Water Yeat, Coniston. Tuesday 19th. July 14

The walk today did a circuit round Coniston Water, but instead of following the shoreline as one might expect, for the majority of the walk the route followed higher ground overlooking the Lake.

Starting from Water Yeat, near the Southern tip of Coniston Water, Chris, our walk leader for the day, took us first of all to Beacon Tarn, then onto Beacon Fell, before starting our gradual descent, on paths and tracks, almost into the small village of Torver. Instead of entering, we turned our backs on the village and headed towards Torver Common Wood and the Lake shore, but having spotted an appropriate sunny place near Brackenbarrow Farm, we took time out on the way for our first break of the day.

Walking Northwards along the Lake shore, the atmosphere of the walk changed as we joined the hustle and bustle of holiday makers enjoying the beautiful scenery and, for the Coniston area, unusually pleasantly warm sunny weather. After rounding the head of the Lake and now somewhat away from the tourists, we found a quiet spot on the lakeshore for our lunch break. Very much in keeping with the natural surroundings, instead of people, we were entertained by several groups of ducks with their ducklings and a family of swans, hoping in vain for a few crumbs to eat. They must have thought we were a right miserable lot!

After lunch we turned South, on the east side of the Coniston Water, but very soon left the Lake, as we took a bridle path that climbed diagonally upwards into the heart of the Grizedale Forest. This is where Chris, with her navigational skills and Bob with his local knowledge, did an excellent job keeping us on course, over the fine viewpoint of Carron Crag, until eventually we emerged from the forest near High Parkamoor and close by, an excellent place for an afternoon break.

From there the route was easy to follow as we took a well used track by Selside, that led all the way down to the village of High Nibthwaite. A short section of road, followed by a field path and short section of quiet country lane led us back to our start and finish point in Water Yeat.

The walk itself was 17 miles and there were 7 of us on the walk. This was made up of 6 from West Lancs. and Bob from the Lakeland Group. The pictures below illustrate far better than I can put into words the superb scenery, the glorious weather and, under those conditions, a very fine walk. Thanks Chris.

Click on pictures to view slideshow