Coppermines Waterfalls – a guide to visiting these amazing “secret” waterfalls
Coppermines Waterfalls – A guide to visiting these amazing, “secret’ waterfalls.
Beneath towering mountains, crystal clear water cascades down rock, smoothed by centuries of coursing waterflow, into a deep, sparkling, turquoise pool. Sounds idyllic right? Well, we certainly think so – and to many of the visitors who come to Coniston to see the waterfalls, or swim in its inviting pools, the charms of this incredible spot are something to remember forever.
But where exactly do you go to see them – and how do you get there? We’ve put together a quick guide to the Coppermines Waterfalls, including What Three Word locations (beginning W3W /// ), so you can get the best out of your visit to this beautiful, watery spectacle.
Coppermines Waterfalls are located in Coppermines Valley, which is just outside and above Coniston village in South Lakes, Cumbria.
Importantly, there’s no public vehicle access or parking in Coppermines Valley so access to the Watetrfalls is by foot only. There are pay and display car parks in Coniston village at Ruskin Avenue, Coniston Sports and Social club and at Old Station Car Park. The waterfalls being less than a mile from the village centre.
However, if you’re staying in one of our Coniston village cottages, you can leave the car at your holiday home and visit the waterfalls straight from your front door. And for those lucky folks staying in Coppermines Valley itself – well, the waterfalls are literally on your doorstep! Take a refreshing dip before breakfast or cool off after a long day exploring, earlier in the day or towards evening – you may just find you have this incredible location all to yourself.
The track to the falls is unmade and rocky in places so be sure to wear sturdy footwear – flip flops are definitely not advised!
There are two made routes into Coppermines Valley – the first being Coppermines Lane. From the village centre take the road between The Black Bull pub and the Co-op village store. The road soon becomes an unmade track – continue on and you’ll see Church Beck to your left with the waterfalls emerging beneath you. (W3W ///fabricate.pose.walked)
Alternatively, and we would recommend this route for the best views of the falls, take the footpath in between The Sun Inn and 1 Dixon Ground cottage. Follow the path and you’ll soon see Church Beck on your right. With the first of the waterfalls appearing soon after.
Both routes join at Miner’s Bridge (W3W ///wobbling.shrug.tequila) beneath which are several perfect pools. For those coming from Dixon Ground we would recommend crossing the bridge and continuing up into Coppermines Valley along the mountain road. With more falls on your left, continue along the road, which after a steep section then levels out. The Coppermines Mountain Cottages and impressive heritage waterwheel will then come into view.
Further falls can be found straight ahead and upwards, past the waterwheel. But for the most impressive views, continue on the mountain road as it bears left towards the towering Coniston Old Man mountain.
You’ll soon come to some more incredible, cascading falls with glorious mountain pools (at W3W///shiver.behalf.pies) . Please be careful however – access to the pools is down some steep rocks so extreme care must be taken if you plan on going nearer the falls.
The Lever’s Water Beck waterfalls continue up the valley to Lever’s Water, which is a stunning mountain tarn beneath Swirl How and Brim Fell peaks. Access to the water itself is limited from this point on but there are still some incredible views to be found on the ascent to the tarn including the footbridge which crosses the beck (at W3W ///cooked.fried.chairs).
So that’s our guide to visiting the incredible Coppermines Waterfalls. Please remember to always park considerately and most of all have a safe and memorable visit to the waterfalls .
Looking to try ghyll scrambling or canyoning in Coppermines Watefalls?
