Market Drayton to Coniston Water

We stayed for a few nights and can only agree re pitches. We had very reasonable weather for October but no sun to sit out in, in fact didn't put chairs out at all 😲. Most disappointing. Just looked at the photos, don't remember it being that open! We had hardstanding - compact forest floor best describes it. Acorns and twigs drop 24 hours a day - no respect 😉😂. It's a very good off road walk into Coniston itself but quite a way I recall 20-30 minutes?? Not hard surface all the way and defo not for pushing prams etc all the way if I recall properly. Did get the bus back once as OH had problem walking one day. Not many buses either!

Edit we were surprised at the length of the site, we pitched near the top, lots of cul de sacs, took a while to walk to bottom of the site, through the gate and down to the lake. We thought it was actually bordering the lake, probably our mistake 😉

Description says short 400 yards to boat launch, I presume that's from the gate at the bottom ???

We used to use this site a lot many years ago but decided to give it a break.

Last time we visited, they'd dumped tons of slate all over the place and, where I'd always enjoyed parking sideways on to enjoy day long sunshine, I couldn't do that anymore. Typically, it was damp everywhere and did feel dismal.

I find the route between Blawith and the site quite frightening when towing, with one point in particular being just too narrow for vehicles to pass; stone walls adding to the difficulties.

I'm giving it another go next month, hoping for brighter and dryer weather but had also considered leaving home at the crack of dawn to reduce the risk of meeting oncoming traffc enroute.

Maybe I'm just a wus.

Bakers - yes - the distance refers to access from the bottom gate.

Last time we visited, they'd dumped tons of slate all over the place and, where I'd always enjoyed parking sideways on 

Thanks jillwithajay that's what it was trod in a lot too. We could only park sideways on! Site plan and compass to get door into sun, didn't work though 😔

I wasn't keen on being a passenger in the motorhome in several places. Much breathing in to make myself thinner and taller - didn't help at all with the motorhome width and can't say it made me feel any better. If you towed along there and reckon you could be a wus don't know what that makes me 😂😂

Edit. Yes guessed distance measure from bottom boundary.

Well, the last three posts have cheered me up no end. Too late to change our plans now. We will be there next week as part of a three week trip to the Lakes and Peakes booked ages ago. Ah well we will have to suck it and see. Never been to that part of the world.

Hi I added my comments to give my own honest and genuine opinion. If I were you and had never been to the lakes before I would either amend the booking and try Troutbeck Head which is a bit remote but a nicer site OR better still try the CCC sites at Bowness which are in a great location IMHO. If you have to cancel Coniston and get a black Mark it's better than spending time in a dungeon 😆

Sadly, several of the CC sites in the Lake District have far too much tree cover,  Borrowdale (Low Manesty), Coniston, Kendal are all off our list and even Meathop Fell can be problematical.

The Club, if it's allowed to do so needs to undertake a massive program of prunning, lopping & felling....!

Sorry that wasn't my intention. But like Wedgy above, I'd give it lots of consideration. No money changed hands nothing written in stone so you can look and see and check out other sites in the area, CL, CS  and commercial,  there's still time 😉.  Only other place we have stayed in Cumbria is C&CC site at Ravenglass - 8 years plus ago. It's a beautiful part of our wonderful country.

listen I have been there many times, and it's good site, just take some time to look at the site plan, pitches in the 50s and 60 are more open.

Also you can walk into the charming village through the old railway,  and it isn't as overrun with day trippers as other towns and villages are in the lakes, good range of pubs and shops. On the shore of the Lake there are boat trips and a great cafe. If you are into walking then the Old Man is steep in the later stages but easy - as in putting one foot in front of the other, Wainwright said something seeing as many painted toenails and handbags as rucksacks along with ernest boy scouts. And it's impossible to get lost, just follow the 'ribbon of stones'. 

Further afield is lake Windermere, my preference is park at the steam train and take the train and boat up the lake to Bowness and Ambleside, or drive. The lakes is my favourite part of the world, we always use Troutbeck head but that is closed till mid August. The Langdale valley is worth going to on foot or car.

You're going at a good time, long days and it should't be a crowded as later in July and August. Bit too far north maybe but Honister Slate mine is fantastic as is Keswick and Ullswater.

We're going there late August and September.

I would agree with several of the previous posts,  we found it a very shady site and the roads on the approach are not great.

Not a problem for me, I am used to towing on narrow twisty roads, but when you meet a large MH whose driver is scared of pulling well in, and does not know how to fold in his mirrors,  you are very likely to suffer damage to your van.

We will not be visiting the site again!

We prefer to stop at Meathop and explore solo.

Don't worry there are plenty of us who have enjoyed Coniston, there are a variety of pitching areas. There is one very shaded area top right.  The wardens advised us to try the top left area from reception and we were happy with our choice, quiet and pleasant, nice walk to local pub and the lake is via a downwards walk through the site. It's a big site, hope you enjoy your stay. Try a trip out via Hawkshead to NT Hill Top Farm and on to the Windermere ferry.