Coniston Water and Grange-over-Sands

Coniston Water, Lake District
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Coniston

Wow! What a freezing cold night. Thankfully my brother had beaten me to lighting the fire; I’m not sure I’d have managed. It was so nippy last night I used two duvets.

No sand castles here anymore, but it’s almost as if they think you may not notice anything is wrong.

We had breakfast over in Mum and Dad’s caravan before I decided my brother’s proposed trip sounded most appealing. We headed for nearby Coniston Water (not a lake) and eventually found the tiny lane that follows the eastern shore. Every time we spotted a parking place we pulled in. Then walked a few paces to stand on a beautiful, peaceful beach.

Coniston Water, Lake District
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Yachts drifted by, under sail; past the tiny Swallows and Amazons style island. Distant mountains glowed in early morning sun one moment and glowered in cloud the next. Ducks and red breasted mergansers were the only things disturbing the water; except for the outward bound kids heading in our direction!

Eventually, after making it to the far end of the lake, we finally reached the town of Coniston. After popping into the local Tourist Information Centre, we mooched in the outward bound shops looking at bits and bobs. My brother had wanted some thin gloves – which we did find.

After walking through a decidedly average housing estate, we arrived at a jetty, where the steam launch ‘Gondola’ was just setting off. We sat on the shore watching other people trying to feed all the ducklings surrounding us, before making our way back to the car with a basic picnic. The rain started as soon as we got there! We ended up eating it the car, parked up beside the lake. We did try opening the window but had to quickly shut it again when a cloud of midges invaded.

Grange-over-Sands

On our way back to base we stopped at Grange-over-Sands. It’s a beautiful Victorian/Edwardian resort, fallen on hard times. The lengthy promenade now looks out towards the distant sea over a wide stretch of sheep grazed salt marsh. No sand castles here anymore, but it’s almost as if they think you may not notice anything is wrong.

The public gardens are still well tended and mini golf and ice cream cafes still hold court. Sadly the sea moved out in 1910 after the newly built railway bridges turned the tide – and yet it also brought prosperity. Still I liked it for all its strangeness. The main park is lovely containing a surprising collection of exotic duck and geese. The nearby bandstand (complete with brass concert) was wonderful, surrounded by a moat full of lily pads. Such a shame the heavens open on them as we are heading back out of town.