Being both lucky enough to live only a few miles from Coniston and outdoor enthusiasts we spend a lot of time in and around Coniston doing one of the three things we love best; walking, cycling and canoeing. And I can honestly say that, for me, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world!

Coniston village itself is a lovely little place to walk around, but don't go there if you're all about the shopping! Whilst there are some nice little shops to have a mooch around, the focus here definitely isn't retail therapy. What you will find, however, is lovely little cafes and traditional pubs to get a decent meal and a pint.

Much more appealing to us, though, is the surrounding area. If you like the outdoors you really are spoilt for choice here with walks and cycling routes galore. There is a great one from the carpark opposite the land rover garage just outside town, which takes iin felltops with fantastic views, then drops down to finish along the lake edge...just beautiful.

One of the most popular walks in this area is the climb to the top of Coniston Old Man (or The Old Man of Coniston, to some people). It's not an easy climb, but nor is it out of the capability of most able-bodied people and when you get to the top you're rewarded with spectacular panoramic views and a huge sense of achievement that you've climbed a Lake District mountain!

My absolute favourite thing to do in Coniston, however, is to go canoeing around the beautiful lake. On a sunny day, there is nothing better than taking in the peace and quiet of the stunning surroundings and making your way to Peel Island (better known as Wild Cat Island in Swallows and Amazons) and climbing up onto it to enjoy a picnic lunch.

If you're after peace, tranquility and absolutely amazing scenery, you can't beat Coniston...and every time I stand on the shore and look up the lake I have to pinch myself and remind myself how lucky I am to live here.