March 10, 2014

Levers Water

leverswater.jpg

Levers Water, a turn on the Coniston fells 1923 & 2011

A few years ago I bought a watercolour painting by Cuthbert Rigby RA, RWS (1850-1935) titled "Levers Water, a turn on the Coniston Fells 1923". I visited the same spot in 2011.

Cuthbert Rigby was born in Liverpool and initially apprenticed to an architect at the age of 15. He had his first painting accepted by the Royal Academy when he was 25. He was also a book illustrator and published his own book "From Midsummer to Martinmas - A West Cumberland Idyll" in 1891.

Levers Water in Cumbria is a naturally occurring tarn, but was enlarged by a dam in 1717 to provide water and power to the coppermines below. It now supplies water to Coniston and the surrounding villages.

The Walk: Levers Water from Coniston - Length 4 miles

  • Commencing at the Co-op store in Coniston village, follow the lane between the shop and the hotel, passing through a gate.
  • Follow the track, which turns to the left after passing the youth hostel and rises by the side of a series of waterfalls.
  • Above the top of the falls the track zig zags to the right, at the 2nd bend, turn at the path to the right, continue along this path for a short way until reaching an almost level section, turn left.
  • The route then begins to climb steeply via a rocky step to meet a water channel. Turn left and continue upwards. Old mine workings will be seen to the right
  • Continue uphill until the dam at Levers Water comes into sight. Return via the same route.


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Posted by mehrdad at March 10, 2014 11:33 AM | Then & Now |