Miles Without Stiles
Grid reference: 330996
Option 1 Route to viewpoint:
Distance of route: 1 km (0.5 miles)
Surface: Smoothish - with minimum of dirt on hands for self-propelled
Gradient: Level, gradients up to 1 in 12
Option 2: Circular path
Distance of route: 3.2 kms (2 miles)
Surface: Semi-rough - good quality standard footpath, attention given to remove worst rocks and tree roots. Still difficult for self-propeller.
Gradient: Steep: Sections of ground where self-propellers will have great difficulty and care is needed.
Parking: Disabled persons car park, or main car park for circular route
Toilets: Monk Coniston Car Park.
Special features: Monk Coniston Car Park.
Tarn Hows is one of the most popular Disabled sites in the Lake District. It consists of a number of small tarns surrounded by woodland and open fell with the equally famous Langdale Pikes visible in the distance. The tarns were created in the 19th century by damming a stream, thereby transforming the original low lying marsh into picturesque lakeland at a time when tourism was beginning to capture popular imagination.
There are two possible routes at Tarn Hows. The National Trust have done much good work to provide a short firm gravel pathway leading from the disabled persons car park to a viewpoint overlooking the tarns. In 1993 they undertook additional work to upgrade the popular circular path around the tarns. This is not constructed specifically for wheelchairs but is suitable for wheelchair users so long as there are two companions to give a strong push when the going gets tough.
You can often find a National Trust Warden in the main car park who can give advice on pathway conditions (the circular route can get rather muddy after heavy rains) and any other facilities offered by the National Trust in the Lake District.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
