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Coniston
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Coniston Water

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Town: Coniston
Region: Southern Lakes
County: Cumbria
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Full Description:
Coniston is located in the south west of the lake district at the northern end of Coniston Water and overlooked by the Old Man of Coniston, a 2,627ft spectacular and relatively easy Mountain to climb. The village is in a fantastic setting and although slightly off the beaten track is a popular centre for exploring this area of the Lake District National Park.

To get to Coniston you have to travel about 12 miles down a windy road from Ambleside. The village has a few shops, a garage and several pubs one of which brews its own beer on the premises. In the summer months you can sit on a boat and cruise the lake.

Coniston is well served for accommodation. There are campsites, hotels, B&B’s and a youth hostel near the village called Coniston Holly How Youth Hostel, they do fill up early in the season so book as soon as possible.

Coniston grew from the mineral wealth of copper which was found in the mountains and mined especially during the 18th & 19th Century's. The workings from these mines can be seen in the area, especially in Copper mines Valley. Slate quarries can be also found in the area and a few are still worked.

Properties in the village are built from dark local stone intermixed with other whitewashed buildings. One popular feature in Coniston is The Terrace which is a whitewashed 150 year old terrace with seven doorways. It can be found beneath the Old Man and overlooks Church Beck.

One of the beauties of Coniston is Coniston Water, with its wooded banks and little islands and is 5 miles long. Un-powered Boats can be launched, sailing dingies and windsurfers are also available for hire.

You can take a boat ride on the lake on a ‘Coniston Launch’. These can be inter-linked with walks by using the many boarding and alighting jetties along the shore. You will sail past Peel Island at the southern end of the lake , known also as "Wild Cat Island" from Arthur Ransome's "Swallows & Amazons". The Steam Yacht Gondola One also operates on Coniston Water is by the National Trust and is a spectacular sight.

The lake of Coniston is beautiful and a popular place for swimming and boating, Coniston Water has in the past also been the location for attempts at water-speed records. Resulting tragically in the death of Donald Campbell in 1967, whilst attempting to break the record his craft ‘Bluebird’ somersaulted at over 300mph. A memorial plaque at the village green commemorates Donald Campbell.

John Ruskin, artist, poet, social reformer and an art critic, lived at Brantwood on the eastern shore of Coniston Water. Brantwood has some of the finest and most spectacular views in the Lake District and is said to be the most beautifully situated house on the shore of the lake. Within the house you will find a large collection of Ruskin's memorabilia, including paintings and furniture. He is buried in Coniston and lies underneath a carved cross in the northeast corner of the churchyard. Within Coniston you will also find the John Ruskin Museum.

Coniston is a very popular place for walkers who want to tackle the Coniston Round which has some excellant views days with clear visibility. Climbers are alsodrawn here for Dow Crag, close to the Old Man Of Coniston. You can also visit Tarn Hows from here, which is a beauty spot with a gentle stroll around the man-made tarn.



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