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About

Coniston Ferry Service Ltd is the formal name of the Company that runs Coniston Launch.

About Coniston Launch Co.

Coniston Launch was founded by Gordon and Margaret Hall in 1992 with one boat (M.L. Ruskin) mainly to run a service between Coniston and Brantwood, but also calling at Monk Coniston. It was soon recognized that there was a need to cater for walkers and, after a couple of false starts, a jetty was established at Torver.

Because of the need to manage coach parties it was thought possible to sustain a second boat. On a trial basis M.L. Iris was chartered from Keswick Launch for most of the 1994 season. This proved successful so a second boat was purchased (M.L. Ransome) that winter and Iris was returned to Keswick.

In 1995 the Special Interest Cruises were further developed and cruises now encompassed the southern end of the lake. Tremendous efforts were made to obtain landowners’ consent and planning permission for jetties at various points around the south of the lake but it was not until 1999 that it became possible to run to Lake Bank, Park a Mor and Sunny Bank.

In 2005 we stopped calling at Monk Coniston jetty, and developed Waterhead as an excellent substitute. Then in 2006 we left Park a Mor and developed Water Park.

In February 2008 the founders Gordon and Margaret left the business and it was taken on by Douglas and Gillian Hodgson.


Our Vessels

Campbell

New on the water in 2011, Campbell (previously Exonia) was bought from a ferry company operating in Portsmouth. She has undergone a total re-build (apart from the hull) by Patterson Boatworks in Hawkshead. Pattersons converted her from a sea-faring vessel to a traditional lakeland launch.

Campbell can cater for up to 63 passengers and is currently our main launch.

Cygnet

Cygnet our refurbished launch is ideal for our hour-long Wild Cat Island Cruises. The cabin holds up to 30 passengers with heating in Winter. At the stern of the launch is the outside seated area which allows access to the stunning Coniston scenery.

Coniston Launch Brochure

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  • VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
  • Coniston The English Lake District World Heritage Site