Update 25/01/2023: Warning: The section beyond Coniston Hall Campsite towards Torver Jetty has been damaged by floods and is not currently up to standard. We are working to repair this as soon as practicable.
A lengthy walk (3.5km each way) along the shoreline of Coniston Water, with the option of returning on the Coniston Launches from Torver jetty - OS Explorer Map OL6
From the car park 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. Continue on the tarmac road until the fourth left turn onto a gravel path, there is a small copse of trees on the right at this point. Take this path which leads through 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 The Old Man of Coniston towering over the village.
Go through a double kissing gate and cross a footbridge to Hoathwaite. The route turns right and follows a track inland and then bears left to two gates and into Torver Common Wood. After 500 metres, cross the footbridge to Torver jetty, where you could take a boat back to Coniston. The boat company have made improvements to provide access for disabled people. Please check their website for details: https://conistonlaunch.co.uk/faqs/
It is graded 'for many' because of short slopes down to the lakeside at grid ref: SD 30327 95630 and after the bridge at grid ref: SD 30147 95052, which have gradients of 1:8.
Please note that the map below has yet to be updated for this 'for many' route.
Lake Road car park at Coniston Boating Centre
Postcode: LA21 8AN
Grid reference: SD 305973
W3W: ///flow.harp.speedily
Grid reference: SD 301947
W3W: ///inserting.destined.dock
Car park, accessible toilets and café at Coniston Boating Centre
Bus: Coniston Rambler 505 from Ambleside to Coniston or X12 from Ulverston. Car: A593 from Ambleside to Coniston. Take the left turn past the garage signposted Lake Road.
