Kelly Hall Tarn
This scenic loop is a lovely introduction to the quieter landscapes around Coniston in the Lake District. The route begins with gentle moorlands and stretches of mixed woodland, offering you a peaceful start before eventually reaching the western shores of Coniston Water. After following a section of the Cumbria Way, you’ll then pass Long Moss (a lovely tarn) and take in sweeping views of the Coniston fells, with a peek of the Old Man of Coniston in the distance. Finishing up around the hidden gem of Kelly Hall Tarn, this route is a fantastic way to enjoy varied landscapes and quieter paths in the Lakes.
Distance: 7.0km/4.35miles
Time: 2hours 30mins
Elevation Gain: 197m/646ft
Start: Open in Google Maps
Nearby Parking: Open in Google Maps
Route: GPX Route File
Buy OS Map: AMZN AFFILIATE LINK
Walk Description
Step 1: Starting Point at Torver
Begin your walk at the rough car park opposite the Land Rover garage, near the village of Torver. From here, with Kelly Hall Tarn on your right for now, head left past the Land Rover garage, keeping it on your left side. Look for a signposted public footpath and take a left turn down this path.
Step 2: Through the Gate and Onto Torver Common
Follow the path, pass through a gate, and continue until you’re near a pair of cottages. Cross the stone bridge and keep straight on, following the path through another gate. This leads you onto the beautiful open landscape of Torver Common, where you’ll wander gently uphill, with moorland stretching out around you.
Step 3: Approaching the Reservoir
As you gain a bit of elevation, you’ll soon see the reservoir come into view. Here, you have two options: turn right and follow the path past the western shore of the reservoir, leading up the hill, or keep straight to pass along its eastern shore. Either route provides a unique view of the reservoir and the surrounding scenery.
Step 4: Joining the Cumbria Way
Once you’ve passed the reservoir, you’ll pick up the Cumbria Way trail and start heading eastward, keeping Mere Beck on your right. Continue along this path until you reach a bridge over Torver Beck. Cross the bridge and follow the track until you reach a gate and the crossing at the A5084.
Step 5: Crossing the Road and Heading to Coniston Water
After crossing the A5084, take an immediate right onto a wide path that leads toward the shores of Coniston Water. As you make your way along this section, the gorgeous waters of Coniston will accompany you on your right, providing an idyllic lakeside walk.
Step 6: Entering Torver Common Wood
Continue along the path until you reach the start of Torver Common Wood. As you pass Moor Gill, look for a left turn a bit further up that will guide you up onto the moorland. Here, you’ll leave the lake and woodland behind as the path begins to lead back towards Torver.
Step 7: The Path to Long Moss
The trail here can be boggy and a bit faint in parts, so keep an eye out for the various footpaths. Head uphill in the direction of Long Moss, where panoramic views over the moorland and Coniston fells await.
Step 8: The Final Stretch to Kelly Hall Tarn
Once you reach Long Moss, continue along the track, which gradually descends and eventually brings you to the lovely Kelly Hall Tarn. This is a perfect spot for a break and a few photos, with beautiful reflections in the tarn on a calm day.
Step 9: Returning to the Car Park
From Kelly Hall Tarn, it’s a simple 30-second walk along the path back to the car park where you began, completing the loop.
