…in which we set out from Coniston to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of John Ruskin, the Victorian polymath who wrote that mountains are "the beginning and the end of all natural scenery". As we walk, with Ruskin Museum archivist Vicky Slowe – past wildflower meadows, lime kilns and iconic Yewtree Farm to arrive at Coniston Water with its view of Brantwood – we discuss the great man's remarkable life, his connections, and his legacy on everything from architecture and education to social thinking and our understanding of climate change.
Ruskin Museum: well worth a visit.
The wooded flanks of Holme Fell.
Yewtree Farm - with its fabulous spinning gallery.
Low Yewdale: A Beatrix potter farm where a young Arthur Ransom took his holidays.
High Yewdale nestled below Holme Fell, with its slate wall field boundary and line of yews.
Brantwood - Ruskin's home over the waves of Coniston Water.
Vicky at Ruskin's gravestone - designed by Collingwood.
Crossing wildflower meadows.
