Coniston Water

Coniston Water is a long, narrow lake, nearly 9 kilometres from the village of Coniston at its head south towards the Furness fells. It is the third longest lake in the Lakes, and it has a peaceful, unhurried character compared with Windermere, with wooded shores and the bulk of the Old Man of Coniston rising over the northern end.

The lake is steeped in history. John Ruskin lived at Brantwood on the eastern shore, and his house and gardens are open to visitors. Arthur Ransome spent childhood holidays here, and Peel Island, near the southern end, became Wild Cat Island in Swallows and Amazons. In 1967 Donald Campbell was killed on the lake attempting a water speed record in Bluebird K7.

You can explore it by boat. The Coniston Launch runs regular services round the lake, and the National Trust's Steam Yacht Gondola, a restored Victorian steam yacht, sails between Coniston and Brantwood in season. The Coniston Boating Centre hires out rowing boats, kayaks and motor boats, and the lake is good for swimming and paddling from its shingle shores. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with fewer visitors on the water and the woods at their most colourful.

The road along the eastern shore is narrow and winding, with small car parks that fill on sunny weekends. The western shore has the A5084 and the Cumbria Way on a lovely lakeside path. Wind can whip up waves quickly, so small boats should stay near the shore.