Setting out from the heart of Coniston, we introduce risk-taking Sir Malcolm Campbell – the ‘national hero’ record-breaker of the inter-war years – and the frenetic home life into which son Donald was born.
Approaching Coniston Water, we consider young Donald’s emergence from his capricious father’s shadow, and his lifelong desire to seek paternal approval – even after Malcolm’s death. Arriving on the lakeshore, we learn about the historic context of post-War speed records and the meeting of man and jet-powered machine that allowed Donald to set seven world water speed records between 1955 and 1964, inching him ever closer to the holy grail 300mph.
As waves lap the Water’s gravelly shore, Keith describes the jet-powered hydroplane’s final voyage, the somersault that ended Donald’s life, and the speed king’s final words, which offer insights into what went wrong as the craft surpassed 320mph.
Closing the pod at Donald’s grave, we hear the postscript tale of the craft’s recovery and rebuild, and reflect on a remarkable man piloting a remarkable craft in a remarkable place.
Bluebird K7 The Festival is taking place 11–17 May, 2026: https://bluebirdk7thefestival.co.uk
Keith is speaking as part of the Festival on the 11 May: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid05tuxwjaVVncdp7HQBtJJhPQDscvzP1kc8kPKQS7hYn41wtq5cRqe9CQPBXfJUF2yl&id=100064908631980
Keith and Neil Sheppard’s book ‘Donald Campbell Bluebird and the Final Record Attempt’ can be bought from the Ruskin Museum.
To support Countrystride, you can buy our Lake District walking guidebooks at countrystride.co.uk/our-books or gift us as little as £3 a month via Patron at patreon.com/c/countrystride
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