Coniston water lies west of lake Windermere, separated by the Furness Fells, the Rusland Valley and the Grizedale Forest. Of Cumbria’s big sixteen it ranks as the third largest, with a length of five and a quarter miles, half a mile wide and 184 feet at it’s deepest point. The best approach for views is from the south, taking the east lake road, with Grizedale to the landward side. The journey hugs the lake shore, with the low fells of Blawith and Torver Common as a backdrop. About half way up things start to get a might more dramatic, as across the water the jagged peaks of the Coniston Mountain loom into view, of which undisputed king is the mighty Old Man standing at 2635 feet. Like Windermere, Coniston Water is a public right of way. Ore mined at the head of the lake was shipped down to Geenodd, once a busy port until the building of the railways. Unlike Windermere, the water does not allow speed boats by fact of a long imposed 10mph speed restriction. Thus many, both those who simply use the shore line or those who use the water for activities, find Coniston far more pleasing and friendly. Coniston Village is set about half a mile from the north west head of the lake. A former mining village, it sits in the shadow of the old man and today offers both a base for mountain walks and lakeside fun. At the Coniston boating centre, run by the National Park, you can hire rowing, sailing and electric boats to pootle up and down the water. Summitreks, run by Ron Rutland, is just before the lake where you can hire canoes and equipment. Ron runs water activities such as canoeing along with rock climbing, abseiling and canynoning, all great fun and well worth calling him for details. Fishing is open to all with a rod license. You may fish from any of the public shores and more information can be obtained from the Coniston TIC. The lake is abundant with trout, eel, perch and huge pike. The lads at the Coniston Boating Centre seem very helpful and I am sure boat fishing can be arranged. The lake is connected to many famous folk. Ruskin owned Brantwood on the east shore. Arthur Ransome lived in various houses, using the lake as a backdrop for his much loved childrens books, ‘Swallows and Amazons. Peel Island, one of three on the water, was transformed in the books as Wild Cat Island. The Lord Alfred Tennyson, Darwin, Collingwood and the Holts of the ill famed Titanic all spent time and lived overlooking the water. Donald Campbell will always be synonymous with Coniston. Following in the footsteps of his father, Sir Malcom, Donald took up the challenge for the water speed record and succeeded in breaking the record twice. On 4th January 1967 he made his attempt to break the elusive three hundred miles an hour mark. On his final dash down the lake, he was clocked at over 320mph when Bluebird shot up into the air, disintegrating to the horror of spectators, friends and family. Though much of the craft was recovered, poor Donald's body remained lost until 2001, when a diving team finally found and recovered his remains. Transport on the water is rather grand. The Steam Yacht ‘Gondola’ is an elegant craft, beautifully restored and is truly Queen of the Lake. Gondola runs seven times a day from Coniston Pier to Brantwood, a trip of about forty five minutes. It is possible to hire the craft for private parties such as anniversaries and, if well organised, relive and elegant past. More frequent, is the Coniston launch which can be used a s a water bus as it covers the entire lake. The crew run special breakfast and sundowner trips and the launch can be booked for private events. Aside from boats and trips, Coniston offers the perfect simple day out by the water. At the head of the lake is Monk Coniston car park, where the bay sweeps round and during summer is very popular. My personal favourite is to go down the east lane, park up in one of the car parks, select a quiet little bay to spend the day with a picnic, a good book and rubber boat for the children. No fuss, just pure simple enjoyment. A M E N I T I E S Launching sites Please call first to check rules, costs Coniston Boating Centre, (Fee payable) - Telephone: 015394 41366 Coniston Hall Sailing Club - Telephone: 015394 41580 Monk Coniston Car Park. Free But Non Powered Craft Only Brown Howe Car Park Free But Non Powered Craft Only Fishing Information, Tackle & Permits Coniston TIC, Ruskin Avenue - Telephone: 015394 41533 Parklands and Attractions Brantwood,East Of Lake, Coniston - Telephone: 015394 41396 Steamers and Boat Hire Coniston Boating Centre - Telephone: 015394 41366 Summit Treks, Lake Road, Coniston - Telephone: 015394 41212 Picnic & Swimming Best spots are down the East Lake Road with plenty of car parks and bays to picnic and swim