The Old Man of Coniston (Coniston start 8½ miles) – 803 metres of classic Lakeland fell. Beacon Tarn (1¾ miles) can be reached along footpaths, and the Cumbria Way without touching an inch of road. Coniston – both the town (8½ miles) and the lake (3¾ miles at Lake Bank) are well worth a visit. John Ruskin’s home, Brantwood (015394 41396) is best reached by taking the steam yacht ‘Gondola’ (01539 441288; NT site) from Coniston Quay; while the Ruskin Museum (015394 41164; http://www.ruskinmuseum.com) also covers speedster Donald Campbell and his ill-fated Bluebird.