Miles Without Stiles 17: Coniston to Torver Jetty
Details
Route type: The route is currently for some. The upgrade to a route for all is expected to be completed by summer 2009. A lengthy walk along the shoreline of Coniston Water, with the option of returning on the Coniston Launches from Torver jetty - OS Explorer Map OL6
Distance: 7 km or 4.3 miles, 3.5 km or 2.2 miles if you catch the boat
Start point: Lake Road car park at Coniston Boating Centre - grid ref. SD 305973
Turning point: Torver jetty - grid ref. SD 301947
Facilities: Car park, accessible toilets and café at Lake Road
Getting there: Bus: Coniston Rambler 505 from Ambleside to Coniston or via the Cross Lakes Experience from Bowness. Car: A593 from Ambleside to Coniston. Take the left turn past the garage signposted Lake Road
Conditions update
Some routes have suffered water damage after the floods of November 2009, with sections washed away or affected by flood debris. We are checking all routes. In the meantime be prepared that present surface conditions may not be as good as originally described. Please report any damage you encounter to David Robinson at david.robinson@lakedistrict.gov.uk or 01768 871409.
Route
Walk back up Lake Road along the smooth, stone footpath on the left. Cross the bridge and go through the business units to a double kissing gate, wide enough for wheelchairs and pushchairs. A good track leads to more gates and Coniston Hall Farm - have a look at the huge chimneys.
Follow the tarmac road around the campsite pole barrier and head south through another gateway. After a second left turn, there is a small copse of trees on the right and you approach a wicket gate, giving access to the shore. Over the lake are the wooded slopes of Grizedale Forest and the imposing house is Brantwood, home of John Ruskin, the eminent Victorian writer, artist and social reformer. Look back to see Coniston Old Man towering over the village.
Go through a double kissing gate and cross a footbridge to Hoathwaite. The route follows a track inland and bears left to two gates and into Torver Common Wood. After 500 metres, cross the new footbridge to Torver jetty, where you can take a boat back to Coniston. This route is also a permitted cycleway.
Map
