We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
Monk Coniston ■ Location: Lake District
■ Duration: 7 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Type: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Apr-Jul 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Walking grades: 3 details
Non-members From
£1,399
ppMembers From
£1,369
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Gentle walking grade 3
Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
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[title] => Arrival Day
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[description] => Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
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Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
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[title] => Tarn Hows
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[description] => Today, we’ll start close to our base in Monk Coniston with a ramble around Tarn Hows. The 1.5-mile path around the lake has been well maintained by the National Trust and its immediate surroundings offer interest from all angles, aided by the stunning mountain backdrops.
Distance: 4.5km (2.75 miles) / Ascent: 90m (300 ft)
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Today, we’ll start close to our base in Monk Coniston with a ramble around Tarn Hows. The 1.5-mile path around the lake has been well maintained by the National Trust and its immediate surroundings offer interest from all angles, aided by the stunning mountain backdrops.
Distance: 4.5km (2.75 miles) / Ascent: 90m (300 ft)
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[title] => Claife to Wray Castle
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[description] => Our ramble today follows the western shoreline of Windermere, starting at Claife Heights before meandering on undulating paths by the lakeside until we reach Wray Castle.
Distance: 6.5km (4 miles) / Ascent: 140m (460 ft)
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Our ramble today follows the western shoreline of Windermere, starting at Claife Heights before meandering on undulating paths by the lakeside until we reach Wray Castle.
Distance: 6.5km (4 miles) / Ascent: 140m (460 ft)
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[title] => Free Day - Southern Lake District
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[description] => Discover more about Monk Coniston and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
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Discover more about Monk Coniston and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
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[title] => Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater
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[description] => Starting at Skelwith Bridge, we’ll follow the River Brathay along the Cumbria Way and continue as it becomes Elterwater. With the Langdales as a backdrop, this is an ideal spot for capturing both dramatic and tranquil landscapes.
Distance: 3.5km (2 miles) / Ascent: 80m (260 ft)
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Starting at Skelwith Bridge, we’ll follow the River Brathay along the Cumbria Way and continue as it becomes Elterwater. With the Langdales as a backdrop, this is an ideal spot for capturing both dramatic and tranquil landscapes.
Distance: 3.5km (2 miles) / Ascent: 80m (260 ft)
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[title] => Little Langdale
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[description] => The peaceful and picturesque Langdale Valley is an artist’s haven. On today’s walk, we’ll pass Cathedral Cave and Slater Bridge, before finishing in the village of Little Langdale.
Distance: 3.5km (2 miles) / Ascent: 90m (300 ft)
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The peaceful and picturesque Langdale Valley is an artist’s haven. On today’s walk, we’ll pass Cathedral Cave and Slater Bridge, before finishing in the village of Little Langdale.
Distance: 3.5km (2 miles) / Ascent: 90m (300 ft)
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[title] => Rydal & Grasmere
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[description] => Our final day takes us north to Rydal and Grasmere. Our path will lead us around the south side of Rydal Water and into Rydal village, before heading up along the old coffin route which links it to Grasmere.
Distance: 6km (3.75 miles) / Ascent: 190m (620 ft)
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Our final day takes us north to Rydal and Grasmere. Our path will lead us around the south side of Rydal Water and into Rydal village, before heading up along the old coffin route which links it to Grasmere.
Distance: 6km (3.75 miles) / Ascent: 190m (620 ft)
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[title] => Departure Day
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[description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.
| • 30 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 40 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • Travel cot • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounge • Garden with putting green and croquet lawn • Activity barn • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point |  |
Seasonal dining, tailored for you
Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.
Welcome Cream Tea
What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.
A hearty breakfast to start the day
Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.
Our famous picnic lunch
Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.
3-course evening meals
Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.
Designed with your comfort in mind, Monk Coniston has 30 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
We love: The rooms with a garden or lake view. We also love Room 9 on the first floor for its original features and beautiful views across the gardens and fields that slope down to the shores of Coniston Water.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Monk Coniston
Monk Coniston
Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AQ
Tel: +44 (0)1539 441566
The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme (which is near Kendal), Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. A direct train runs from Manchester to Windermere. Local trains from Oxenholme call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.
The nearest station to Monk Coniston is Windermere. From Windermere you can take a taxi or bus to Monk Coniston (see below).
Check National Rail for journey times and routes.
The journey from Windermere train station to Monk Coniston is 10 miles.
From Oxenholme, it’s double that at 23 miles.
For pricing, please contact Ace Taxi directly.
Ace Taxi
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Taxi*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1539 445445
Email: acetaxiwindermere@gmail.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Monk Coniston.
*Ace Taxi is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
From Windermere station catch the 555 or 599 to Ambleside Kelsick Road. Change here onto the 505 to Monk Coniston. The stop is right outside our country house.
Check Stagecoach for bus times.
National Express also run coaches to Lancaster, Penrith and Carlisle where you can catch an onward bus connection into the Lake District.
Car parking is available at Monk Coniston.
Leave the M6 motorway at junction 36. Follow the A590 to Greenodd Roundabout, take the second exit and follow the A5092 before turning right onto the A5084 signposted to Torver. At the T junction turn right onto the A593 and follow into Coniston village. Turn right onto the B5286 and follow for 1.5 miles. The entrance to Monk Coniston will be on your right.
The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.
There are direct trains every hour to Oxenholme with the journey time around 90 minutes. From here you can change to Windermere or get a taxi (we recommend pre-booking one).
National Rail have up-to-date information on times and routes.
Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option, but it’ll take you at least four hours to reach Oxenholme. Take the train to London Paddington station, then the London Underground to London Euston where you can connect to the main line train to Oxenholme. The journey from here is 2.5 hours.
What to Bring
On our Rambles with a Sketchbook holidays, you will carry all kit with you throughout your walks and will not have access to the coach for the duration of the day. We advise packing light wherever possible.
For Sketching
For Walking
To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. Please bring a rucksack, a thermos flask for a hot drink, a water bottle (at least 1 litre) and first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed).
Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.
Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.
Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.
If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.
We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.
Learn moreWhen looking for a spark of creativity in her art, Alison takes inspiration from the awe-inspiring scenery she sees on her frequent walks in the countryside. Experienced with a range of mediums, she wants to help guests capture the beauty of the places they’ll visit on one of our art holidays.
Code: CNN07-PDW05
Dates & availability
Rambles with a Sketchbook Holiday in the Southern Lake District
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,399
ppMembers
£1,369
ppEarly Booking Offer Save £100 Per Person
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,539 £1,439
Members
£1,509 £1,409
£1,609 £1,509
£1,579 £1,479
We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.
Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.
Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests
We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday
A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members
© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.
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