Brantwood was another place which I had passed by hundreds of times but never ventured inside. Brantwood was the home of John Ruskin, he was the leading English art critic of the Victorian era, as well as an art patron, draughtsman, watercolourist, a prominent social thinker and philanthropis. Brantwood looks down to Coniston water and over towards the Coniston fells. Continue reading Brantwood
When the hotel opened it doors earlier this year I was interested to see what Andrew and his team had done to breath life into this neglected building. Forest Side is an imposing slate-built mansion, built for a wealthy industrialist in 1853, on the outskirts of Grasmere. Across the road, Helm Crag looking down majestically on it. In recent years had been left with no improvement and resembled a hammer house of horrors than a lakeland retreat. Continue reading A new star is born- Forestside
Another gorgeous day in the lakes, part of my New Years resolution was to get out on the hills more and so far so good!
It was decided that The Old Man of Coniston was this weeks destination. I had not done this walk for 10 plus years. Where has the time gone?? Parked in Coniston at the sports ground and was a bargain for parking at £3 for the whole day. Maybe the rest of the lakes should take note.
It was a lovley day but at 9.30am was on;y 3.5 degrees so was glad I had remembered to put my hat and gloves in my rucksack. Walked up past the Sun Hotel and up the very steep hill on the Walna Scar road. I don’t mind a steep ascent as you gain height quickly, the road then levelled out and were soon in the fells. Soon we were at Goats water and here was a pit stop to take in the view and have a coffee and chocolate break. Instant coffee in a flask tastes really good when you’re out on a walk especially with chocolate biscuits!!
Before long we were nearly at the summit, it was such a clear day and could see for miles. As it hadn’t taken as long as we thought, decided to extend the walk to take in Brim Fell Rake, Levers Hawse, Little Bow, Great How Crag onto Swirl How then down past Levers Water to the Coppermines. I love the Coppermines as it mixes the fells with the industrialness of the mines.
As with any good walk, you need a good pub at the end of it. On the way back to the car passed The Black Bull and would have been rude not to call in for one. Coniston’s Oliver pale ale was my walkers reward!
