Superb, scenic trails, amazing views without too much effort, waterfalls, lakes and woodland; there are so many great reasons to spend time hiking through this area and keeping the list down to just 5 is a challenge!
1. THE CUMBRIA WAY – a classic long-distance path that runs 70 miles from Ulverston to Carlisle. As it passes through the Coniston area it follows the most scenic part of the Coniston Water shore while also giving a taste of the wild moorland of Torver Common. Walking the Coniston stretch you get a great introduction to the area.
2. TILBERTHWAITE VALLEY – a hidden valley that ultimately leads through to Langdale via a beautifully scenic route through native woodland. It is a great place to start the ascent of Wetherlam and Swirl Howe, or just to picnic by the river.
3. THE OLD MAN – at 802m above sea level, the summit of the Old Man of Coniston is lofty enough to give a grand panorama of the surrounding area, and is approached via a clear track up from Coniston village. It is a rightly popular Lakeland top, so get up early to beat the crowds!
4. COPPERMINES VALLEY – An historic valley of old mines and industrial architecture – the remnants of mining operations that may date back to Roman times, but which had their heyday in the Victorian era. Nowadays this is a valley full of interest and all the better for its spectacular views up to the east face of The Old Man of Coniston.
5. THE LAKE SHORE – just a mile from Coniston Village itself is the Bluebird Café and the National Park boat hire centre. This idyllic spot at the end of Lake Road is a great place to relax with an ice cream or a cuppa and maybe dip your toes (and the rest of you if you’re that way inclined) in the lake waters while you watch the leisure boats drifting by.
Read more here, or join us for a guided walking holiday around Coniston.