Torver

(See also Coniston and Coniston Water)

Torver is a small hamlet near Coniston and Coniston Water. It's best known as a starting point for exploring the nearby countryside and for fell walks up Coniston Old Man and into the Duddon Valley, one of Wordsworth's favourites.

Waterfalls, wildlife, and spectacular countryside abound. Prehistoric man found the moors surrounding the area amenable and settled here. The Torver Commons are criss-crossed with paths that lead to hidden tarns and give glimpses of Coniston Water. Nearby Goat's Water, a tarn, is a popular fishing spot. By car the eastern shore of Coniston Water and the Wrynose Pass are close at hand.

Originally a Norse settlement, Torver received its name from the Norse word for turf. A path led through the hamlet from Furness Abbey and was used by the monks. The route served as a section of a corpse road leading to Ulverston. Torver was also a staging post for a pack horse trail over the Walna Scar pass to the Duddon Valley.

The hamlet remained somewhat a backwater until, in 1859, the Furness Railway ran its tracks to the village to carry slate and stone from the nearby quarries. The railway built the 'Green Cottages' (named after the colour of their stone) to house workers. A 14^th century inn and a pub offer modern amenities for the visitor.

Farming was an early enterprise in Torvor's vicinity, and the Herdwick sheep were more populous than people. St Luke's Church in Torver was built by Paley and Austin in 1883-84 and replaced a church built in 1849 on the site of a 12^th century chapel.

Overlooking Coniston Water amid breathtaking Lakeland scenery, Torver still retains its quiet country charm.

Torver
Torver is 2 miles southwest of Coniston on the A593 at its junction with the A5084.

Photos courtesy of Graeme Dougal

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