Adventure

#Explorefromthedoor with Sean Conway – #4 Conistons Old Man. As my wife will tell you, to her annoyance, I have an unhealthy ambition to one day be The Old Man of Coniston. You know, the crazy grey-haired pensioner who does his weekly shopping on horseback while herding his flock of lamas down the high street because they just really needed a walk. I really want to be that guy. Sadly, I have chosen the wrong town to live in if I want to be The Old Man of Coniston because I will always be trumped by the real Old Man…

Here in the Lake District, there are endless opportunities to explore and discover the great outdoors. Perfect for family walking, there are short, sharp climbs and long flat circular walks, meandering forest trails and lakeside family walks. In fact, for family walks, Lake District routes are suited to a wide range of abilities. Whether you have babies in carriers or budding adventurers with little legs, older family members or those with reduced mobility, the Lakes is perfect for getting outside and experiencing nature at its finest. We particularly like Lake District walks with kids around Coniston. Quieter than busier hotspots,…

#explorefromthedoor with Sean Conway – #3 Life on the Water The Lake District. It says in the name – Lake. Ironically there is only one ‘Lake’ – Bassenthwaite Lake. Most of the rest are actually Waters. When I decided on a whim to move to the Lakes as I mentioned in July’s blog there were two reasons, mountains and Lakes. I need both in my life to feel alive. It’s hard to explain but Mum did always tell me I was a water baby and would constantly be found lying belly down in any puddle I could find, literally any,…

#explorefromthedoor with Sean Conway – #2 Escaping the Crowds, Coniston Valley. The Lake District is one of the best places to explore in England and has fueled creative and exploring minds for centuries. Spending time in the mountains has huge benefits both physically and mentally. The one downside can be that some of the ‘famous’ routes and mountains can be slightly busy during certain times of the year which can take away from the whole reason you wanted to come up here in the first place. Don’t fear though, there is a simple solution to avoid the crowds, and it…

Exciting news, over the coming months we will be partnering up alongside extreme adventurer and Coniston resident Mr Sean Conway to highlight the beauty and endless adventures on tap here in the Lake District. Follow us as we explore what makes the area around us so fantastic. Before we get started here’s a little introduction from Sean on how he found himself here in the beautiful Lakes. Over to you Sean… The Call of The Lake District It was November 2016 and I had just returned home feeling pretty depressed. I had entered the first ever Route 66 bike race.…

Family Fun Guaranteed in the Lakes this Summer It may not come as a surprise to many that the Lake District is classed as the UK’s number 1 visitor destination (hooray). Year after year, new and returning visitors are wowed by its stunning scenery, vibrant villages and incredible calendar of events. This summer is no exception, there are a whole host of family friendly activities and events taking place over the school holiday period. So should you be looking for something to entertain the whole family while you’re here, look no look further as we present our round up of…

9 countries, 3,980 miles, 24 days, 18 hours and 39 minutes Recently described by Radio 2 as Britain’s favourite lunatic, endurance athlete Sean Conway has set a new world record for the fastest, unsupported crossing of Europe by bicycle. Sean has broken the world record by 9 hours after cycling 3,980 miles (6,405 kilometres) in 24 days, 18 hours and 39 minutes. Sean cycled across Europe starting from Cabo da Roca on the west coast of Portugal and finished in Ufa in Russia. Sean arrived in Ufa at 15.40 local time. Sean takes the title from Jonas Deichmann who cycled…

All Good Things Are Wild & Free …… Introducing Mr Sean Conway Once home to Victorian philanthropist John Ruskin, spiritual home of Donald Campbell; water speed record legend and inspirational backdrop for Arthur Ransome & his Swallows and Amazons, Coniston village, situated in the heart of the Lake District has in its time attracted some pretty fascinating folk. If you’re lucky enough to visit the area in the near future then you may just spot our newest resident running up and down the fells, swimming in the lake or quietly sipping a pint in the local pub. Instantly recognisable by…

Climb Every Mountain The Lake District offers some of the most fantastic walks, rambles and hikes in the UK. Before heading out onto the fells read our quick guide – helping you make the most of your time exploring. Forewarned is forearmed So you have your walk in mind (excellent) but before heading out there double check the following.. 1. Have you walked the route before? If not invest in a map (many can be purchased locally) or download the route online.2. Consider the passage of time, how long will the walk realistically take? Allow extra time during winter and…

Have a Swallows and Amazons Inspired Summer Holiday Whether or not you’ve read Arthur Ransome’s books about the Swallows & Amazons (based here in Coniston), any holiday splashing around on rivers and lakes will most certainly bring out the adventurous child in you. Now that summer is here, we have selected some of our favourite Swallows & Amazons hotspots, each offering a side dish of family adventures. If you are feeling adventurous you can have your very own Swallows & Amazons adventure and really go to town. Let Joint Adventures guide around Coniston Water. During your trip you will travel…