Miles without Stiles is a series of walks on easy surfaces, chosen for people with pushchairs, accompanied wheelchair users and walkers who prefer to take it easy.

All of the walks incorporate flat, easy sections, and many have optional sections with rocky ground or increased gradient that may be navigated by walkers and those with off-road pushchairs. Wherever possible, the walks begin and/or end where there are facilities for refreshments. The walks have been selected by Harriet Sharkey, of Levens, from routes recommended by the Lake District National Park Authority and assessed by rangers; and from a network of established 'Greenways' and quiet roads in the Barrow Peninsular.

Tarn Hows is one of many areas maintained and cared for by the National Trust, a charity that oversees some 25 per cent of the Lake District National Park. In the Coniston area alone there are more than 70km of footpaths and bridleways that go over National Trust land, with 13km surfaced to a standard that is suitable for pushchairs, cycles and some wheelchair users. The National Trust and the national park authority work closely together in the Lake District, sharing common interests and complementary objectives. You can get more information by calling 015394-41172 (Coniston wardens) or visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

- Overview: Circular walk on finely gravelled track; some steep gradients that make the path challenging, although still manageable for motorised wheelchairs and assisted wheelchairs. The National Trust advises you to take two strong pushers.

- Distance: Approx 3km.

- Time: 1- 2 hours, depending on your pace and picnic schedule.

- Map Ref: Outdoor Leisure Series 7 GR 327996 - Parking: At tarn, with allocated spaces for disabled badge holders. The disabled car park on the road in from Hawkshead Hill gives great views and access to a short path above the tarn, but does not provide access to the walk around the tarn.

- Gradients: Mostly level but some steep sections.

- Refreshments: Ice cream van daily from Easter to October, weekends through winter.

- Toilets: None at Tarn Hows, nearest in Hawkshead and Coniston (both approx 3km).

- Public transport: Daily buses between Coniston and Hawkshead stop at Hawkshead Hill, 2km from Tarn Hows via a very steep single track road (not suitable for wheelchairs). The Cross-Lakes Shuttle (an integrated bus and boat service) links Bowness Pier, Hill Top, Hawkshead, Tarn Hows and Coniston Water at weekends and school holidays Easter to October (tel 015394-45161 for timetable). On Sundays (Easter to October), a free National Trust minibus runs between Hawkshead and Coniston via Tarn Hows.

- Information: National Trust Landrover daily Easter to October. A self-guided Audio trail is available from the Landrover for a returnable deposit of 5.

This walk follows a circular route around an irregularly shaped tarn, through broadleaf woodland and shady conifers and across grassy knolls nibbled by sheep. The tarn was artificially created in the spirit of 19th century landscaping by damming the beck and flooding three wet and marshy hollows. The result is that nature still dazzles you but there is a sense of design quite uncharacteristic of open countryside. To walk round the tarns - now a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its flora and fauna - is to take a journey from one view to the next, at some points level with the water, at others above it, sometimes in thick woodland, sometimes on open grassland. There are glimpses of small hills (the hows) and from the higher points the skyline is dominated by imposing fells - Coniston Old Man and Wetherlam to the south west, and Fairfield, Helvellyn and others to the north. Whatever the season, it's a great route for an afternoon or morning outing.

The trail around the tarn is a favourite for families, with plenty of play opportunities in water and woodland, and lots of optional tracks branching off from the main path. From Easter- October you can get Challenge sheets from the NT Warden to complete as you go round. The route is fully accessible for wheelchairs, though the track is rough and steep in places so the route may be challenging (particularly if you're pushing). Along the way, though, there are plenty of benches, and all face fine views.

Route

The route begins at the car park. From the National Trust information board 1, cross over the road and follow the track immediately opposite. This heads downwards to the southernmost edge of the tarn. Take the left hand branch which is a more gentle gradient, and way marked with a small finger post, down to the small rough-sand beaches where children often paddle.

The track crosses a bridge 2 and continues with the tarn on your right, soon passing beneath towering trees. On your left, the land rises to Tom Heights, while on the right mature mixed woodland covers promontories and you lose sight of the lake. In bright weather, the play of light on the trees and path can be quite dramatic, while in drizzle or light rain, with the soft sound of numerous becks dribbling into the tarns, there is a mystical feel to these woods.

The path along the western shores rises and dips before emerging from the woods at the northern end 3 where a bench is perfectly placed for a stunning view south across the water. A bridge crosses the point where a small beck that catches water from Iron Keld and Black Crag brings the main supply of water to the tarn. The path meets its steepest point (1:3) for a few metres and enters more woodland. This is a good place to catch a profuse carpet of bluebells in spring, and there are giant redwoods with girths large enough to be encircled by ten or more people standing hand to hand.

For the final leg, follow the path as it emerges from tree cover 4, keeping to the lower of two tracks. You'll be 20-30 metres above the tarn with a view of the spread of the waters, islands, woodland and the fells beyond and, depending on the weather, you'll get a fresh breeze or bracing wind. The path continues, wide and flat, back to the southern end of the tarn where there is again a challenging gradient before 5 you leave the gravel track and meet an expanse of sloping grass (good for picnics in summer, sledging in winter). To get back to your car, cross the grass and rejoin the original footpath for the last 10m to the car park.

- This walk is taken from a collection of more than 20 routes in the Lake District National Park that are suitable for people with limited mobility. The routes, which have been checked by national park authority rangers, are described in a special booklet available from Tourist Information Centres and are covered on the authority's website: www.lake-district.gov.uk.