Yew Tree Tarn up Holme Fell: route map, distance and time
316 m · Lake District S · OS grid NY315006
Holme Fell is a 316m rugged little fell between Coniston and Little Langdale, a Wainwright and Marilyn with craggy knolls and old slate quarries.
A path climbs through woodland and over rocky ground to the summit crags.
Yew Tree Tarn at a glance
| Distance | 6.4 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 345 m |
| Time up | 1h 50m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 10m, down the same way |
| Grade | Easy |
| Start | Yew Tree Tarn car park |
| Start grid reference | NY 342 037 |
| Summit grid reference | NY315006 |
Yew Tree Tarn map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- The Talbot Bar0.2 km
- Eltermere Inn1.7 km
- Britannia Inn1.9 km
- Chesters by the River0.3 km
- Barn Tea Rooms0.9 km
- Slates Coffee and Kitchen1.9 km
- Public toilets1.8 km
- Tarn Foot Farm Campsite0.7 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Yew Tree Tarn takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 30m | 2h 35m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 50m | 3h 10m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 15m | 3h 55m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:45. Start by 12:35 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:43. Start by 12:33 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Holme Fell summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 11°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 4°C, summit wind 21 mph gusting 33 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:06, sunset 16:45.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 11°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 7°C, summit wind 8 mph gusting 17 mph, 80% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:08, sunset 16:43.
Best day of the next seven for Yew Tree Tarn: Tuesday 3 November, with summit gusts around 6 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Holme Fell forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 4°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 33 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Holme Fell
Holme Fell is a 316m rugged little fell between Coniston and Little Langdale, a Wainwright and Marilyn with craggy knolls and old slate quarries. More about Holme Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Marilyn, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Wetherlam (763 m), 2.7 km west
Challenges that include Holme Fell
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 342 037, the summit at NY315006), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Yew Tree Tarn: questions and answers
How far is Yew Tree Tarn?
Yew Tree Tarn is 6.4 km one way to the summit of Holme Fell, with 345 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 12.8 km.
How long does Yew Tree Tarn take?
About 1h 50m to the summit of Holme Fell and 3h 10m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Yew Tree Tarn?
Yew Tree Tarn starts from Yew Tree Tarn car park. The grid reference is NY 342 037.
Is Yew Tree Tarn suitable for beginners?
Yes. Peakify grades it Easy: a fit beginner can walk it on a clear day. Take a map, warm layers and waterproofs all the same.
What time should I start Yew Tree Tarn today?
By 12:35 at the latest. Sunset on Holme Fell today is 16:45, Yew Tree Tarn takes about 3h 10m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Yew Tree Tarn?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).