Walk Details
This route starts in a car park on the shores of Coniston Water. Coniston Water is where the wonderful ‘Swallows and Amazons’ written by Arthur Ransome was based.
As you head south down the shores of the water, this section is along the road but then you head up onto the top of the undulating fells. There is loose rock along this ascent but once up the track opens to be more compact.
Your views of the water and the Old Man of Coniston disappear as you head into
Grizedale Forest where you will be sharing the track with avid mountain bikers. Grizedale is the largest forest in the Lake District, and the Old Norse name actually means ‘the valley where the young pigs are kept.’ It has been open to the public since the 60s and the Forestry Commission restored the oak, larch and spruce woodlands.
You finish this walk at the Coniston Inn. Here you can enjoy lunch, or a tipple on the shores of the water overlooking the route you have just taken.
Carpark:
Grid Reference: 54.332845, -3.073521
Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Oxenholme
Read the Countryside Code before venturing out
Make sure to take a map and compass, and know how to use them before going into our National Parks #BeAdventureSmart
Tips for New Walkers: click here to download (PDF).
Remember to prepare properly before heading out on any type of walk or outdoor activity. Tell people where you are going and what time you are expected back. As Wainwright says "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing".