Created: 17/07/2026; changed: 17/07/2026 - 18/07/2026
HF holiday, 21-28 August 2026. Self-guided holiday, but if there is space for me, I intend to buy lead easy walks with the group some days.
I booked late when some discounted holiday offers arose, plus I am a basic shareholding member, so I receive some discount.
If I were to walk with one of the groups this is the itinary;
HOLIDAY OVERVIEW
The perfect introduction to the Southern Lake District, this self-guided walking holiday gives you the flexibility
and freedom to do as much or as little as you please. Sightseeing greats within easy distance include Tarn
Hows, Grizedale Forest, Levens Hall & Garden, Grasmere, Coniston, and more. You'll also be spoilt for choice
with so many fantastic fell walks.
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoying the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Lake District
• Visiting the homes of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter
• Floating back to Victorian times on the Steam Yacht Gondola
• Riding the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, known locally as La’al Ratty
• Making use of our detailed route notes and recommendations
• Staying at Monk Coniston, our Grade II-listed country house
TRIP SUITABILITY
Explore at your own pace and choose the best walk for your pace and ability.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Day
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy
a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Day 2 - 7: Laid Back Walks
Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest
along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make
use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at
Coniston range from 2 to 5 miles and visit popular areas such as Tarn Hows, Wray Castle and Rydal Water.
Day 2 - 7: Leg Stretcher Walks
These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and
viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep
of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery
Point at Coniston range from 6 to 8 miles and visit popular areas such as Grasmere, Hawkshead and Elterwater.
Day 2 - 7: Full On Walks
These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes
will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every
route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Coniston range
from 8 to 10 miles and visit popular fells such as the Old Man of Coniston, the Langdale Pikes, and Wetherlam.
Day 8: Departure Day
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
ACCOMMODATION
Monk Coniston
With a desirable address overlooking Coniston Water (the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s 1930 novel, Swallows and Amazons), this characterful Grade II-listed house delights with lakeside and woodland walks from the doorstep, décor that stays true to the period feel, and plenty of Beatrix Potter references. While the children's author and illustrator did not live at the Monk Coniston estate (her beloved home was Hill Top, bought in 1905 with the royalties from The Tale of Peter Rabbit), she campaigned with the National Trust to save it from development. She then purchased the entire estate in 1930, and as the new owner, she immediately sold half to the organisation, bequeathing them the other half in her will.
By Taxi
The journey from Windermere train station to Monk Coniston is 10 miles.
From Oxenholme, it’s double that at 23 miles.
For pricing, please contact Ace Taxi directly.
Ace Taxi
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Taxi*. We recommend booking your taxi at
least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1539 445445
Email: acetaxiwindermere@gmail.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Monk Coniston.
*Ace Taxi is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By Bus
From Windermere station catch the 555 or 599 to Ambleside Kelsick Road. Change here onto the 505 to Monk
Coniston. The stop is right outside our country house.
Check Stagecoach for bus times.
National Express also run coaches to Lancaster, Penrith and Carlisle where you can catch an onward bus
connection into the Lake District.
LOCAL AREA
Whether you’re enjoying a guided or self-guided walking holiday, there’s always the opportunity to linger for
longer. Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Monk Coniston.
Coniston
About a mile from the house and easily accessed from a direct path, this small village charms with a superb
position at the foot of the Old Man of Coniston and by the western shore of Coniston Water. The small town of
Ambleside is a 20-minute drive away.
The John Ruskin Museum
Coniston’s John Ruskin Museum charts the history of the village through exhibits focused on the people who
have lived and worked here throughout the ages. It's newest treasure is the restored Bluebird K7, Donald
Campbell CBE’s world-record breaking Jet Hydroplane. Mr Campbell broke 4 World Water Speed records on
Coniston Water and tragically died attempting his 5th when Bluebird somersaulted in January 1967. The
wreckage lay at the bottom of the lake for 34 years until it was raised in 2001, finally returning home to
Coniston in 2024.
Steam Yacht Gondola
Manged by the National Trust, this restored steam-powered yacht on Coniston Water was built by the Furness
Railway Company in 1859. It stops at the Monk Coniston jetty at the bottom of the meadow below the house
and calls at Coniston and Brantwood House.
Brantwood House
A couple of miles away, this 250-acre Lakeland estate was once home to English writer, philosopher, art critic,
and social revolutionary, John Ruskin. The eight beautiful gardens were created by Ruskin, his cousin Joan
Severn, and head gardener Sally Beamish.
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
Known locally known as La’al Ratty meaning ‘little railway’, this is one of England’s oldest and longest narrow
gauge railways dating back to 1873. A trip here can easily be combined with a walk over Muncaster Fell or to
the Stanley Ghyll Waterfall.
Blackwell House
Designed by esteemed architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott between 1898 and 1900, this Grade I-listed
building is one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture. Don’t miss the well-preserved interiors
and the formal terraced garden.
Tarn Hows
Just a short walk away, this man-made lake was created in the mid-19th century by one of Monk Coniston’s
former owners, James Garth Marshall. The 1.5-mile path around the lake has been well maintained by the
National Trust and is suitable for wheelchair users.
Grizedale Forest
Set right in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, this vast woodland is perfect for
walking, mountain biking, and swinging through the trees on a Go Ape course. There’s also a visitor centre with
a gift shop, tearoom, and playground.
Levens Hall & Garden
A 50-minute drive away, this privately-owned Elizabethan mansion is cherished for its award-winning topiary
gardens – the oldest in the world. Inside, there’s fine oak panelling, ornate plasterwork, leather wall coverings,
and the earliest examples of English patchwork.
Grasmere
Best known for its William Wordsworth connections, this impossibly pretty village is a 30-minute drive away.
Highlights include Grasmere Lake, Allan Bank, and the 17th century Dove Cottage - home to the Wordsworth
Museum.
Windermere
The largest natural lake in England, this watery wonder measures 10.5 miles long, one mile wide, and 220 feet
deep. Ferries connect Ambleside in the north to Bowness and Lakeside in the south, where you can board the
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.
USEFUL HOLIDAY INFORMATION
Essential Information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute
and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
• Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
• Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
• Waterproof overtrousers
• Gloves and a warm hat
• Rucksack with waterproof liner
• Flask for hot drinks
• Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
• Sunscreen
info@hfholidays.co.uk Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865
www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 7
• UV sunglasses
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
• spare warm clothing
• spare high energy food
• head torch and spare batteries
• please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of
waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams
and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+
Recommended
TRIP NOTE VALIDITY
These Trip Notes are valid based on the date printed at the bottom of the page. They will occasionally be
updated post booking and pre-departure. We will send you the latest trip notes prior to departure through a
link in your pre departure documents or we can send you a copy in the post if preferred.
In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip
Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call HF Holidays and ask to speak to one of the
team about this itinerary.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and
our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected
changes; so please be prepared to be flexible where necessary. At times, it may not be possible to follow the
itinerary as planned due to weather conditions, political, physical or other factors. In these circumstances we
will make the best possible alternative arrangements to maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
info@hfholidays.co.uk Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865
www.hfholidays.