Miles Without Stiles
Grid reference: 316978
Distance of route: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Surface: Varying from tarmac to smoothish - with minimum of dirt on hands for self-propelled - to semi-rough, meaning a good quality standard footpath, attention given to remove worst rocks and tree roots. Still difficult for self-propeller.
Gradient: Level, gradients up to 1 in 12
Parking: Monk Coniston.
Toilets: Monk Coniston (limited access)
Special features: Lakeshore
This walk offers an opportunity to enjoy good views down the length of Coniston Water as well as a visit to the Coniston Boating Centre on the west shore of the lake. There are opportunities for picnicking and admiring the views which include the lake, the high fells of Coniston Old Man and the former mining site of Coppermines Valley. Look out for the Steam Yacht ‘Gondola’, and Brantwood the home of John Ruskin on the east side of the lake.
The road from Monk Coniston can be busy but there is a pathway set back from the road which offers a safe route. It is then necessary to cross the road to a permissive path which gives access to the lakeshore near Waterhead Cottage.
It may be possible to continue along the lakeshore to the Boating Centre where picnic tables and a cafe serving hot and cold drinks and light snacks is available to have a break for lunch. However, ground conditions often make this route difficult, even with assistance and it is easier to reach the Boating Centre from Coniston village by Lake Road, a broad tarmaced road which can be busy during the summer but which nevertheless provides a good access route.
At Coniston itself there are shops, cafes and public houses in addition to the local museum. The Information Centre is located at the main car park where there are toilets with wheelchair access. The route back to Monk Coniston follows the Hawkshead road until you reach the footpath which runs parallel to the road originally followed at the start of the route.
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
