

Best Time to Visit

Black Crag is a genuine year-round walk and one of the best in the district after rain, when Tom Gill's waterfalls are at their thundering best. Spring and autumn are especially lovely — bluebells and fresh green in the Tom Gill woods, and spectacular gold-and-copper reflections at Tarn Hows in October. Summer brings crowds to Tarn Hows, so arrive early for parking and a quieter shore path; the little summit is almost always peaceful whatever the season. Winter is fine on a clear day, though the Iron Keld section gets very muddy and the boggy summit approach can freeze.

Local Weather (yr.no)

Three-day weather forecast for Black Crag Walk — Tarn Hows & Tom Gill Circular Guide

Forecast provided by yr.no

Safety Information

Important: The GPX file and route description on this page are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a sole means of navigation. GPX tracks are approximate and may not reflect current ground conditions, path diversions, or seasonal changes.

Always carry an Ordnance Survey map and a compass, and know how to use them. Check the weather forecast before setting out, tell someone your planned route and expected return time, and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.

UKLakeDistrict.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of route information or GPX files provided on this site. You walk entirely at your own risk.

Route Essentials

Route Resources

📥 Free Download GPX File 🗺️ View on OS Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to park for the Black Crag walk?

The best start for the full circular is the Glen Mary Bridge National Trust car park (LA21 8DP) on the A593, which lets you climb beside the Tom Gill waterfalls straight from the off. It's small and fills quickly on fine days. The alternative is the larger main Tarn Hows car park (pay-and-display, free for National Trust members) a short way up the road — handier for space, but you'll bypass the waterfalls.

Is Black Crag a Wainwright?

Yes. Black Crag — the summit of the fell Wainwright called Black Fell — is one of the 214 fells in Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells (Book Four: The Southern Fells). At just 323 metres it's one of the lower tops on the round, which makes it a popular, achievable tick for walkers building towards the full list.

How long does the Black Crag walk take?

Allow 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the full circular, which covers about 6.5 km (4 miles) with a gentle 217 m of ascent. Add extra time to enjoy the Tom Gill waterfalls and to walk the full Tarn Hows shore path. It's an easy half-day that combines beautifully with a café stop in Coniston or Hawkshead afterwards.

Is the Tarn Hows and Black Crag walk pushchair friendly?

Partly. The Tarn Hows circular path itself is largely level and accessible, and is genuinely suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs on its surfaced sections. However, the climb up to Black Crag via Iron Keld is not pushchair-friendly — it crosses rough, often boggy ground with a rocky summit approach. For a buggy-friendly outing, stick to the Tarn Hows loop; for the Wainwright, carry little ones in a back carrier.

What are the views like from the summit of Black Crag?

Outstanding for such a modest height. The trig point looks out over Windermere and Coniston Water, with a beautifully framed view north and west to the Langdale Pikes, Wetherlam and the Coniston fells. Because Black Crag stands a little apart from the higher ground, it enjoys an open, uncluttered panorama that far outshines what you'd expect from a 323-metre top.

Can you walk to Tarn Hows and Tom Gill together?

Yes — this route links them perfectly. Starting from Glen Mary Bridge, you climb beside the Tom Gill waterfalls and arrive directly at Tarn Hows, then continue to the Black Crag summit before returning the same lovely way. It's the ideal way to combine the two most popular attractions in this corner of the Lakes into one satisfying walk rather than visiting them separately by car.

Is the Black Crag walk dog friendly?

Yes, but dogs should be kept on a lead, particularly around Tarn Hows, where the National Trust graze Belted Galloway cattle to manage the grassland. Give the cattle plenty of space and never let a dog worry livestock. The rest of the route — the Tom Gill woods and the Iron Keld climb — is fine for dogs under close control; just expect muddy paws near the boggy summit.

Why is Black Crag also called Black Fell?

It's the same hill under two names. Alfred Wainwright and most maps call the fell Black Fell, while the actual summit outcrop and the trig point that stands on it are named Black Crag. The trig point is owned by the National Trust. Seeing both names on the map and signs is completely normal — walkers use them interchangeably for this Southern Fells top.