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Coniston
5 miles long, half a mile wide and with a maximum depth of 184 feet, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes and has an area of 1.89 square miles. An excellent example of a ribbon lake, the lake sits in a deep U-shaped valley and is very popular with tourists and locals alike. With three small islands owned by the National Trust, Coniston is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also steeped in literary history. The Victorian philosopher John Ruskin bought Brantwood house, which is to the east of the lake, in 1871 and declared its views to be ‘The best in England’. Ruskin lived in Brantwood from 1872 till his death and is buried in the churchyard in the village of Coniston. Coniston Water was also the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and much fun can be had trying to discover the locations of the stories. For visitors who want to get on the water, the elegant Victorian steam yacht Gondola sails between March and November. Renovated by the National Trust, passengers can travel in opulently upholstered saloons, relax and take in scenery. There is also a traditional timber craft ’The Coniston Launch’ which provides regular hourly sailings throughout the year from jetties around Coniston water, including one at Brantwood house.
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