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This page shows the excursion vessels of Coniston
Launch. Coniston Launch was founded by Gordon and Margaret Hall in 1992 with
one boat (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 Iris
was chartered from Keswick Launch for most of the 1994 season. This proved
successful so a second boat was purchased (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.
For the 2005 season the boats were converted to solar-electric power. Both
the launches use electric motors instead of diesel, with solar panels
helping to charge the batteries - enabling the boats to be environmentally
friendly and quieter. For more information about the solar-electric system
used see
EnviroBoat Developments. In 2005 Coniston Launch stopped calling at Monk
Coniston jetty, and Waterhead was developed as an excellent substitute. In
2006 they 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. Coniston Ferry Service Ltd is
the formal name of the company that runs Coniston Launch. In 2010 the
Exonia was acquired from
Portsmouth and rebuilt as the
Campbell.
To travel on Coniston Launch see:
www.conistonlaunch.co.uk
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