Tarn Hows is a beautiful spot and the National Trust ensures that the main circular path is accessible to all. But there is also a network of smaller paths which quickly take you away from the most popular areas to quieter corners. In the depths of winter, when days are short, this can be a perfect way to get a walking fix without going too far from the beaten track.
On Saturday we followed one of the lesser trodden paths. It had been cold for several days and, unusually, the tarn was completely frozen. Starting around the tarn, we soon peeled off towards Arnside Intake before doubling back and climbing to Torver Intake. Although Tarn Hows has been in the hands of the National Trust since Beatrix Potter's time, this peripheral area was only acquired a few years ago and has a very different character.
 |
| Still a good path but much quieter than the more popular area |
The extra height gave us good views across the Langdales whilst at our feet was a fascinating mix of boggy terrain, herby grasses and plenty of juniper trees with their sharp needles and blue berries - a million miles from the glasses of gin and tonic they may contribute to one day.
 |
| Plenty of snow on the tops |
 |
| We trod carefully across the boggy area, not wanting to lose our boots |
We returned to the car just as the Sun as going down having had a few hours of enjoyable walking, opening our lungs and chasing away the remnants of a cough which had bothered us for a couple of weeks.