Coniston is another attractive and relaxing lake with plenty of parking and good access to the shoreline and beaches. The beaches are of shingle on the east side, while the west has boulder strewn beaches. She is a nice sized lake with plenty for the diver to get his/her fins into.

Coniston Ferry Co. operate along this lake if you fancy a relaxing trip with the gentle drone of the engines pulling you along.
Shoppers and bargain hunters will find Coniston village has some nice trinkets.
But if you are looking for a little more adventure up in the hills then head for the east shore, get those boots out and march on!
Donald Campbell and his Bluebird spring to mind on Coniston, and the (as at 2004) drama surrounding the "Lady in the Lake" discovery by the nearby local diving club. In February 2004 the Rigg Wood site was closed to divers for two weeks while the Manchester Underwater Search Team hunted after more evidence to the case. Although the body was discovered at Bailiff Wood which is not to far away. If you find yourself at the northern end of Coniston you might want also want to try your hand at fishing for the big trout at Hawkshead trout farm.

Guest house's and Hotel's can be found at Coniston village and down the side streets.

For more details use one of the links here. Simply enter the name of this lake, village or town into the web site search window that appears. Hotels and Guest Houses Youth Hostels for Families etc.

From M6 come of at J36 and follow the main A590 passing A592 turn off that takes you to Windermere - stay on A590 until you see A5084 / Torvor / Coniston lake sign.
Coming from Ambleside take the A593 to Coniston.
or if at the Millom end take A593 to Coniston.

Clickable map! >
No Special Permission Required. but advise you to contact Head Boatman.
Disabled divers will find access is good on the eastern shore.
Walkers will have a wonderful day!

Trout, Perch, Minnow and the usual eels abound this lake. great fun in the shallows at night if you fancy a night dive. During summer, go in after 8pm for the best show.

On the eastern shore, diving Bailiff and Dodgson wood offer the best dives in this lake.
The western shore is shallower so perhaps plan for this to be your second dive for the day either in the Brownhowe area which lies in the South west end of the lake or go for the Coniston yacht club where you will be greeted by Roger (if still here), who has dived this lake and others for the past 28 years!

No special permission is required to dive Coniston but be aware that an active ferry service runs the length of this lake. Yachts, Windsurfers, and canoeists are everywhere on this lake so use of an SMB will not go amiss. Wise divers should contact the Head Boatman.

Permission should be obtained from the Head Boatman - Mr Geoff Leech, at the Coniston Boating Centre, telephone (01539) 441366 or evenings on (01539) 441530, giving info on where and how many will be diving. He will then notify all other water users to keep clear of you.

Disabled divers will find Monk Coniston has perfect access, the eastern shore is very good. Western shore access is difficult for all.

Lake Altitude at a mere 161 feet (43 metres) so you are at near sea level. Your Maximum depth in this lake will be found at circa 50 metres on the eastern side, straight out from Dodgsons wood.

Torches: If you are planning to pass the 15 metre mark you'll need a good torch.

Thermoclines: None observed.

If new to freshwater diving: this is not the most ideal introduction but it is better than some other lakes. access on the eastern shore line is excellent for disabled buds.

Furness Sub Aqua: branch is based at Barrow in Furness.
Dalton Sub Aqua: branch is based at Dalton in Furness.
Kendal + Lakes: branch is based at Kendal Leisure Centre.

For more details see "Dive Clubs & Air" page.

Visibility: 3 + metres.

Temperature range is 12 to 14 degrees Celsius.

Visibility: improves to 7 metres.

Temperature range is 5 - 6 degrees above zero.

Mobile phones do not work in the dive area. Do test your mobile for signal strength, you may be lucky with your service provider.

Public phones: At Coniston village and at some of the Parking areas on the eastern shore. Please check.

For the latest on the weather: "Scuba Weather Report"

Nearest toilet: You'll find these at Coniston village, Monk Coniston and Machell coppice.

The Coniston ferry service: View their website at http://www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

For Angling or Canoeing etc. contact relevant agency - see links page for non divers.

Many lakes are within a ten mile or so radius of Coniston. Hodge Close quarry, Banishead Quarry, Grasmere, Windermere, etc. If you find Coniston is kicking up a gale, check out the Hodge Close site or Grasmere.

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