Great Walking and Cycling Made Easy
4 miles of cycling - up to 2 hours plus 35 minutes boat ride
An easy family cycle ride by way of a refreshing boat trip on Coniston to Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin.
Timings: Remember to check ferry times before you depart! Take a look at Cross Lakes Experience 2008 leaflet for prices and timetables (opens Document Library).
Make a day of it: Pick up the Cross Lakes Shuttle at Coniston to Brantwood, enjoy your cycle ride then get the bus and boat back from Coniston.
Refreshments: available at Coniston Pier, Brantwood and Coniston.
Large version of map: take a look at the Great Walking and Cycling made easy leaflet (opens Document Library).
Route description:
Start at Coniston Pier at the bottom of Lake Road in Coniston, at Coniston Boating Centre. Take Coniston Launch over to Brantwood (opens in new window) - the boat has bike racks on the roof. At Brantwood, please be considerate to others by wheeling your bike up through the gardens to the road. You might want to climb the steps here for Jumping Jenny’s tearoom which has an amazing view from the terrace and tea and cakes to match!
Follow the road north, keeping the lake on your left-hand side. When the road forks, take the left-hand route, signposted to Coniston down a short hill. After a few minutes you’ll come to a T-junction with the main road (B5285). Taking care, cross straight over onto the traffic-free cycle path and turn right, away from Coniston. After 300 yards this off-road path rejoins the main road at Boon Crag Farm. Turn left here, away from the road, onto the bridleway that goes through the farm. This is a generally good, wide track, with just one or two short rocky sections.
Follow the track to the end and, taking care, cross the main road (A593) and up the concrete ramp opposite. Turn left onto the traffic-free cycle path through the woods, heading back to Coniston. If you’re lucky enough to be here in May or June these woods put on a fabulous display of blue and white bluebells and wild garlic. Continue on the surfaced path for three-quarters of a mile until it forks. Take the right fork through the gate in the wall and continue onwards. Here you’ll glimpse magnificent views of Coniston and the lake beyond.
Follow the path to its end, turning left downhill onto the tarmac Coppermines road. Check your brakes for the descent back into Coniston! At the bottom, you’ll see the Ruskin Museum on your left before meeting the main road in Coniston. Turn right onto the main road, cross the bridge, then turn left onto Lake Road to return to your starting point.
