Coniston Water near Coniston is the third largest lake in the English Lake District. The lake is 8 km long and 800 m wide. It reaches a depth of 56 m and covers 4.9 km².
Coniston Water is associated with Donald Campbell who died on the lake on January 4, 1967 when he set a new world speed record on water with his Bluebird K7. His father, Malcolm Campbell, set a world record in the same discipline in 1939 on this lake. The Ruskin Museum in Coniston keeps the memory of both men alive.
Geography
Coniston Water was formed by erosion of a glacier during the last Ice Age. A U-shaped valley formed in the limestone and volcanic rocks that filled with water. On the northwestern side of the lake, the Old Man of Coniston catches the eye. This hill, 803 m high, is popular with hikers. Slate was mined here for 800 years.
Etymology
Coniston is said to be derived from the Old Norse words Konigs Tun or settlement of the king. That king would have been Thorstein, a Viking who gave his name Thurstinii Watra, the ancient name of Coniston Water.
Steam Yacht Gondola
From March 25 to October 31, a cruise with stopovers is possible on Coniston Water. A small gondola-shaped ship powered by a steam engine departs from Coniston Pier on the western side of the lake.