CONISTON CLASSIC WALKS
April 18th - 22nd
June 10th - 14th 2022
July 11th - 15th 2022
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(4 nights, 4.5 walking days).
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Grade 2: Easy to Moderate*
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Highlights:
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Hike along the ancient Walna Scar Road, returning along one of the most scenic stretches of the Cumbria Way.
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Walk up the ancient Coppermines Valley and lunch on the shore of Levers Water, a beautiful tarn set below a range of impressive mountains.
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Explore the dramatic valley of Tilberthwaite and the iconic Tarn Hows.
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Relax by the shore of Coniston Water. Try the local hand-made ice cream at the Bluebird Cafe while admiring the famous steam-powered gondola.​
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Relax in the delightful Rydal Hall gardens with a cuppa or a G&T by the waterfall.
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What's Included: 4 nights single occupancy full board (4 x dinner, bed, breakfast and packed lunch), and the services of our walk leader for this holiday. Also included is the cost of any taxi / minibus transfers to the start or end of our day's walk.
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The cost for this holiday including full board, single, en-suite accommodation is £675.
*Our walking breaks are graded from 1('Easy) to 5 (Challenging). Grade 2, 'Easy to Moderate’ walking holidays, are designed for those who would like to walk for 5-6 hours in a day, and 3-4 hours on a half-day. Routes usually involve only gentle ascent and descent, and all walking is on good paths with no technical difficulties. Our aim is always to take our walks at a steady pace, stopping for breaks and to admire the views.
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: If you can, join us on the arrival day by 1.30 pm for a half day local walk to get to know your fellow travellers and the environment close by. (3 hours of walking) For those who are unable to arrive by then, join us for dinner at 6.30 pm, after which we will talk through our planned programme.
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DAY 2: Walna Scar road was an old packhorse route, termed by Wainwright “the ancient highway over Walna Scar”. It formed an important medieval route from Furness Abbey to Coniston for the wool trade, (as well as having been used in the Bronze Age). We join it at the high level car park (arriving by taxi!) at Boo Tarn and walk to the cascading Torver Beck, following it down past the impressive waterfall at Tranearth. We return to Coniston village along the Cumbria way as it hugs the shore of Coniston Water. Inevitably, we'll take a break at the busy boat-landing at the Bluebird Cafe, scene of Donald Campbell's fatal crash while attempting the water speed record in 1967. Our taxi then speeds us back to Rydal Hall in good time for pre-dinner drinks. (6 hours)
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DAY 3: We depart Coniston village for a walk up Coppermines Valley where the remnants of an historic and complex mining operation still exist. From here we make our way up to the spectacularly situated Levers Water and a break by the shore (possible paddle?). From here we get extensive views of Wetherlam and The Old Man of Coniston (whose summit we reach on our 'Classic Summits' walking holiday: (https://www.skylinewalking.co.uk/lakedistrictclassicsummits)
Our route continues to Tilberthwaite Farm (see top photo) and returns to Coniston Village via the Cumbria Way. (5-6 hours)
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DAY 4: Our route takes us on a grand circular tour, winding through atmospheric woodland as we visit the famous beauty spot of Tarn Hows, the village of Hawkshead and the sculpture-adorned Grizedale Forest. (5-6 hours)
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DAY 5: We walk the tracks close to Rydal to finish our week with a more relaxed day. We aim to enjoy a picnic lunch at the shore of Loughrigg Tarn and then finish our programme by 2 pm. (4 hours)
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Please note that the above itinerary is subject to weather conditions being favourable. Our aim, above all, is to make the right choice each day so that we enjoy the most appropriate route for the conditions.
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ACCOMMODATION
Our base is the very comfortable Rydal Hall, set in its own stunning formal gardens with waterfalls, pools, an arboretum, tea shop and bar. See full details here: Rydal Hall
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How to get there: Rydal Hall is situated 2 miles north of Ambleside in Cumbria.
Postcode LA22 9LX.
Drive, or take the train to Windermere and complete the journey (6 miles) by taxi or bus from the railway station.
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HOW TO BOOK
Just send your booking request using the Booking Enquiry Form on this page and we will be in touch very soon to confirm your place.
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You can then secure your place with a low deposit payment of £150.
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If you have any questions or if you need more information, don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact details below.
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We really hope you can join us!
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PHOTO CREDITS
Many thanks to John Hodgson for the photo of the Coniston gondola.
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