Name of walk	Tarn Hows and Black Crag
Date of walk	2017-01-04

On Wednesday I had planned to walk up to Black Crag from Yew Tree Tarn, but the road to Skelwith Bridge from Coniston was closed for re-surfacing, so I had to start from Tarn Hows instead. This is an easy walk at the best of times, but starting from Tarn Hows means that you can attain a Wainwright mountain without having to do much in the way of ‘up’. What inclines there are, are gentle. It is only the final ascent to the cairn that will have any effect on your breathing rate. An ideal walk for children, grannies and those, like myself, who have over-indulged on a long Christmas break from exercise! The walk takes about two hours and is about four miles.

Some Belted Galloways on the hill above Tarn Hows.

The view out over Tarn Hows.

I take the clockwise circuit.

The Money Tree.

I spot a heron in flight.

When I reach the far end of the tarn, I go over the stile and across the field to reach the walled path which leads up to Iron Keld plantation. This is sign posted through a gate. This is the view from the gate.

More Belted Galloways on the route up.

When you get through the gate immediately turn right and you will be on the grassy track that leads up to Black Crag.

The view to Black Crag and its two cairns.

The view out to the Langdale Pikes from the start of the final push up to the summit

Close up of Pike o' Stickle, Loft Crag and Harrison Stickle.

Panorama view from the cairn towards Lake Windermere. Left click to enlarge, re-click to return.

Panorama view out to Coniston Old Man, Wetherlam, Bowfell the Scafells and the Langdale Pikes. Left click to enlarge, re-click to return.

Close up of Tarn Hows and Coniston Water

Close up of the second cairn and Esthwaite Water.

I walk over to the other cairn.

Second cairn panorama. Left click to enlarge, re-click to return.

I return to Tarn Hows and continue my circuit.

I head up the hills near the car park for the view out.

On the way home I stop off at Kelly Hall Tarn (Directly opposite the car dealership at Torver). Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man are the backdrop.

Then I stop on the shores of Coniston Water. Today is the 50th Anniversary of the death of Donald Campbell. He was killed while attempting the world water speed record in Bluebird.

A good little walk to start the year!

Jo.