The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Coniston
4.6
(2880)
25,490
hikers
138
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Coniston are set within the southern Lake District National Park, characterized by rugged fells, serene waters, and ancient woodlands. The landscape features prominent peaks, glacial lakes, and valleys shaped by historical mining. This region offers a diverse terrain for hiking, from gentle lakeside paths to more challenging ascents.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Coniston
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Around Tarn Hows — Lake District National Park, an easy 2.0…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.8
(99)
374
hikers
10.2km
02:56
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(52)
541
hikers
3.19km
00:51
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.7
(33)
87
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(50)
173
hikers
6.56km
01:54
150m
150m
Hard hike. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(42)
220
hikers
9.13km
02:36
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Coniston
Cumbrian Traverse – A sublime high-level hike across Lakeland
Cumbria Way — An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland
Beautiful beginner hikes in the Eastern Lake District
Wonderful wild swimming walks in the Lake District
Spellbinding hikes in the Southern Lake District
Lakeland 100 – ultra tour of the Lake District
The best family-friendly bike rides in the Lake District
Ephemeral Lines – Stunning UK Winter Ridges
Beginner-friendly gravel rides in the Lake District
10 sublime lakeside trail runs in the Lake District National Park
Other adventures around Coniston
Tips from the Community
Large car park - which can be paid for with card. You will need your card.
0
0
According to an age-old tradition, you can make a wish if you leave a coin at such a tree. Because people have a lot to wish for, several trees are now full of coins. According to an article by the BBC, the idea originated in Scotland around 1700. There, people thought that if you hammered a coin into a tree trunk, you could be cured of the illness you were suffering from at the time. Of course, something like that is always worth a try. (Mixed Grill)
5
0
Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a fast flowing stream with two spectacular waterfalls. There is a path along it up to Tarn Hows. Or if you leave Tarn Hows down to Glen Mary car park.
7
0
The beautiful Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular walk (2.4km) through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk on a well maintained path. It can get busy though.
6
0
Hawkshead is another small touristy type village. Compact, close knit streets, cul-de-sacs, etc. Souvenir shops , pubs and restaurants are all located here. Good parking, toilets, signage of local areas are all there
0
0
From this point you have a wounderful view over the lake:)
0
0
The National Trust car park for Tarn Hows is conveniently situated for plenty of running adventures in the area. Charges apply but NT members get free parking, and all proceeds are used to help maintain the trails, so it feels good to give a little back. The car park has toilets and, in the summer, and at other busy times the ice cream van serves a great pre or post run treat. For less able visitors off road tramper wheelchairs are available to borrow.
1
0
A fun little rocky fell with a summit altitude of 269m. It's not that big but the views are great and it makes a nice summit on a run from Tarn Hows.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there around Coniston?
There are over 140 family-friendly hiking routes around Coniston, with 57 of them rated as easy. These trails offer a wide range of experiences suitable for all ages and abilities.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly hikes in Coniston?
The family-friendly trails around Coniston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,400 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the variety of landscapes from serene lakeside paths to ancient woodlands, and the well-maintained routes suitable for all ages.
Are there any particularly easy or pushchair-friendly walks suitable for families with very young children?
Yes, the Around Tarn Hows route is an excellent choice. This easy, circular walk is largely flat and well-surfaced, making it ideal for pushchairs and toddlers. It offers beautiful scenery around the picturesque tarn, which was once owned by Beatrix Potter.
Can we see any waterfalls on family-friendly hikes in Coniston?
Absolutely! Several family-friendly routes offer views of beautiful waterfalls. For example, the Tarn Hows, Tom Gill & Tom Heights loop includes the charming Tom Ghyll Waterfalls. Other notable waterfalls in the wider area include Skelwith Force and Sourmilk Gill Waterfall.
Are there any circular family walks in Coniston?
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in Coniston are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. A great example is the Around Tarn Hows walk, which is a popular and scenic loop.
What kind of natural features and landmarks can we expect to see on these trails?
Coniston's landscape is rich with diverse features. You'll encounter serene lakes like Tarn Hows, dramatic fells, and ancient woodlands. Many trails also pass by historical remnants of slate quarrying and copper mining, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past. Viewpoints like Orrest Head provide panoramic vistas.
Are the family-friendly hiking trails in Coniston dog-friendly?
Most trails in the Coniston area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas. Always remember to clean up after your dog to help keep the paths enjoyable for everyone.
What is the best time of year for family hikes in Coniston?
Spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with longer daylight hours and blooming landscapes. Autumn brings stunning foliage, though paths can be wetter. Winter can be beautiful but requires more preparation for colder temperatures and potentially icy conditions, especially on higher ground.
Are there any longer family-friendly routes for older children or more active families?
For families looking for a slightly longer adventure, the Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows Trail is a moderate 10 km route that combines lakeside paths with the beauty of Tarn Hows. It offers a good challenge without being overly strenuous.
Are there options for public transport to access family-friendly trails in Coniston?
Coniston village is served by local bus routes, which can provide access to various starting points for hikes. For specific routes, it's advisable to check local bus timetables to plan your journey effectively. Many trails, especially those closer to the village or popular spots like Tarn Hows, are often accessible by public transport or a short walk from bus stops.
Where can we find parking for family-friendly walks around Coniston?
Parking is available at several key locations around Coniston. For popular spots like Tarn Hows, there are dedicated National Trust car parks (charges may apply). Coniston village also has public car parks. For specific routes, it's recommended to check the route details on komoot for information on nearby parking facilities.
Most popular routes around Coniston
Most popular attractions around Coniston
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
