CONISTON VIA TORVER - 15th March 2026

Photo: by Howie

Well it was yet another frustratingly wet day for the Southport Fellwalkers. The forecast was quite grim as they made their way up the M6 to Coniston, and it proved to be correct for much of the day. However, the 37 walkers in eleven separate groups (some solo), made the best of it and were rewarded eventually with some fine views.

Geoff’s group started their walk in Coniston on a wet and overcast day. The weather improved slightly as the walk progressed, although they were crossing very wet and muddy fields, paths and streams. Garry unfortunately slipped on the wet grass and got covered in mud. He wasn't feeling too good afterwards, so they decided to make their way back to Coniston. They returned quite early, at about 3pm, so had plenty of time to dry out. Despite the weather, they all enjoyed the day.

Keith’s group left the coach at Newby Bridge before heading on a 17 mile forest walk to reach Coniston. Along the way they bagged 7 minor peaks, which included those with views and those completely surrounded by trees. The surprise Force Falls which was expected to be a babbling brook turned out to be a torrent of water creating a stunning and very noisy waterfall. Definitely worth a visit! And the "path" leading to the peak Tarn Intake, left the group feeling like they had been transported to a different world. A better than expected day was had by all and it was lovely to explore an area they hadn’t walked before. 17 miles and 3100 ft completed.

Paul’s group found that the rain was with them from the start of the walk as expected, but it did not detract from the wonderful surroundings and views in an area most of them had not walked in before, along the Cumbria Way across the Blawith Fells. The rain eased then started again as lunchtime approached, but as they arrived in Torver Bob found not one but two bus shelters - one on either side of the road providing adequate dry accommodation for their party of 9. The weather in the afternoon improved and some blue sky was spotted, making for a pleasant walk alongside Coniston Water. However a rainbow later on gave some warning of more rain for the latter part of the walk. Nevertheless an enjoyable day with over 11 miles walked.

Mike J’s walk was a solo one for him. He went as far as Tarn How's, did a circuit of the tarn and found a number of Belted Galloways along the way that decided to stand guard at the gate. They were very friendly and one posed for a photo. Mike then descended Tom Gill for a view of the waterfalls, returning to Coniston along the path that follows A593.

Alan’s walk with Edwina started in Coniston, took the bridleway around the head of Coniston Water and then the road to How Head and on to the bridleway that starts near Black Beck Cottage. The rain finally stopped then as they walked above Kye Wood and took the path to the top of Crag Head. It was very windy and cold on the summit, which would have been a great viewpoint in better weather. The rain restarted on their descent, but they found a novel lunch-time shelter by a fallen tree! They returned via the lakeside, getting inevitably re-saturated on the walk back to the coach. At least part of the day was dry!

For Steve J it became fairly apparent that a walk along the main ridge wasn't going to happen.  Steady rain, with brief interludes, on the ascent to Swirl Hawse, turned to spells of almost horizontal hail with strong winds and thick mist on the Prison Band, up to an inhospitable top. Descending back to Swirl Hawse, the rocks and outcrops then seemed even more slippery and there were interesting views into unfrequented upper Greenburn as the mist slowly lifted.

Amazingly, the ridge tops cleared on the way back to Levers Water and it stopped raining! 

The fact that only three people were seen on the fell after the Coppermine’s area, would seem to also sum up the day.

Ian’s group of three included the two Dave’s - Southeard and Williams!!
The route was largely done as planned except for the first 100 yards where they found that the lane was closed and fenced off! Fortunately there was an alternative route across fields. Two hours of steady rain was not a pleasant start, but it stopped in time for a suitable dry lunch. Very muddy and wet under foot, but mainly dry for the rest of the walk. The ‘path’ from Torver Common down through the wood to the Coniston lakeside path proved challenging, with fallen trees and was very wet and slippery.

Stu’s group of four left the coach along with Ian's group at Lowick Bridge, and also found that the first obstacle of the day was that the minor road to Lowick Hall was closed, and even a barrier was erected to prevent walkers and cyclists passing.

Fortunately, a footpath across the fields took them to where they needed to be on The Cumbria Way, and Kiln Bank on the intended route was soon reached.

By now, the rain had intensified along with a chilling south westerly wind.

Leaving Long Lane at Subberthwaite Bank, yet more mud awaited them on the trek up to Tottlebank and Tottlebank Height.

Still following the Cumbria Way and dropping down to Cockenskell, a short climb to Wool Knott was rewarded by the lovely view of Beacon Tarn ahead.

Always a beautiful area even in the rain!

On the southern shore it was unanimously decided to take advantage of a lull in the rain to have a lunch stop.

Pressing on, a very boggy path around the western side of the tarn brought them to Blawith Fells and a drop down to Stable Harvey Moss and Tottle Bank (not to be confused with Tottlebank which they had passed two miles previously!)

There they left the Cumbria Way to pass the unnamed and disused reservoir at Torver Low Common, still a beautiful stretch of water that appeared to be as full as it ever had been.

On reaching Torver, they took the delightful path along the disused railway line and decided to amend their route. 

Instead of following a path across fields and down to the shores of Coniston Water, they continued along the railway path, through Park Coppice camping site, and all the way to what was once the Coniston terminus of this very rural railway line.

What a shame it doesn't exist anymore, as the line must surely have brought countless people and families to Coniston on holidays. However, at least we can enjoy the route, or some of it on foot!

Plenty of time was available to dry out and enjoy a few drinks in one of the friendly pubs in Coniston.

Thanks again to all of the many leaders - to Pat G, Ian, Keith, Paul C, Geoff, Stu, Mike J, Alan, Suzy, John G & Mike J.

And to Dawn, Neil O, Howie, Claire, Mike K, Chris, Karen, Darren, Paul M, Geoff, Stu, Mike J, Alan & Dave W for taking a fine selection of photos on a visually challenging day!

Click HERE to open the album.

Click HERE to see Darren's video of Geoff's walk to Tarn Hows.

Next Walks:

Sunday 29^th March 2026 – Glenridding via A66

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 40, A66 to the Rheged roundabout, then A592 along Ullswater, through Watermillock and on to Glenridding. Park in Glenridding. Morning coffee stop at Tebay services.

Sunday 12^th April 2026 - Keswick via A591

5.30 p.m. departure

Northbound to Preston, M6 north to junction 36, A591 through Windermere and Ambleside and on to Keswick. Because of new parking constraints in Keswick, the coach will drop off in Keswick if required (but not in a car park) then park outside the town, returning to park in the usual Booth’s car park around 3pm. Morning coffee stop at Burton services.

Sunday 26^th April 2026 - Hartington

5.30 p.m. departure

M57, M62 eastbound, M6, M56, A555/A6 to Buxton, A515 to junction with B5054, B5054 to Hartington. Parking on village green in Hartington. Morning coffee stop at Burtonwood services, M62.