LAKE170 – DAY 2

Day 2: CONISTON AND THE HARDKNOTT PASS

Day 2 starts with a bang. The first attraction is the town of Coniston. This little town lies at the foot of the formidable mountain, Old Man of Coniston. Again, this town is full of small shops, cafes and pubs, so whether you’re planning on tackling the mountain or not, it’s a great place to visit.

For those who want to tackle the mountain, there are many routes up the mountain, but we have looked at one in particular.

There is parking all over Coniston, so you should be able to find parking at either: Monk Car Park LA21 8AA, Brown Howe Car Park LA21 8DW or Boating Centre Car Park LA21 8EW. Or you can park higher up the mountain at Walna scar car park. The main track up ascends the mountain is the tarn of Low Water and descend via the lake of Goat’s Water returning via Walna Scar Road.

  • Distance: 11km
  • Ascent: 730 meters
  • Time: 4 hours

For more information check out this website: https://www.mudandroutes.com/routes/walk-up-coniston-old-man-from-coniston/

The route heads down south then takes a sharp turn back up north at Broughton-in-Furness.

Hardknott pass is regarded as Britain’s hardest hill to climb on a bike, with a maximum gradient of 33%. There’s a famous photo of Bradley Wiggins pushing his bike up the final section of the pass. The route approaches from the east and therefore means you’ll be heading down the pass. Aside from the brutally steep gradient, Hardknott pass offers exceptional views of the mountainous terrain around. It is truly an adventure!

If this does not appeal to you then take the first left hand turn after Ulpha, and link up with the route at Eskdale.

CLICK HERE to view the Google Maps route for day 2!

CAMPSITES

Hoathwaite National Trust Campsite (National Trust)

  • Location: Near Torver, Coniston LA21 8AX
  • Number: 1539432733
  • Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/hoathwaite-campsite
  • Notes: Book online. Minimum of 2 nights. This is the most campsite of the National Trust ones as there is no shop but showers and toilets. Opening times this year are from 17 May 2021 – 31 October 2021. Dogs allowed

Wasdale National Trust Campsite (National Trust)

Eskdale Campsite (National Trust)

Church Stile Farm & Holiday Park

  • Location: Church Stile Farm, Seascale CA20 1ET
  • Number: 01946 726 252
  • Website: http://churchstile.co.uk/
  • Notes: £12 for the Land Rover, £6 per person £1.50 for a dog .

FOOD

The Sun

  • Location: Sun Hill, A593, Coniston LA21 8HQ
  • Number: 01539 441 248
  • Website: http://www.thesunconiston.com/
  • Notes: I particularly like this pub after a long walk up Old man Coniston. It has a spacious beer garden where you can enjoy the fruits of your labour… unless it’s raining, in which case go inside.

Wasdale inn

  • Location: Sun Hill, A593, Coniston LA21 8HQ
  • Number: 01539441248
  • Website: http://www.wasdale.com 
  • Notes: This is the perfect place to fuel up before Scafell Pike on day 3, if you haven’t already done it.

The Sawmill Cafe & Farm Shop:

  • Location: the sawmill, Nether Wasdale CA20 1ET
  • Number: 01946 726 716
  • Notes: This is a great place to have breakfast either before you tackle Scafell or before the drive up to Keswick.

The Screes Inn:

  • Location: Nether Wasdale, Seascale CA20 1ET
  • Number: 01946 726 262
  • Website: https://www.strands-brewery.co.uk/the-screes-inn
  • Notes: A cosy space to unwind.  With a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian meals. The Scree inn was nominated one of the top 8 places for vegan food in Cumbria. I particularly like this Inn as there’s a microbrewery attached to it.

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Address

Cotes Heath,
Stafford,
ST21 6RX

Tel no

07495 922 453

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