Mission Statement:
Spend the day playing Swallows and Amazons
Trail Introduction:
Stunning scenery and easy access to the water, this trail takes you to the ‘great lake of the north’ where some of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows & Amazons was based upon. Sail round Wild Cat Island, catch a pike and see if you can spot the smoke from the charcoal burners. Definitely a trail children will never forget!
About the Area:
It is thought that Coniston is one of the inspirations for the Swallows and Amazons books. Set in the summer of 1929 the series of books has inspired many children to take to the water and enjoy adventures similar to the Walker and Blackett children. At Coniston it is possible to sail into the secret Harbour (with care) at Wild Cat Island (Peel Island), climb a mountain, catch a pike ( Rod license required ) and make a camp. It is also possible to visit Brantwood House and gardens, home of John Ruskin the famous artist and poet. Donald Campbell died on Lake Coniston in 1967 attempting his latest speed record. The wreck was recovered in 2001 when Donald Campbell was laid to rest in Coniston Cemetery. The recovered and refurbished Bluebird is now on permanent show at the Ruskin Museum. There is a 10mph speed limit on the lake which is temporarily suspended for the annual powerboat records week (usually in November) where boats attempt world water speed records.
Alfred Wainwright is famous for writing the Pictoral Guides to the Lakeland Fells. These walking guides are the perfect tool to guide you through the beautiful countryside around Coniston. Why not follow one of the Wainwright routes up to the top of The Old Man of Coniston. Wainwright gives you a choice of two routes, one which is a path all the way and another, quieter and more adventurous, but easy to follow. The route climbs over 2,000 feet and takes 4 hours. You can find all the information you need about fishing on Coniston Water here http://www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk/lake-district-fishing/
To dive deeper into the history of Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons take a look at this wonderful and informative film on The Adventures of Tarka YT channel Searching for the real Swallows and Amazons country – South Coniston
Interesting Fact:
There have been two films made of Swallows and Amazons, in 1974 & 2016.
Round Trip Distance:
10 miles.
Approximate Time that the Trail will take:
4 hours.
OS Map or Chart:
OL 6 and 7.
Trail Details:
This map is for information use only, not for navigation.
1 Launch from the Coniston Boating Centre and head South.
2 Sail past the moored boats and Coniston Sailing Club.
3 Keep heading South, this shoreline has plenty of beaches along the way to stop off and admire the views.
Be aware of the steam yacht GONDOLA as she travels the length of the lake. For local information take a look at the Coniston Water Lake User’s Guide
4 Head towards Peel Island, ‘Wild Cat Island’ in the Swallows and Amazons’ adventures. Keep to the West of the island.
5 As you head to the South of the island, see if you can spot the secret harbour and if you can spot the rocks which marked Titty’s safe passage into the harbour!
If you want to see how it’s done, then enjoy this video from The Adventures of Tarka YT channel.
Be aware that the water level on Coniston Water can vary by as much as 2 metres. As such, navigating around Peel Island becomes increasingly difficult as the water level drops. Submerged rocks on the East and North East of the island can easily hole your boat!
6 Sail to the South of the island and then head North.
7 Carry on your journey North and see if you can spot The Heald, the Ransome family bungalow.
8 Before you get back to Coniston enjoy sailing past Brantwood, home of the artist John Ruskin.
9 Head back towards the slipway.
There are 4 marked refuge areas along this route and it is worth picking up a Lake map from the kiosk that marks areas of the shore that are reserved for wildlife and to read the lake byelaws.
Trip Extensions:
Make this route slightly longer by sailing beyond waypoint 5 to the South of Coniston Water and Brown Howe where there are public toilets (no landing of powered craft here) or have afternoon tea at Bank Ground Farm tea rooms – the set of ‘Holly Howe’ from the 1974 film.
Launch Point Lat and Long:
54.363896468444985
-3.066265372286983
Launch Point What3Words:
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Launch Information:
The slipway is concrete and accessed via the shingle beach, it is next to a wooden jetty making launching here very straightforward. Call 015394 41366 for any launch enquiries.
Tidal Information:
Not applicable on Coniston Water.
Best Tides:
Not applicable on Coniston Water.
Towing Vehicle Parking:
Parking of cars is via the Coniston Water Boating Centre car park.
You can set up your boat ready for launching in the car park.
Towing vehicle Parking What3Words:
https://what3words.com/warriors.verifying.octopus
Towing vehicle Parking Information:
They operate a pay and display system. Car parking charges are separate from launching fees.
Trailer Parking:
Your launch fee includes trailer parking on the beach at Coniston Water Boating Centre.
Trailer Parking What3Words:
https://what3words.com/reactions.glows.cheering
Trailer Parking Information:
Your trailer can be parked on the beach in front of the Bluebird cafe while you are afloat.
Toilets:
Public toilets are available at the Coniston Water Boating Centre.
Toilets What3Words:
https://what3words.com/rises.interacts.caressing
Toilets Information:
Toilets are available all year round at the Boating Centre (NW), and summer only at Monk Coniston (north end) and Brown Howe (SW)
Page Month Published:
Last updated October 2025
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