Coniston
Think you know the Coniston fells already? Chiz Dakin searches out the ground less trod on popular fells and finds a classic scramble on the way...
Coniston is deservedly popular, and can become a bit of a honeypot centre in the summer. Many people, having done the Old Man once, eaten an ice cream and drunk a beer or few in the village will think they’ve ‘done’ Coniston. But there’s plenty more to explore.
There’s a lovely rugged scramble, almost from the doorstep, with fabulous views over Coniston Water. It does get more sustained and exposed as you climb higher, but there’s plenty of grippy holds, so take your time and pack a good head for heights. Then there’s a rough and little-trod ascent from the village up the southern ridge of the Old Man, and a lower-level wander over the Yewdale Fells which has a surprisingly high mountain feeling. Oh and it is indeed full of yew trees in small valleys! PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Train to Windermere or Penrith. From Penrith take bus X4 to Keswick, then bus 555 from Keswick and Windermere to Ambleside. From Ambleside take bus 505 to Coniston. 0871 200 22 33, www.traveline.info PUBS/GRUB/ACCOMMODATION The Black Bull, 1 Yewdale Rd, Coniston, LA21 8DU, 015394 41335, www.blackbullconiston. co.uk The Yewdale Inn, 2 Yewdale Road, Coniston, LA21 8DU, 015394 41280, www.yewdaleinn.com
YHA Coppermines, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HP, 0345 371 9630, www.yha.org.uk/hostel/ yha-coniston-coppermines
PRACTICALITIES
Coniston has a small Co-op, a Spar, a bank (closed Tues), a petrol station, a café, an artisan bakery, several pubs and a variety of accommodation. After that, Ambleside has a greater variety of practicalities, with Windermere providing the nearest larger supermarket.
LOCAL INFO Coniston TIC, Ruskin Avenue Coniston, LA21 8EH, 015394 41533, www.conistontic.org