Walking and enjoying the beautiful fells and lakes of the Lake District we are so close to isn't just a lockdown activity for us. Now that the weather has begun to smile on us again, we're back out on our family adventures. Read on to discover this family friendly, accessible day out at Coniston Water and Tarn Hows.

The Hassan family of 6 is standing on the lakeshore of Coniston Water. The Lake and lakeland views are behind them on a sunny day with them all facing and smiling at the camera except Munchkin who is grinning across at his dad instead.

About Coniston Water

Coniston Water is the Lake District's third largest lake by volume and fifth largest by area. Coniston pioneered the use of hydro-electricity and is well known to be the home of many world speed record attempts. In addition, if you've heard of the tragic crash and sinking of the Bluebird, this is the spot where it happened. On a less morbid note, this beautiful spot of our lakeland home is also the inspiration for Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons books.

Where can I park?

We parked in the car park attached to Coniston Boating Centre, which is the starting point of the Miles without Stiles route. It is a reasonably sized car park, but we visited outside of peak times, and it looks likely to get busy based on the number of cars that had filled the spaces as we left after our early start.

To find the car park, use this post code: LA21 8AN

Taken from the side of Naomi's car you can see the bonnet of her black Qashqai+2 with trees, buildings and Coniston Water in the background.

How far is the walk?

The walk is just under half a mile in length from the car park to the turning point. A fair chunk of the route is not actually lakeside, however the beautiful lakeland is just as enjoyable. The Lake District National Park has written route instructions if you prefer to follow those to the map below.

This image is a map of Coniston Water showing the route to follow for the l walk.

About Tarn Hows

This is one of the most stunning spots we have visited in the Lake District - and we have been to a fair few beauty spots here! I gave an audible gasp as we drove over the cusp of a small hill and saw the Tarn stretched out below. The route is fully accessible, and they also offer Trampers (an all-terrain mobility scooter) for those who wish to use them. The tarn is man made, a combination of the original three smaller tarns that were found in this area.

Did you know? Tarn Hows was once owned by Beatrix Potter!

Where can I park?

We parked in the main National Trust car park. It has a very limited number of spaces, and does get super busy. We arrived around lunch time and waited for someone to leave the car park so that we had a spot to park in… so I recommend arriving early if you want to avoid this situation and have your pick of spaces. Members, as always, can park for free. Alternatively, you can pay at the machine with coins or via the paybyphone app.

To find the car park, use this post code: LA22 0PP

John is carrying baby Peanut in a black Baby Björn on his front, holding Squidgy and Pickle's hands while looking at and reading a sign about Tarn Hows with a map on it.

How far is the walk?

The full circular is around 2 miles long, and will take around one hour to complete for most people. Obviously if you have wee ones with you like us, it may take a little longer. If you want to follow written instructions, check out the route details available on the National Trust website… although I highly doubt they'll be needed!

This image is a map of Tarn Hows showing the route to follow for the circular walk.

Are these routes suitable for children?

Yes! The Coniston Water route is a relatively flat route and is much shorter in length than some of the other walks we have done and I have shared. Tarn Hows is a little more up and down on the hills but the paths are well designed to be accessible for all users.

There are three trees on the lakeshore with the lake in the background. Pickle is climbing up the middle tree and holding on koala style while grinning at the camera. Munchkin is at the base of the tree starting to climb and looking away.

This route is also a fully accessible one. So, from start to finish you will be able to follow the path with a stroller or in a wheelchair - or even on a bike if you so wish - without issue.

Squidgy and Pickle are standing in front of a wooden pence post on the path along the Coniston Water lakeshore with some fields and lakeland fells in the background.

Are there facilities available?

Both Coniston Water and Tarn Hows have toilet facilities available. Coniston Water also had a café, and Tarn Hows had an ice cream seller on site at the edge of the car park.

N.B. Coniston Water's disabled toilet was out of order when we visited (April 2022). Tarn Hows has no running water, but you are able to use hand sanitiser to wash your hands after using the facilities.

Munchkin is stood in his green dinosaur waterproof jacket next to a wooden signpost saying a public footpath to Coniston was to the left.

A note from Naomi

Why am I writing about accessible walks?

The collection of accessible walks posts I've written started during my pregnancy with Peanut as I became restricted to days out which are accessible. Now, we need routes that will be easy for us with four children in tow, often with Munchkin walking and Peanut either in a carrier or a stroller. Accessible routes are best in these situations.

Munchkin is wearing a green dinosaur waterproof jacket and is riding Naomi's back. She is in a black hooded jacket and jeans with sun glasses on her head. Both of them are wearing walking boots and are turning and smiling at the camera.

Some of these walks are ones we have found ourselves with a bit of local research, others are included in the Lake District National Park's 48 Miles without Stiles routes.

Squidgy and Pickle are walking hand in hand with John along a path with a road to their right and trees and a stream to their left. In the distance you can see lakeland fields and fells beneath a blue sunny sky.

What is Miles without Stiles?

Miles without Stiles is a collection of accessible routes across the Lake District National Park suitable for people with limited mobility; including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and more. I’ve decided to include a few of these routes in my new accessible walks blog post collection here at Me Becoming Mum.

Pickle is on the path walking towards a large gate and fence with hedges either side of the path. Beyond you can see a field with lakeland views and blue sunny sky.

Coniston is a lovely little lakeland village, famous for The Old Man of Coniston fell but it has so much more to offer. If you're ever in the area and fancy a walk, Coniston Water and Tarn Hows are perfect, accessible options and I highly recommend them.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you found somewhere free and amazing in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.