UKLakeDistrict
The Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk
Explore the best of the Lake District.
Wainwright Height Rank: 31/214
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 Low Water.
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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.
Gallery
Route Map
Video Guide
Local Weather (yr.no)
Route Essentials
+ How long does it take to walk up and down the Old Man of Coniston?
On average, it takes between 3 to 5 hours to complete the Old Man of Coniston circular walk. The time varies depending on your chosen route; the popular path via Low Water is steeper but faster, while the route via Goat’s Water offers a more gradual ascent with dramatic views of the Dow Crag cliffs. Always allow extra time for exploring the fascinating industrial slate mining ruins located near the summit.
+ Where to park to walk the Old Man of Coniston?
The most convenient place to park is the Walna Scar car park (LA21 8HD), which sits high above the village and significantly reduces the total ascent. However, this car park fills up very early on weekends; as an alternative, you can use the larger Coniston village car parks (near the Ruskin Museum) and walk up via Church Beck. This adds about 30–40 minutes to your hike but rewards you with beautiful waterfalls along the way.
+ Can a beginner climb Old Man of Coniston?
Yes, The Old Man of Coniston is considered an achievable peak for beginners with a moderate level of fitness and proper hiking gear. The main paths are well-maintained and easy to follow, but the final push to the summit is steep and rocky. It is a perfect "first fell" for those staying in the Lake District, provided you carry a map, wear sturdy boots, and check the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) forecast before setting off.