The area makes an ideal base for walking in the Lake District. Coniston Old Man can be directly accessed from the cottages via Little Arrow to Traneth following the Walnar Scar path. Directly opposite the cottages there is a footpath to Tover (0.5 miles) and a path along the shore of Coniston Water which takes you into Coniston Village. Other recommended walks nearby include Tarn Hows, Catherdral Caves and the Langdale Pikes.

Explore Walking Routes

Cyclists are well catered for locally. You can enjoy a gentle pedal to Coniston Village either along the road, or off road on the lake shore bridleway. Serious road bikers will love the nearby passes of Wrynose, Hardknott, Birker Fell, Corney Fell and Kiln Bank. Mountain bikers will find a network of Bridleways closeby, plus Girzedale Forest is renowned for its trails.

You can choose to take a cruise on Coniston Water either on the National Trust's Steam Yacht Gondola or the Coniston Launch which offers a variety of ways that you can enjoy a beautiful boat cruise.

Coniston Boating Centre offer a choice of boats available for hire including motor boats, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and sailing dinghies
Tel: 015394 41366

The Ruskin Museum is an award-winning Cabinet of Curiosities which tells the Story of Coniston.
There has been a Ruskin Museum in Coniston since 1901, when W.G. Collingwood, a local artist and antiquarian who had been Ruskin's secretary, set it up both as a memorial to Ruskin and a celebration of the area's heritage. Therefore, although the museum has a Ruskin collection, there are also exhibits relating to the coppermines, slate, geology, lace, farming and Donald Campbell.

Brantwood, the former home of John Ruskin, is a historic home and gardens overlooking Coniston Water.
The House is filled with Ruskin’s treasures: paintings, furniture, objects d’art and his personal memorabilia.
Come and stroll around Brantwood’s estate which offers magnificent views of Coniston Water and the Lakeland mountains beyond. There is a wealth of interest from fine and exotic rhododendron, spectacular spring and autumn colour, to ancient woodland and Ruskin’s own unique gardens.
During the high season there are regular guided garden walks. Our knowledgeable guides offer a real insight into Ruskin’s life and ideas.

Grizedale Forest is only 7 miles from Coniston and it is perfect for days out as the activities range from a choice of ten walking trails, nine cycle trails, GoApe, forest Segway, children's play area, meals served in the Grizedale Café, picnic and BBQ areas and bike hire is also available.
Open every day except Christmas day. Check website for seasonal opening times.
Go Ape closed December and January.

Mountain Goat Tours are something many people book and never just stop at one tour. With their 45 plus years of experience taking visitors on tours of the most famous, most scenic and also most remote parts of the Lake District National Park. Book private or scheduled tours where Mountain Goat will include food & drink and lake cruises.