Lake District Walking from Coniston to Torver

Coniston to Torver

Just a little mooching around Coniston Water in the Lake District …

Walk time: Approximately 1 and ¾ hours to Torver, slightly shorter and downhill back!

An Xmas walk from Coniston to Torver was the highlight of our first stay (before all the DIY began!!) in Puddleduck – it combines so many lovely aspects, from the jaw-dropping scenery of the Old Man and Coniston mountain range, the gorgeous tranquillity of Coniston Water, and a hearty hike with a pub mid-route  –  for us it simply has it all!

We love this route so much that whenever we bring friends to Coniston, we insist they bring their boots (even if they’ve not really done much hiking before!) and make them follow our faithful pilgrimage to Torver, squashing down immediately any protests and whining with placatory coaxing and reassurance that the beer and grub that awaits them in the pub is soooo worth the effort….

Firstly, this is just a general guide to what you can expect from the walk – it’s not a detailed route guidance because we’re not clever enough for that.  However, Puddleduck House does have plenty of walking guides for Coniston and the surrounding area, and there is an OS Map provided – we recommend you take it with you at all times and please leave it behind for other guests!!

To start the walk from the village, you go past the petrol station, turning left into Lake Road.  At the bottom, before the road turns to the left and when you can see a road through to a courtyard of gift shops straight in front of you, you head off to the right, through a gate, signposted Torver.

On Lake Road, signposted Torver

Coniston to Torver Walk – Traffic en-route!

The walk is quite simple to follow in that you hug the lakeside from Coniston (and if you go early enough, you may be lucky enough to have it to yourself) and it meanders along the idyllic shoreline on a really level route – the first part is ideal for families with pushchairs and you can get quite far before you would have to find an alternative route back – or simply come back the same way.  With the magnificent Coniston mountain range rising high above you and the lake glimmering away to the side of you, you shouldn’t need to worry about having to turn back on yourself – it’s all a real feast for the eyes!

Coniston Water, on the path to Torver

However, those with the pub firmly in their sights, continue on this path until you reach well-signposted turn-offs to Torver.  We generally prefer to ignore the first signpost off to Torver, carrying on on the Lakeside path for a short while until you find another turn off to the right.  It involves a fair climb (not at all difficult, though) through woodland, and when you get to the top and see proper daylight, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Old Man of Coniston.

Old Man of Coniston – Approaching Torver Village

It appears very different from this angle, but no less beautiful, and you do feel as though you are in the middle of nowhere.  And the good news is that when you get here, the pub isn’t too far away!  A beautiful, quiet and of course very pretty, walk winds through the rest of the track, through a farm, until you spot a few dotted houses ahead, meaning Torver is within a short distance.  At this point you can cut across a field, which leads to the back of the Church House Inn.  It is the most direct route but can get a little boggy after bad weather.  Instead, you can turn left on a small country road and follow it to the end, turning right at the end to approach Torver.

There are two pubs in Torver, the Wilson Arms and Church House Inn.  We’re so attached to the Wilson Arms that we’ve yet to try the Church House Inn, but have heard good reports of it!  In the Wilson Arms, you’ll find fantastic food and some unusual but tasty options, cosy ambience, friendly staff and the resident doggy ‘Wilson’ who will welcome you in!

In the summer it’s truly lovely to sit out the back, with the mountains behind you, and enjoy taking the weight off your feet. In the winter, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in the pub and keeping cosy by the fire!

You’ll find it hard to drag yourself away from the pub, but another glorious walk is to be had by coming home.  We very often go the same way because we never get tired of the views.  Equally, there is a slightly shorter route back via the disused railway which also has lovely views down over the water – if you head back via the back of The Church House Inn, it’s well-signposted all the way.

Arriving back in Coniston, why not potter around town or rest up in the Yewdale Inn or Black Bull and watch the world go by 🙂 Black Bull, Coniston Yewdale Inn

At the Yewdale Inn, Coniston – watching the world go by!

Happy Hiking!!

Chloe x