A Guide to Coniston Water in the Lake District

Arthur Ransome

Best known as the author of the famous Swallows and Amazons adventure books, Arthur Ransome, born in 1884, led a full and varied life, well-documented in the Ruskin Museum.

Captivated by Coniston and the surrounding area, Ransome’s brilliant imagination has given immense pleasure to generations of children and adults alike.

John Ruskin and Brantwood House

Brantwood House, once home to the legendary Art Critic, and social reformer John Ruskin is close to the shores of Coniston water. A place which promises a warm welcome, Brantwood has ‘acres of stunning gardens … surrounded by magnificent views.’

Whether visiting the house, exploring the extensive grounds and woodlands, or simply resting in the terrace café, spending time at Brantwood is a total delight.

Travelling on the steam gondola to the small harbour, designed by Ruskin himself, is a truly iconic way to arrive at Brantwood. This idyllic spot is an ideal cycling or walking stop-off too.

Come prepared for all weathers and terrain, though, as the gardens boast some intricate and intriguing paths – and with ‘Brant’ being old Norse for ‘steep,’ the gradients do not disappoint. Learn more here.

Donald Campbell

Speed boat driver Donald Campbell visited the area often, creating a variety of water speed records on Coniston Water in the 1950s. A much-loved local hero, Campbell met his untimely death attempting to break the 300-mph water speed record in 1967 and is buried in the village cemetery.

Well-known at the time, Campbell and his long-submerged boat, the Blue Bird K7, were only re-surfaced in 2001. Its restoration and final resting place have since been the subject of controversy.

Campbell’s legacy is intertwined with local culture and community. The Blue Bird Cafe is named after Campbell’s boat of the same name, and the locally-brewed Bluebird Bitter is named in Campbell’s honour.

Today, a speed restriction of 10 mph makes exploring the lake a bit calmer unless you are planning to launch a British or world speed attempt, in which case the National Park Authority can grant an exemption during records week! Learn more about Donald Campbell here.

The Ruskin Museum

For first-hand information about Ruskin, Ransome and Campbell – along with many other local heroes – the Ruskin Museum in Coniston Village is a fascinating place to visit. Learn about the early copper miners, Lakeland’s pioneer rock climbers and the brave founders of Mountain Rescue. Learn more here.

Elevation: 803m | 2,635ft

Rising magnificently above the village, the Coniston range unfolds dramatically on the skyline. The highest summit is The Old Man of Coniston, a popular yet demanding peak more commonly referred to as Coniston Old Man or simply The Old Man.

Venturing onto the tops is only recommended for experienced and well-equipped walkers. And having a map and compass (and knowing how to use them) is essential. Like with all Lakeland summits, the weather can change to freezing winds and rain, even on the warmest of days.

Many hill walkers and climbers choose to drive up the steep, narrow road to park near Walna Scar, an ancient packhorse route. But it’s equally possible to walk up from the village. Enjoy, stay safe, and be prepared.

For those seeking lower-level hikes, there are plenty of more accessible options which give a great flavour of the surrounding area.

 

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Route Distance: 5 miles | 8 km

Enjoy a gentle stroll south of Coniston along an easy-to-follow track that works as a linear route, as there are several turnaround points.

However, for circular satisfaction, a lovely mini adventure is to leave the village on the roadside footpath (B5285) and follow the permitted path which runs along the lake to the Coniston Boating Centre.

From here, the Lake Road links to the Cumbria Way, which the hiker follows south to Torver Common Wood. Picking up a series of footpaths loops the hike back towards the village via Coniston’s disused railway line – ready to finish with a well-earned pint.

Fancy Hiking Out and Cruising Back?

3 miles | 5 km

You might like to link with the Coniston Launch at Sunny Bank Jetty to sail home in style.

 

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Swimming

The Lake District National Park offers an amazing number of wild and wonderful places to go swimming. Open water or wild swimming is a growing passion for Cumbrian locals and visitors alike, and Coniston Water is no exception. With plentiful access to these sleek but sometimes choppy waters, any of the lake-side parking spots work well. Gloriously colourful tow floats are a common sight at all times of the year and are a recommended purchase for all swimmers.

For those new to wild swimming or wishing to know more about Lakeland dipping, follow this link for information and safety guidance.

And if you are experienced and keen, why not join the annual Coniston Chill Swim, which covers the full 5.25 miles end to end.

Circumnavigate Coniston Water

17 miles | 27 km
530 ft | 161 m height gain

With plenty of undulating and changing scenery, cycling around the lake on fully tarmacked roads is satisfying. If ridden anti-clockwise, this negates the need to cut across any traffic, and the Brandwood House café (on the eastern shore) is a welcome break before the final stint back to Coniston.

Off Road Biking Adventures

For those wishing to leave the bustling roads behind, ride north out of Coniston to Tilberthwaite and follow gravel tracks to Cathedral Quarry and Hodge Close. This ex-slate mining area has a delightful, re-claimed nature feel, offering a mixture of trails ranging from family-friendly to moderate mountain biking.

Do keep in mind that all cycling tracks are at your own risk and are not waymarked, so navigational skills are helpful to make the most of the area. For keen cyclists with extra energy, a trip over to Elterwater or Tarn Hows is a great extension.

Learn more about author and Lake District expert Jo Roberts on her website, Writing Inside Out.