Best lakes around Coniston Water are found within the Lake District National Park. Coniston Water is the third-largest lake by volume and fifth-largest by surface area in the region, known for its natural landscape and historical connections. It is surrounded by fells, including the Coniston Old Man, offering various walking trails and panoramic views. The lake is also associated with historical figures like Donald Campbell and John Ruskin.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
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Coniston Water is a lake in the Lake District. It is the third largest lake by volume, after Windermere and Ullswater, and the fifth largest by surface area. The lake is 8.7 kilometres (5.4 mi) long, 730 metres (2,400 ft) wide and 56.1 metres (180 ft) deep. The lake drains into the River Crake, which flows into Morecambe Bay via the estuary of the River Leven. (Wikipedia)
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This boathouse is owned by the nearby Raymond Priestley Centre at the University of Birmingham. It is situated on the shores of Coniston Water, overlooking the famous 'Old Man of Coniston' mountain. The Raymond Priestley Centre is a multi-award winning outdoor education centre and is also a Royal Yachting Association accredited teaching centre. (University of Birmingham)
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The lake is a wonderful place to enjoy from one of the paths along the shore or from the surrounding mountains. The Cumbria Way also runs along the shore for about 4km, passing campsites. A herd of cows grazes in a meadow adjacent to the lake – and of course, the usual sheep are also around :)
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Small, simple stone house on the shore of the lake with a "University of Birmingham" sign above the door. Located on a dock with a pier for kayaks, small sailboats, etc.
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The Cumbria Way follows the western shore of Coniston Water for 4km. This is a beautiful tranquil section of the path with good views across the lake. You will often see schools of sailing dinghys and of course the Coniston Launch ferry. There are several jetties where the launch will stop with timetables. It is much more enjoyable to walk though.
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Very busy in the warmer months. Car parking is an issue so expect the roads to be littered with cars parked on the verges.
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From this point you have a wounderful view over the lake:)
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Coniston Water offers a variety of walking trails, from gentle paths along the water's edge to more challenging hikes in the surrounding fells, including the Coniston Old Man. You can find paths that explore small beaches, and sections of the Cumbria Way follow the western shore, offering tranquil views. There are also specific routes for waterfall hikes, such as those leading to Banishead Quarry Waterfall or Low Tilberthwaite.
Yes, there are several hiking routes available. For example, you can explore waterfall hikes like the "Banishead Quarry Waterfall – Coniston Water loop from Coniston" or the "Tarn Hows – Tom Ghyll Waterfalls loop from Coniston". These routes vary in difficulty from easy to difficult. You can find more details on these and other hiking options in the Waterfall hikes around Coniston Water guide.
Coniston Water is popular for various water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and wild swimming. Boats can be rented from the Coniston Boating Centre, and there are several access points around the lake for launching personal watercraft. The lake is also known for its historical connection to Donald Campbell's water speed record attempts.
The area around Coniston Water is rich in history. You can visit Brantwood Pier, which is near Brantwood, the former home of Victorian art critic John Ruskin. The Bluebird Café also holds historical information about Donald Campbell's Bluebird K7, which attempted water speed records on the lake. The Ruskin Museum in Coniston village further commemorates these historical figures.
Yes, Coniston Water is considered family-friendly, with many highlights categorized as such. There are easy walks along the lake's edge, and places like the Bluebird Café offer facilities like parking and boat hire, making it convenient for families. The Coniston Launch ferry also provides a scenic way to experience the lake with stops at various points of interest.
Excellent views of Coniston Water can be enjoyed from various points. The fells surrounding the lake, particularly the Coniston Old Man, offer panoramic vistas. Coniston Water itself is a popular viewpoint, and Brantwood Pier provides wonderful views of the lake and mountains, especially at sunset. The western shore is also known for its tranquil views.
Coniston Water is set within the stunning natural environment of the Lake District National Park. It is surrounded by impressive fells, including the prominent Coniston Old Man. The lake itself is the third-largest by volume in the Lake District, featuring a length of 8.7 kilometers and a depth of 56.1 meters. The area also includes numerous walking paths, small beaches, and the nearby Grizedale Forest.
The area around Coniston Water offers diverse cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes, such as the "Brantwood Pier – Coniston Water loop from Brantwood" or the "Head of Coniston Lake – Coniston Water loop from Coniston." For off-road adventures, there are gravel biking routes like the "Head of Coniston Lake – Grizedale Forest gravel tracks loop from Coniston." More details can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Coniston Water guide and the Gravel biking around Coniston Water guide.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of Coniston Water. Many enjoy the diverse activities, from active adventures on the fells and water to cultural and historical explorations. The picturesque views, especially from the fells and places like Brantwood Pier, are highly appreciated, as are the opportunities for swimming and relaxing on the small beaches.
Yes, Coniston Water and its surrounding areas are generally dog-friendly. Many walking trails around the lake and in the nearby fells welcome dogs. It's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and to check specific signage for any restrictions in certain areas or establishments.
Coniston Water is 56.1 meters (184 feet) deep at its deepest point. It is the third-largest lake by volume in the Lake District National Park.
On the shores of Coniston Water, you'll find facilities such as the Bluebird Café, which offers a café, parking, and boat hire. There's also the University of Birmingham Boathouse, which is a small stone house on the shore with a pier for watercraft. The Coniston Boating Centre also provides boat rentals and other services.


Still not found your perfect lake around Coniston Water? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.