The Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk
A premier Lake District hiking guide for The Old Man of Coniston. Includes GPX route, OS Maps link, and video guide for the 8.1km circular via Dow Crag.
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Gallery
Route Map
Video Guide
Local Weather (yr.no)
Walk Description
The Old Man of Coniston is a cornerstone of Lake District hiking. This 8.1km circular route delivers a rugged fell-climbing experience, passing historic copper mines and dramatic mountain tarns.
The Ascent
Rising from the Walna Scar road, the trail winds through the historic Coniston copper mines. The path is atmospheric and steepens as you approach Low Water, the final staging point before the push to the summit cairn.
The Summit (803m)
As one of the most famous Wainwright fells, the summit offers a legendary 360-degree panorama. On clear days, views extend across Coniston Water to the Scafell range and the coastline beyond.
The Circular Return
The descent transitions toward the dramatic silhouette of Dow Crag. Passing the quiet shores of Goat’s Water, the route eventually joins the historic Walna Scar track—an ancient packhorse road—for a steady return to the start.
Route Essentials
- Preparation: Use the provided GPX file and OS Map for navigation. Fell weather is highly unpredictable.
- Parking: Walna Scar is a high-altitude car park. It is convenient but fills up early during peak season.
- Safety: This route involves steep terrain and loose scree in sections. Proper hiking boots and waterproofs are essential.