Five Stunning Coniston Old Man Routes

If you’re visiting the south lakes area of the Lake District and are planning on tackling some fells during your stay, but aren’t familiar with the locality, you’ll be thinking about where to base yourself and which walks to enjoy. Many new to the Lakes head straight to the celebrity of Windermere, or in the north Lakes, Keswick, but may we suggest Coniston? Where is Coniston?, you ask. Well, you’ll find this cute lakeland village in a gorgeous spot between the Furness Fells and the gleaming expanse of Coniston Water. With a fascinating history of mining and surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the Lake District, Coniston truly is a walker’s paradise. 

Proudly overlooking this beautiful area is the unmissable Old Man of Coniston. The highest of the Coniston fells, its peak sits at an impressive 803m, attracting hikers from across the UK and beyond. From its summit, you’ll enjoy far-reaching views over the southern Lake District fells, the Irish Sea, and on clear days, even the Isle of Man.

There are many Old Man of Coniston routes to choose from, ranging from straightforward ascents suitable for steady-paced walkers to challenging ridge scrambles for the more adventurous. Along the way, you’ll come across slate quarries, tarns like Low Water and Goat’s Water, and ridgelines linking neighbouring peaks such as Swirl How and Wetherlam. Whether you’re looking for a short Coniston Old Man route or the full Coniston Old Man circular walk, each of the paths outlined here offers its own unique rewards and an insight into why this area has a very treasured place in our hearts.

1. Direct from Coniston Village via Low Water

Best for: First-time visitors wanting the most direct Old Man of Coniston route

Start: Coniston village, near The Coppermines Office

Old Man of Coniston difficulty: Moderate

Old Man of Coniston parking: Village car parks (Ruskin Avenue or Bluebird Car and Coach Park, both payable by cash, card or parking app)

Coniston Old Man route highlights: Coppermines Valley, Low Water, and Coniston Water views

Let’s go!

• From The Coppermines office in Coniston, take the lane beside The Old Post Cottage, heading uphill past the Sun Inn.

• Turn right at the Sun Inn, passing Dixon Ground Cottages on your left and Bend or Bump (an adorably-shaped holiday cottage) on your right.

• Follow the lane out of the village into Coppermines Valley, with Church Beck below on your right.

• Ignore Miner’s Bridge on your right and continue straight into the Coppermines Conservation Area.

• Pass old mine buildings and slate spoil heaps, staying on the main uphill path.

• At the large disused quarry, climb over/under the old steel cables and continue up to Low Water – a small, sparkling mountain tarn. This is a perfect spot for a mid-hike picnic or to dip your toes into on a hot day.

• From Low Water, follow the steep zigzag path above the tarn. The gradient increases here; take breaks and enjoy the expanding views over Coniston Water.

• From Low Water, the path rises, then zigzags above the tarn as you begin to climb. The views open up and you’ll be treated to incredible vistas of Coniston Water and down to Coppermines Valley.  Before long, you’ll reach the summit (reminder of Old Man of Coniston height – 803m – go you!).

Return: You can either descend the way you came or use one of the alternative routes below to walk in reverse – we recommend descending via route 2 – down to Goat’s Water.

2. Via Walna Scar Road & Goat’s Water

Best for: Scenic Old Man of Coniston circular walk with a mountain tarn and Dow Crag views

Start: Walna Scar Road Car Park or Coniston village

Old Man of Coniston difficulty: Moderate

Old Man of Coniston parking: Walna Scar Road (limited and payable by cash)

Coniston Old Man route highlights: Walna Scar Road, Goat’s Water, Dow Crag cliffs

Let’s go!

• From Walna Scar Car Park, follow the wide, stony track of Walna Scar Road west. If you’ve parked in the village, you’ll need to walk up to Walna Scar Car Park along the lane to this starting point. 

• The road is easy to follow and after approx. 1.5km, at a clear junction, turn right on a narrower, rocky path signposted for Goat’s Water.

• Continue gently uphill until Goat’s Water comes into view beneath the dramatic cliffs of Dow Crag, popular with rock climbers. 

• Skirt the tarn on the right-hand side, then begin a steep, uphill climb to Goat’s Hawse – the mountain pass between Dow Crag and the Old Man.

• At Goat’s Hawse, you can pause and enjoy the dramatic view down to Goat’s Water, before turning right (east) to take the final stony ascent to the summit of Coniston Old Man. 

Return: Descend via the Low Water path to complete a loop into Coniston.

3. From Torver via Dow Crag Ridge

Best for: A dramatic ridge walk with big views and multiple summits

Start: Torver village

Old Man of Coniston difficulty: Hard

Old Man of Coniston parking: Torver village or lay-bys on A593

Coniston Old Man route highlights: Torver, Banishead Quarry, Dow Crag ridge

Let’s go!

