Electric scooter on Coniston shoreline

Miles Without Stiles 16: Monk Coniston

Miles Without Stiles

This short route takes you between the lakeshore at Monk Coniston and Coniston village, OS Explorer Map OL7. A linear section of the route (1.74km) is suitable for all.

Route for all. 3.5km distance.

Route

Coniston is packed full of history, both in industry, culture and not forgetting speed! We picked this route as it gives you stunning lake views looking down Coniston Water, and it also allows you to soak up some true Lakeland hospitality in the village itself. Located at the northern shore of Coniston Water, the route takes you along the lake and in to the beautiful village of Coniston. A farming village made famous by the likes of John Ruskin and Donald Campbell, there is plenty to see and do around the small village. On your way back you can choose to pass Coniston Boating Centre, on the shore of Coniston Water, with stunning views it is well worth taking a moment looking down the lake.

Please note that mobility scooters must be class 2 or 3 on the route.

This walk offers good views down the length of Coniston Water and the chance to visit Coniston Boating Centre, on the west shore. You can picnic and enjoy a beautiful outlook of the lake and high fells of Coniston Old Man. Catch the Gondola from Coniston Boating Centre to make this into a circular route. The steam yacht Gondola details can be found on the National Trust website. The boat company try to accommodate people with a disability but please contact them beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your needs

There is a short 'for some' standard path which leads south from the car park to a jetty with great views down the lake and across it to the Coniston Old Man as a 'there and back' route.

For the route leaving Monk Coniston Car Park towards Coniston, please be aware that the road can be busy but there is a pathway set back from the road, offering a safe route. Where the compacted stone surface ends, follow tarmac pavements into Coniston village..

Users following the ‘for some’ route may take an alternative route back from Coniston Boating Centre via the lake shore where there is a short section of softer shingle (may not be passable after heavy rain) and crossing Yewdale Beck by a new footbridge and a permitted path to rejoin the road by the Coniston Inn. Turn right to return to Monk Coniston car park.

Users wishing to remain on the “For All” path need to retrace your steps from Coniston Boating Centre.

In 2022 this route became sponsored by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). IICSA has sponsored 150 memorial benches around England and Wales – including this route in Coniston. The plaques on benches pay tribute to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and ensures their voices continue to be heard.

Details

Start point:

Monk Coniston Car Park

Postcode: LA21 8AH
Grid reference: SD 316978
W3W: ///spectacle.turns.watch

Turning point:

Grid reference: SD 303976
W3W: ///airfields.sulk.dumpling

Facilities:

Toilets at Monk Coniston car park (closed in winter, radar key needed for disabled cubicle), Coniston (Yewdale Road, charge, baby changing facilities) and Coniston Boating Centre (radar key needed for disabled facilities). Cafés and pubs in Coniston and cafe at Coniston Boating Centre.

Getting there:

Bus: Coniston Rambler 505 from Ambleside to Coniston, or X12 from Ulverston. Car: A593 from Ambleside to Coniston. Turn left before the village on B5285 and after 1 km take the minor road signposted Coniston East Shore Road.