SUNNY BANK CHAPEL
A stunning hideaway on the shore of Coniston Water
Sunny Bank Chapel sits in 16 acres of fields and woodland with a long private shoreline on Coniston Water. The grounds are shared with Sunny Bank Farm but there is plenty of space to ensure privacy.
The Terrace
From the terrace there are wonderful views in three directions. As well as admiring the mature trees in the foreground you can check how choppy the water is at the lake, and watch the sailing boats as they pass by.
The terrace has a large dining table, comfortable seating for up to six, and a charcoal barbecue. On a fine morning it catches the sun and is a wonderful place to eat breakfast or read a book, while the birds queue up for the bird-feeder and the sheep graze in the field.
A hidden fence below the wall (to protect the view) prevents the sheep from getting in, and should stop most dogs escaping. If your dog is especially agile please bring a long lead to tie to the railing.
The Fields and Lakeshore
From the Chapel, the fields slope quite steeply down to the lake and contain a variety of trees. A stroll down to the lake and back takes about 15 minutes and is great exercise - both for you and for your (well-supervised) dog! In the quiet of the early morning or evening the surface of the lake can become mirror-like. Look out for red-breasted mergansers with their distinctive crests.
Beyond the lake are the trees of Grizedale Forest, their colours changing with the seasons. Behind you is Torver Common and the rounded top of Coniston Old Man in the distance. No human habitation is in sight, and it's a great place for star-gazing on a dark night!
Many other lovely walks start from the doorstep, in particular the pleasant lake-shore path through woodland to Coniston, along part of the Cumbria Way.
Boating
(bring your own boards)
Our Canadian canoe is available to hire for the duration of your stay. Taking 2-3 people it will open up a new dimension to your holiday, enabling you to explore up and down the length of Coniston Water (Coniston village is a 2-3 hour paddle one way, if you're up for it). Most people's favourite destination is Peel Island - "Wild Cat Island" of Arthur Ransome's book Swallows and Amazons fame (now also a recent film), a short 15-20 minute paddle.
Buoyancy aids are provided in a variety of sizes, and these must be worn by anyone using the canoe. Please note that no training can be given. Guests hiring the canoe are expected to be fully competent on the water and should not venture out in rough weather.
You are also welcome to bring your own kayaks, paddle-boards, etc. If you have a larger boat, it is possible to tow it across the fields to the lake shore using a separate field entrance (unless it has been very wet) - please ask about this.
Exploring Torver Common
viewed from the centre of the lake
Unlocking the back gate will take you past the old Baptism pool straight onto Torver Low Common, which has free access for walkers but is usually deserted (no particular footpaths - just wander at will). A short but steep climb will quickly reward with views up and down the length of Coniston Water, with the ever-present backdrop of Coniston Old Man. A bit further on is Long Moss Tarn, abundant with water lilies, whilst pretty Kelly Hall Tarn is a favourite with photographers. Meadow pipits abound - see them fly up from their hiding places when startled; hovering skylarks sing loudly in the sunshine.
If you prefer something flatter, take the pleasant lake-shore path through woodland to Coniston, along part of the Cumbria Way. You may be able to get the launch back if you time it right. Across the road are more stunning views from Torver Back Common. It's a short climb up to Arne Riggs, a longer climb up to Beacon Tarn (also on the Cumbria Way) and higher still to Beacon Fell. Details of all these walks are in a folder in the Chapel.