Hopefully I'll be doing some more reviewing in the not too distant future. Got some new purchases t...
Hopefully I'll be doing some more reviewing in the not too distant future. Got some new purchases to try out first though. Look forward to hearing from you <T>
Member since:31.12.2006
Reviews:11
Members who trust:2
My review is specifically about the gorgeous village of Coniston.
My fiancee and I go up to Coniston about 4 times a year and have been doing for nearly five years now, so it can't be bad!
The village of Coniston is situated at the North-western tip of Coniston Water, the lake where Donald Campbell famously crashed and died while attempting to break the water speed record. Unlike its more overstated neighbours (Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside), Coniston is almost unspoilt by tourism / commercialism, but that's not to say it is not a tourist resort. The local community have managed to retain the natural beauty of the town even in the face of all the visitors it receives. The roads are still narrow and winding. The buildings are constructed mainly of slate and stone - not a new-build in sight! And the water is free of powerboats.
***FOOD
AND DRINK***
There are plenty of pubs serving a range of real ales, with the best arguably being the Black Bull Hotel, which is connected to its own brewery where Bluebird Bitter originates. The Sun Hotel is located on a road just up the hill, and offers a great range of beers, fantastic food (if a little pricey) and gorgeous rooms. Unlike pubs in the cities and urban towns, the pubs of Coniston offer a relaxed, warm welcome. Even in the height of summer when all the tourists are out, the locals still come to the same pubs.
There are two take-aways in the village, one of which serves fast food such as burgers and chips, and the other a pizzeria. Neither are to be sniffed at. Their grub is just what you need after a long hike.
The first take-away also doubles up as a cafe during the day with plenty of seating outside and in. My favourite cafe, however, is the Bluebird cafe located on the lakeside by the jetties. They always have a plentiful supply of tiffin (a chocolate cake like flapjack, only with fruit and biscuit rather than oats), which goes especially well with a strong cup of coffee. Again, seating at the Bluebird is plentiful, and they have no qualms about you taking your food and drink to the benches by the lake.
***CAMPING***
There are two main campsites in Coniston, both of which are situated slightly South of the village itself. Coniston Hall is mainly for tents, though motorhomes are frequently seen on here. The rates are very reasonable too, I think it was about £2pppn last time I went there. Facilities are okay, but the showers cost 50p, and the shops in the village run out of 50p pieces very fast! This campsite is situated right next to the lake however, so you've never far to go for a swim.
The other campsite is Park Coppice whose facilities are better, but it is solely a Caravan Club site for members only. They have a few tent pitches and about 100 caravan pitches too. Access to the lake is through the Coniston Hall site, and is probably about half a mile's walk
***B&Bs***
Recently we stayed in a small (4 rooms) bed and breakfast called Blue Bird Guest House (formerly Waterhead Country Guest House). The main advantage for us was that they allow dogs, which is a bonus seeing as the area really is dog-walking country. The rooms are £27pppn, which is very reasonable in comparison to other hotels in the area. Its neighbouring hotel (called the Waterhead Hotel - now you can see why the name changed) charge £46 pppn, though the facilities are slightly more luxurious. Friendly service is offered at both locations.
There are plenty of other hotels and guest houses, but I haven't stayed at them, so can't really advise.
***THINGS TO DO***
If you fancy a short drive when staying in Coniston, the towns of Ambleside, Windermere and Bowness are within half an hour's reach. All three offer great shopping, if a little tourist oriented. Bowness is accessed by use of a car ferry across Windermere that costs £3 per trip, which might seem steep, but you'd spend more in petrol driving round the outside of the lake to get round. The small village of Hawkshead is only a few miles from Coniston, and offers some nice outdoor shops and good cafes and pubs. I would recommend driving to Hawkshead rather than walking. It took us 3 hours to walk through Grizedale forest from Coniston, which was scenic but very tiring!
If you want to stay in Coniston there is a jetty with boat hire on the lake, so you can either take a small dinghy out by yourself, or you can get on the excursion ferry, which takes you up and down the lake. I seem to remember the prices were from about £10 for an hour a few years ago. Alternatively, you can take a kayaking lesson, and once you've completed this successfully you are able to hire kayaks and canoes for use on the lake. Be warned though, if you get in the way of the large ferry, it is easier for you to get out of it's way than for it to stop!
For the energetic amongst you, the Old Man is Coniston's signature hike, and is the highest peak in the area standing at over 2600ft (about 800m). There's an old saying in Coniston - if the Old Man has his hat on then it's going to rain, i.e. if you can't see the peak for clouds in the morning, then it's going to be wet. More often than not it's true, as we discovered when we got washed out of our tent 5 days into a week long holiday!
There's plenty of gentle walking as well. Going across fields and along rivers is quite popular with many visitors.
***DIRECTIONS***
The easiest way to get to Coniston is to leave the M6 at J36 and head West. Turn off onto the A590 and head towards Barrow until you see a sign on the dual carriageway marked "Greenodd, Torver and Coniston". It is signposted well from there.
I hope my views have helped a little. If any of you go to Coniston on my recommendation please remember to sign my guest book and let me know what you think.
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I went camping in the lake district a few years back. The scenery is simply incredable! :-P xxx
drow22 05.01.2007 13:33
I love the lakes we go at least 3 times a year. We always stay on Coniston water during August much quieter than Windermere at that time of year. Hust booked to go at Easter staying near Newby Bridge on the shores of Windermere can't wait.
darkangelwing 05.01.2007 03:08
I absolutely adore the Lake District the mountaineering club i'm in at Snowdonia are friendly with one at the Lakes and let us use their hut so its lovely for a break and to climb some mountains.
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Advantages: Beautiful Surroundings, friendly town, lots to do for all ages, not over commercialised, good value accomadation Disadvantages: the weather is often v.bad
Advantages: Very Relaxing, Gorgeous Setting Disadvantages: Very Expensive - initially for accomodation and then once inside the park for activities, no nightlife
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