There are literally thousands of walks for hikers of different abilities and fitness levels all around the world. One place that is known for good hiking vacations is the United Kingdom. A good number of the best walking spots can be found in the National Parks. The Lake District is one of the most popular of these but if you can avoid the crowds found there in high summer, I would suggest that there is no finer way to spend a sunny day in the springtime than walking around and cruising on the magnificent Coniston Water. So, if you are yet to plan this year’s vacation, and you want to go on a magical hiking adventure, Coniston Water is a place to consider.
The lake is a long, narrow stretch of very deep water with a tragic history. Sir Donald Campbell perished there when trying to set a speed record in his boat Bluebird. As you would imagine, his memory lives on in the area and it is hard to imagine what happened back then when you are pottering slowly across the lake in one of the wooden launches. A particularly beautiful one is The Gondola, which is steam-powered and run by the National Trust. There is no “put-put” noise from this boat’s engines – she glides silently across the water, from landing stage to landing stage.
In the interest of exploring the whole lake area, it’s a good idea to start at the northern end which is within easy walking distance of the village. There is a lovely waterside cafe to wait in or you can sit outside taking in the splendid views. The launches criss-cross Coniston Water and one of the best stops is at Brantwood, the former home of the poet and writer John Ruskin. It’s a wonderful place to look around with the obligatory shop and cafe. The great thing about this cafe though is the views from the outside tables, across the lake and up to the magnificent Coniston Old Man.
Some are inspired, just looking at this mountain, to take a boat back across to the western side and take the walk from Torver back towards Coniston but then diverting off, in the direction of the fells. The lower fells around the Old Man are a wonderful walk in themselves, with old miner’s trails still in evidence. For the fitter and more adventurous, though, it is surely worth continuing higher to the very summit with your walking poles. You have to be aware of the weather of course – the Coniston Mountain Rescue guys are good, but would rather not be out rescuing careless hikers!
This whole area is a delight and, with Coniston Water at the center of it all, there are both magnificent fell hiking and tranquil waterside strolls. It’s a popular area though maybe not so overrun as other parts of the Lakes can get.
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