• From the centre of Torver, walk north on the A593 towards Coniston. Just before the bridge over Torver Beck, turn left onto Scarr Head Lane.

• Pass houses, bearing right as the lane becomes a track. Stay on this path as it heads north towards Coniston Old Man, which soon comes into view.

• Continue north to Banishead Quarry, which is worth a short detour to see its waterfall.

• After the quarry, several paths weave through the bracken and join Walna Scar Road. Once you hit Walna Scar Road, turn left to head westwards towards the col at Walna Scar.

• Near the top of the pass, at a 4-way junction, turn right on a steep path up Brown Pike.

• Follow the spectacular ridge walk north over Buck Pike (744m), then to the rocky summit of Dow Crag (778m), from which you will be treated to breath-taking, far-reaching views north towards the Scafell range.

• Descend carefully to Goat’s Hawse, then continue straight ahead up to the Old Man of Coniston summit.

Return: Descend to Coniston via Low Water and arrange transport back to Torver, or reverse the route.

4. Via Lever’s Water, Swirl How & Brim Fell

Best for: High-level route with multiple Wainwrights

Start: Coniston village

Old Man of Coniston difficulty: Hard – covering two summits of the same height

Old Man of Coniston parking: Village car parks (Ruskin Avenue or Bluebird Car and Coach Park, both payable by cash, card or parking app)

Coniston Old Man route highlights: Lever’s Water, Swirl How, Brim Fell

Let’s go!

• Start this stunning walk to take in the third of Coniston Old Man’s mountain tarns, Lever’s Water. From the Co-op in Coniston, take Coppermines Lane between the shop and the Black Bull Inn.

• Pass Gate House, following the unmade road up Coppermines Valley with Church Beck on your left.

• Continue to the Coppermines Mountain Cottages and waterwheel, then zigzag up the rough track towards Lever’s Water.

• Take the right-hand path following the tarn’s shore, climbing steadily towards Swirl Hawse (col between Swirl How and Wetherlam).

• At the col, turn left for the rocky climb up Orison Band to the summit of Swirl How (802m), where your efforts are rewarded by an incredible view opening up before you.

• Head south along the broad ridge to the Old Man of Coniston summit. 

Return: Descend via Low Water or Walna Scar for a circular route.

5. The Coniston Round

Best for: Full Old Man of Coniston hike with all major Coniston summits

Start: Coniston village

Old Man of Coniston difficulty: Very hard – full-day challenge

Old Man of Coniston parking: Village car parks (Ruskin Avenue or Bluebird Car and Coach Park, both payable by cash, card or parking app)

Coniston Old Man route highlights: Dow Crag, Brim Fell, Swirl How, Wetherlam

Let’s go!

• For experienced walkers, those who like a challenge or enthusiastic Wainwright baggers, walking Coniston Old Man as part of the Coniston Round takes in all the major Coniston fells.

• Starting in Coniston Village, take the Walna Scar road to Dow Crag as detailed above.

• Continue on to Old Man via Goat’s Hawse before heading north to Brim Fell (796m), and on to Swirl How (802m).  

• From Swirl How, a detour to Grey Friar (770m) and/or Great Carrs (788m) is optional before returning to Swirl How, then continuing east onto your final summit of Wetherlam (763m) via Swirl Hawse.

Return: Follow the descent path into Coppermines Valley and back to Coniston. 

This is a long but stunning day’s walking with varied and breath-taking views throughout and, very importantly, an excellent supply of pubs in Coniston once completed.

Extra Tips for All Routes

Maps: Always carry an Old Man of Coniston walking map – these are mountains, the phone signal may be sketchy, and the weather changes quickly.

Clothing: As above – weather can change dramatically, so wear layers, suitable walking shoes, and pack your waterproofs, even if it’s dry when you start your route. 

Timing: Allow 3-8 hours, depending on route.

Pubs: The Black Bull Inn and Sun Inn in Coniston are perfect for post-walk refreshment.

The Coppermines – The Best Places to Stay in Coniston, Lake District

Whether you’re heading to Low Water or tackling the full Coniston Round, the Old Man offers unforgettable fellside views. At The Coppermines, we’re perfectly placed for your adventure. Stay in Coniston village for direct access to multiple walks near Coniston, or choose a cottage in the peaceful Coppermines Valley for a more secluded experience. For walkers starting from Torver, our countryside retreats provide a quiet base with easy access to the ridge routes. Step straight from your front door into some of the finest walks near Coniston, then return to relax in comfort after a day on this iconic Coniston mountain.