Set beneath the majestic shadow of The Old Man of Coniston and alongside Coniston Water, Coniston is a village that never fails to please true countryside connoisseurs.

The Coniston Fells offer some of the best walking and climbing in the Lake District while the lake itself tends to be far less congested than its more famous neighbour Windermere.

For those wanting to get on the water to enjoy the magnificent views of The Old Man and beyond, a boating centre at the end of Lake Road has rowing boats, dinghies and canoes for hire. The opulent Victorian steam yacht Gondola also offers trips up and down the lake.

Essential ice creams or warming drinks depending on the weather are available on the lakeshore at The Bluebird Caf, named after the craft in which Donald Campbell made his ill-fated attempt to break the water speed record on Coniston Water in 1967.

The slate-built village itself above the lake also has plenty to offer the sightseer. In keeping with its remote location there are plenty of outdoor gear shops and cafes devoted to serving-up steaming soup and mugs of hot tea to those returning from the surrounding fells.

The pubs are good, too, including The Sun with its stunning views and The Black Bull in the village centre. Tucked behind the Bull is the Coniston Brewing Company, a microbrewery famous for creating Bluebird Bitter named as the Champion Beer of Britain 1998.

Main attractions

The Ruskin Museum in the village centre offers a perfect introduction to Coniston's past and to John Ruskin, the great Victorian thinker.

Brantwood, John Ruskin's grand and beautiful house on the east side of the lake (accessible by car or on the Coniston Launch), opens daily with exhibitions of Ruskin's life and work.

Walks

Short - Take a stroll along the lakeshore to Torver.

Long - While not for the faint-hearted it is hard to beat a trek up all 2,653ft of The Old Man of Coniston. Coniston's tourist information has good guides and advice for those attempting the ascent.

Events for 2004

Coniston Country Fayre, July 25 Brantwood Outdoor Theatre, August 10 Lakeland Country Fair, August 15 Brantwood Craft Fair, November 13 & 14

For more information

Coniston Tourist Information at Ruskin Avenue, 015394-41533