Daryl,
Al spoke to me about this.
If it's still a day ride why not ride from the pub in Troutbeck; starts with a dual carriageway drag, through Keswick, has kirkstone as the last big one and a drag over 'whatever it's called edge'. Saves driving all the way into coniston thereby saving you 1/2. Hr or more driving each way at least. Maybe more?
I'm probably coming along with Al if the Tories of Englandshire haven't executed all the public service workers by then and sold off their teeth and hair. I hear they are opening a smelting plant in Renfrewshire for the fillings. Oh, and a rendering plant for Glasgow City...