Coniston Water - Monk Coniston - Brantwood

Mike Patefield

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Much of the land round the head of Coniston Water is part of the Monk Coniston Estate, owned and immaculately managed by the National Trust. The route leaves the lake and climbs gently through the estate to Monk Coniston House and Gardens. The house is not open to the public but the route leads through the gardens (which are undergoing restoration) and parkland before returning to the lake.

The lane and path to Brantwood do not lie along the lakeshore but a little above it and offer fantastic views of Coniston Old Man and the surrounding fells. Early visitors to the Lakes regarded the site of Brantwood as one of the most picturesque in the Lake District and the house was built at the end of the 18th Century – something that planning regulations would never allow today. Once the home of John Ruskin, poet, artist and social reformer, Brantwood is often described as the most beautifully situated house in England. The house and gardens are open to the public and there is an excellent restaurant with a terrace overlooking the lake and perhaps the best views. A stroll through the Lower Garden leads to the jetty and an enjoyable boat ride back to the start. All in all, this has to be one of the most interesting and enjoyable short walks in the Lake District.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East

Features

Birds, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Lake/Loch, Mountains, Museum, National Trust, Public Transport, Restaurant, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

10/2/2017 - Walkingworld Admin

Although the the Coniston Launch runs on all weekends it does not run on all weekdays from early November to early February.

9/28/2017 - Bryony Pearson

This is a lovely walk, just make sure you check the ferry times if arriving later in the day. We arrived at 16.00 and caught the last ferry with 2 minutes to spare - it would have made it quite a long detour to walk back as we walked from our campsite so had already added on 5 miles! The ferry ride back was a real bonus, lovely walk thanks!

10/21/2016 - Anthony Carroll

Did this walk mid-October as a wet day fall back. Much better than I had somehow expected. There is also another VG tea room at Bank Ground just after waymark 8.

6/16/2016 - Serena Graham

This is the last day of our one week stay in Coniston and today we decided to do this shorter walk because the weather forecast was not very good. We navigated the route using GPS and found all the waypoints to be spot on. The entire route is suitable for dogs although due care must be taken when crossing a few of the fields containing sheep. Just after leaving Shepherds Bridge Lane, it's all uphill but very do-able at a steady pace. Same goes a little later on the approach to Monk Conisiton but it's all well worthwhile. We have to agree this is probably one of the finest short walks for miles around with something of interest all the way around. We especially liked the walled garden and walk through the forest grounds. We arrived at the Brantwood House a little too early for the next boat so just had time for a nice pot of tea and some unusual cakes at the cafe before catching the boat back to Coniston (£1.80 per person). Thanks for a GREAT afternoon - we'll more than likely do this one again next time we come to Coniston.

6/16/2014 - Barbara Rush

A very enjoyable, interesting walk. The last stretch through fields was a bit muddy. The trip on the lake at the end of the walk to get back to the start point was a real bonus.