Perhaps a less well-visited area of the region, the Western Lake District and Cumbria’s west coast is definitely somewhere we would encourage guests staying at the Black Bull to explore and it’s just a short journey from Coniston.
The Western Lakes can boast both the highest mountain and the deepest lake, with Scafell Pike and Wastwater both found in the region.
Scafell Pike stands at an elevation of 978 metres and has to be on the bucket list of any keen fell-walker visiting the Lake District. The most popular ascent route, and the most direct, is from Wasdale Head and although still quite an undertaking at around 5 hours, the potential reward of spectacular views and being the highest person in England makes it all worthwhile.
En-route to Wasdale Head you will pass along the shore of Wastwater, with the dramatic screes from Illgill Head and Whin Rigg tumbling into the water from the eastern shore. Being the deepest lake in England, Wastwater is favoured by scuba divers who are keen to explore and venture to its depth of nearly 80 metres.
The Lake District National Park extends to the west coast of Cumbria with a good selection of beaches along its shores including Silecroft, Haverigg, St Bees and Ravenglass.
Cumbria’s west coast is an area that has seen (and still does) more industry than much of the rest of the county, from shipbuilding in Barrow-in-Furness to coal and iron ore mining further up the coast around Workington.
Historically, the small harbour town of Whitehaven was a key trading port with iron ore and coal being exported, and rum, tobacco, sugar and coffee coming from the West Indies. Much of Whitehaven’s fascinating history can be discovered on a visit to the Rum Story.
Early visitors to Cumbria’s west coast included the Romans who established settlements and garrisons at Ravenglass where they occupied the area for over 300 years. Ravenglass (or ‘Glannoventa’ as it is thought to have been called) was an important naval base for the Romans and they built a number of connecting roads to their forts at Ambleside and Hardknott and for anyone making journey over Hardknott Pass today, it’s hard not to be impressed by their endeavours!
Historic Muncaster Castle & Gardens at Ravenglass is worthy of consideration during your stay at the Black Bull, the impressive home of the Pennington family which can date its foundations back to Roman times and which, according to local legend, is haunted by the spirit of ‘Tom Fool’ and ‘Muncaster Boggle’.
Another highlight for families to be found not too far from Coniston is the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, a narrow-gauge steam train that runs from the coast to Dalegarth and Boot Station. Whether you choose covered or open carriages, the 7-mile journey through some truly spectacular landscapes is a real treat for all ages.
The Western Lakes has plenty to offer and all within easy reach of your base at the Black Bull Inn & Hotel in Coniston.
If you’d like any suggestions of where to visit whilst staying with us, please just ask any of our friendly team and we’ll be happy to offer some suggestions.
We have provided links to other organisation’s websites in good faith and with the intention that these will be of interest to people planning a stay at the Black Bull Inn & Hotel, Coniston. Please note that we are not responsible for the content published on these websites, nor can we be held responsible for the accuracy of information provided.
Should any organisation wish to have the link to their website or reference to them removed, please contact us and we shall happily oblige.
Discover the Western Lakes from Coniston
Perhaps a less well-visited area of the region, the Western Lake District and Cumbria’s west coast is definitely somewhere we would encourage guests staying at the Black Bull to explore and it’s just a short journey from Coniston.
The Western Lakes can boast both the highest mountain and the deepest lake, with Scafell Pike and Wastwater both found in the region.
Scafell Pike stands at an elevation of 978 metres and has to be on the bucket list of any keen fell-walker visiting the Lake District. The most popular ascent route, and the most direct, is from Wasdale Head and although still quite an undertaking at around 5 hours, the potential reward of spectacular views and being the highest person in England makes it all worthwhile.
En-route to Wasdale Head you will pass along the shore of Wastwater, with the dramatic screes from Illgill Head and Whin Rigg tumbling into the water from the eastern shore. Being the deepest lake in England, Wastwater is favoured by scuba divers who are keen to explore and venture to its depth of nearly 80 metres.
The Lake District National Park extends to the west coast of Cumbria with a good selection of beaches along its shores including Silecroft, Haverigg, St Bees and Ravenglass.
Cumbria’s west coast is an area that has seen (and still does) more industry than much of the rest of the county, from shipbuilding in Barrow-in-Furness to coal and iron ore mining further up the coast around Workington.
Historically, the small harbour town of Whitehaven was a key trading port with iron ore and coal being exported, and rum, tobacco, sugar and coffee coming from the West Indies. Much of Whitehaven’s fascinating history can be discovered on a visit to the Rum Story.
Early visitors to Cumbria’s west coast included the Romans who established settlements and garrisons at Ravenglass where they occupied the area for over 300 years. Ravenglass (or ‘Glannoventa’ as it is thought to have been called) was an important naval base for the Romans and they built a number of connecting roads to their forts at Ambleside and Hardknott and for anyone making the journey over Hardknott Pass today, it’s hard not to be impressed by their endeavours!
Historic Muncaster Castle & Gardens at Ravenglass is worthy of consideration during your stay at the Black Bull, the impressive home of the Pennington family which can date its foundations back to Roman times and which, according to local legend, is haunted by the spirit of ‘Tom Fool’ and ‘Muncaster Boggle’.
Another highlight for families to be found not too far from Coniston is the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, a narrow-gauge steam train that runs from the coast to Dalegarth and Boot Station. Whether you choose covered or open carriages, the 7-mile journey through some truly spectacular landscapes is a real treat for all ages.
The Western Lakes has plenty to offer and all within easy reach of your base at the Black Bull Inn & Hotel in Coniston.
If you’d like any suggestions of where to visit whilst staying with us, please just ask any of our friendly team and we’ll be happy to offer some suggestions.
We have provided links to other organisation’s websites in good faith and with the intention that these will be of interest to people planning a stay at the Black Bull Inn & Hotel, Coniston. Please note that we are not responsible for the content published on these websites, nor can we be held responsible for the accuracy of information provided.
Should any organisation wish to have the link to their website or reference to them removed, please contact us and we shall happily oblige.