This short route takes you between the lakeshore at Monk Coniston and Coniston village, OS Explorer Map OL7. A linear section of the route (1.74km) is suitable for all.
Coniston is packed full of history, both in industry, culture and not forgetting speed! We picked this route as it gives you stunning lake views looking down Coniston Water, and it also allows you to soak up some true Lakeland hospitality in the village itself. Located at the northern shore of Coniston Water, the route takes you along the lake and in to the beautiful village of Coniston. A farming village made famous by the likes of John Ruskin and Donald Campbell, there is plenty to see and do around the small village. On your way back you can choose to pass Coniston Boating Centre, on the shore of Coniston Water, with stunning views it is well worth taking a moment looking down the lake.
This walk offers good views down the length of Coniston Water and the chance to visit Coniston Boating Centre, on the west shore. You can picnic and enjoy a beautiful outlook of the lake and high fells of Coniston Old Man. Catch the Gondola from Coniston Boating Centre to make this into a circular route. The boat company have made improvements to provide access for disabled people. The steam yacht Gondola details can be found on the National Trust website.
The road from Monk Coniston can be busy, but there is a pathway set back from the road, offering a safe route. Where the compacted stone surface ends, follow tarmac pavements into Coniston village. If following the 'for all' section of this route users will return to Monk Coniston via the same route.
Users following the 'for some' route can reach Coniston Boating Centre by crossing the Hawkshead road, just beyond the Coniston Inn, and following a permitted path and footbridge across Yewdale Beck. This gives access to the lakeshore where there is a short section of softer shingle and a short walk leads to the boating centre and Bluebird Café. Walk up Lake Road to the centre of Coniston at a gradient of 1:8, near the top of the road.
In 2022 this route became sponsored by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). IICSA has sponsored 150 memorial benches around England and Wales – including this route in Coniston. The plaques on benches pay tribute to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and ensures their voices continue to be heard.
Monk Coniston Car Park
Postcode: LA21 8AH
Grid reference: SD 316978
W3W: ///spectacle.turns.watch
Grid reference: SD 303976
W3W: ///airfields.sulk.dumpling
Toilets at Monk Coniston car park (closed in winter, radar key needed for disabled cubicle), Coniston (Yewdale Road, charge, baby changing facilities) and Coniston Boating Centre (radar key needed for disabled facilities). Cafés and pubs in Coniston and cafe at Coniston Boating Centre.
Bus: Coniston Rambler 505 from Ambleside to Coniston, or X12 from Ulverston. Car: A593 from Ambleside to Coniston. Turn left before the village on B5285 and after 1 km take the minor road signposted Coniston East Shore Road.
