This is a fine walk that has lots of interest along the way; fine woodland, a dramatic waterfall, beautiful tarn, newish information centre and a stroll through Monk Coniston grounds.

Park in the car park attached to the Sports Centre, Coniston, opposite the primary school, grid ref 303978.

1. Turn right and walk up the road to join the A593. Cross and continue along the narrow lane opposite. Wind round right with it to walk in front of Far End cottages. Stroll on to join the A-road, and in a few steps left take the signed entrance into woodland, on your left. Follow the well-made path through the glorious deciduous woodland below Mart Crag. Cross the footbridge over White Gill and look up to see the lovely ‘White Lady’ waterfall tumbling down the steep fell side. Carry on along the good path below Yewdale Crag and then Yewdale Fell Side to arrive at the narrow road to Tilberthwaite.

2. Cross and continue on the track as it winds on and crosses Shepherd’s Bridge. Go through a gate and press on the good track through the park-like pasture, curving steadily right. When you reach a junction of tracks, with Yewdale farm tucked in the hollow, to your right, go ahead ignoring the left turn. Follow the track to the A-road once more. Pause here to look at the picturesque old farmhouse with it fine gallery.

3. Turn right, cross the road with care, to take a signed gate opposite. Turn left and follow the fence, on the left, to go through a gate into a small parking area. Keep ahead in the same direction to cross a footbridge over the hurrying beck, which has descends so splendidly from Tarn Hows. Go on the stepped way and continue on. Wind round with the path keeping parallel with the beck, climbing steps as you go. Soon the path divides and a sign directs you along the lower way towards the waterfall. Watch your step as you progress as the path is very narrow and the ground drops away steeply to the beck below. Pause as you take your pictures of the great fall, especially magnificent after rain. Carry on up the narrow path, where the stones might be wet and a bit slippery.

4. Go through the gate and along the rather muddy level track beside the delightful cascading beck. Climb a few more steps close to another pleasing but smaller fall,and then, after a little clambering over rocks, you reach the side of Tarn Hows. Walk left and follow the good track beside the splendid tarn. Wind on round to carry on along the other side until you reach a three-armed signpost directing you towards the old car park. Go through a gate on the left and climb steadily to join a high level track. Bear left and follow the path as it curves right to reach the delectable Rose Cottage. Go around to the front for the best view of the pretty dwelling. Return along the high level path and ignore the track up, taken earlier, and go ahead. When you reach a rocky eminence, on your right, climb up to enjoy the fine view of the tarn, its islands and the fells around.

5. Carry on the track and immediately beyond the next gate, descend right, down the grassy slope. Continue on over a little hillock and drop down a path to join the low-level route around the tarn and turn left. Stride on to the road, cross and enter the main car park. Towards the back of the parking area are several toilets and an interesting information room. Notice also the environmentally friendly roof. Return to where you entered the car park and turn immediately right along a track from where you can look down on the parking area and the new building mentioned above.

6. Stroll the grassy trod, into fine woodland. Follow the track as it descends gently and then drops left before curving right to go on downhill. At the Y-junction, keep to the right track. Ignore a track going off right and go on soon to cross a narrow footbridge above a weir and a dramatic overflow. Just beyond descend steps, left, and go on down through the tall forest trees to the B 5285. Cross with care to go through a gate into the grounds of Monk Coniston.

7. Enjoy the terrace that continues ahead and at its end, wind left to go through a large gate into the walled garden of the estate, where vegetables fill their neat beds. Turn right between them to leave by another huge gate. Look right to see the folly and visit it if you wish. Return to the path and follow it to a gate on your left. Stroll across the pasture to a gate onto the unclassified road, beyond which is a car park. If Coniston Water is low you might like to walk, right, along its shingle shore. If not, do not join the road but take the recently made track, right, that takes you safely to the junction with the Hawkshead Road. Cross with care and take the footpath between the hedged road and the pasture, left, and follow it all the way to the edge of Coniston village. Turn right beyond the bridge and walk right to the car park on you right.

Information

Distance: 6.5 miles

Time: 3-4 hours

Terrain: Generally good tracks and paths - expect some mud after rain

Map OS Explorer OL7

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map