3 Day Walking Visit to Coniston Water

Southwell Ramblers conquer the Old Man of Coniston

Southwell Ramblers organise 2 mini breaks a year as part of their normal programme of walks. This year’s spring break saw 16 members stay at the HF Holidays’ Monk Coniston Hotel at the northern end of Coniston Water.

On Friday afternoon several participants circumnavigated Tarn Hows, a picturesque and favourite location set in the fells above Coniston Water and was a perfect way to recharge the batteries after the drive from Southwell.  Saturday saw a group take on the challenge of the Old Man of Coniston via Walna Scar and the Brown Pike and Dow Crag ridge whilst another group follow the western bank of Coniston Water to Trover returning via Walna Scar. On Sunday we walked along the Cumbria Way from Elterwater to Skilwith Force and Colwith Force before visiting Cathedral Cavern, an old slate quarry, where lunch was taken. After that, one group returned to Elterwater via Slaters Bridge and another group walked back along the Cumbria Way to our hotel.

On Saturday those not walking took the steam gondola around Coniston Water, breaking there journey at Brantwood House, home of John Ruskin. On Sunday they visited the home of Beatrice Potter and other surrounding National Trust Properties.

Our second break took place during October and saw us revisiting Newfield Hall just south of Malham, also a HF Holidays establishment. On the Saturday there was a leisurely  circular walk of 6 miles from Newfield Hall along the River Aire round Airton village whilst a more strenuous circular walk of 9 miles from Newfield Hall to Weets Top returning via part of the Pennine Way. On the Sunday a leisurely circular walk of 6 miles to Malham Cove was on offer and a longer circular walk of 9 miles to Malham Tarn also starting from Malham with a small group returning to the hotel on foot along the Pennine Way. On the Monday a short walk of 4 miles along the River Wharfe to Bolton Abbey was offered before participants drove home. Again, there was plenty to occupy those not walking, including visiting the cheese factory at Howes.