Old Man of Coniston Walk — Circular Route, Parking & Guide

Old Man of Coniston Walk — Circular Route, Parking & Guide

Wainwright · Southern Fells · 803m

Wainwright · Southern Fells · 803m

The complete Old Man of Coniston walk guide — an 8.1km circular via Low Water, the summit and Goat's Water. Free GPX, parking, copper-mine history, timings and tips.

Distance 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
Ascent 602 m
Time 3.5 – 5 hours
Difficulty Moderate-difficult
Dog Friendly Yes

Walk Description

The Old Man of Coniston is one of the great cornerstones of Lake District hiking — a shapely 803-metre fell that rises straight from the village and packs mountain tarns, dramatic crags and a rich industrial history into a single satisfying circular walk. This 8.1km loop is the classic way to climb it: a steady ascent past the atmospheric ruins of the Coniston copper mines and quarries, up to the still, dark waters of Low Water cradled beneath the summit crags, and on to the huge summit cairn with its legendary panorama. The descent is even finer, curving beneath the soaring cliffs of Dow Crag, past the wild tarn of Goat's Water, and back along the ancient Walna Scar Road packhorse track. On a clear day the top gives a 360-degree sweep from Coniston Water and the Furness coast to the Scafells and, out west, the shimmer of the Irish Sea. Accessible enough for a fit first-timer yet grand enough to feel like a proper mountain, the Old Man is many walkers' introduction to the higher Lakeland fells — and a summit they return to again and again.

Starting Point Walna Scar Road Car Park, Coniston (LA21 8HD)
Key Landmarks Coniston Copper Mines, Low Water, The Old Man Summit (803m), Dow Crag, Goat's Water, Walna Scar Road
01

Walna Scar Road to the Copper Mines

From the Walna Scar car park above Coniston — a rough, high starting point that saves you a good chunk of climbing — take the clear track that swings right and up into the coombe below the fell. You are soon walking through the extraordinary landscape of the Coniston copper mines, a working industry here for centuries: spoil heaps, ruined buildings, old levels and the scars of quarrying are everywhere. The path climbs steadily on a well-engineered miners' track, atmospheric and full of interest, with Church Beck tumbling below. Keep to the main path as it zig-zags up towards the hanging valley, the crags of the summit ridge closing in above you.

02

Low Water to the Summit

The track lifts you into a rocky bowl to reach Low Water, a beautiful glacial tarn sitting dark and cold beneath the summit cliffs at around 550 metres — a classic spot for a breather. From here the path steepens in earnest, climbing a series of well-pitched zig-zags up the eastern flank. It is the stiffest pull of the day but it's short, and the views back over Low Water and out to Coniston Water grow with every step. A final rise brings you to the broad summit ridge and the enormous summit cairn at 803 metres, a sturdy stone-built beacon that has guided walkers for generations.

03

The Summit (803m) & The Panorama

The Old Man's summit is one of the finest viewpoints in the southern Lakes. Laid out below is the full length of Coniston Water, with the Furness peninsula and Morecambe Bay beyond; sweep north-west and the Scafell range, Bowfell and the Crinkles fill the skyline, while to the west the sea glitters towards the Isle of Man on a clear day. It's an ideal place for lunch and a good long look at the map. When you're ready, continue along the ridge south-west towards Brim Fell and the descent — do not simply reverse your steps, because the circular return is the best part of the walk.

04

Goat's Hause & Dow Crag

Follow the ridge path as it curves down to Goat's Hause, the col between the Old Man and the magnificent rock peak of Dow Crag. The buttresses of Dow Crag are among the most impressive in the district and a famous climbers' playground — well worth pausing to admire. From the hause the path drops down towards the tarn, and the character of the walk changes completely: wilder, quieter and more dramatic than the busy summit route, with the crags towering overhead. Take care on the loose, rocky descent, which can be awkward when wet.

05

Goat's Water & the Walna Scar Return

The path descends to the shore of Goat's Water, a starkly beautiful tarn trapped between the Old Man and Dow Crag — a superb, brooding spot that feels far from anywhere. From the outflow, follow the path down and east to join the Walna Scar Road, an ancient packhorse route that once carried slate and copper across the fells. Turn left (east) and follow this broad, historic track on an easy, steady gradient all the way back to the car park, with grand views opening out over Coniston and the Yewdale fells to see you home.

Route Essentials

  • Parking: The Walna Scar Road car park (LA21 8HD) sits high above the village and cuts a big slice off the ascent, but it's rough, unsurfaced and fills very early — the final approach road has potholes, so drive slowly. If it's full, use the car parks in Coniston village near the Ruskin Museum and walk up via Church Beck (add 30–40 minutes each way, but you'll pass Miners Bridge and lovely waterfalls).
  • Terrain: Expect rocky miners' tracks, well-pitched zig-zags, and a loose, stony descent from Goat's Hause. Sturdy boots with good grip are essential, especially for the wet rock around Goat's Water.
  • Industrial heritage: The old copper-mine workings are fascinating but dangerous — never enter old levels, shafts or spoil tunnels, and keep children and dogs close on this section.
  • Navigation: The summit and Goat's Hause can cloud over quickly. Carry the OS Explorer OL6 map and a compass; in mist, take care not to stray onto the steep ground above Dow Crag.
  • Facilities: There are no facilities on the fell. Coniston village has pubs, cafés, toilets and shops — the Black Bull and the Ruskin Museum are popular pre- or post-walk stops.
  • Weather: This is a proper mountain at 803m — the summit is far colder and windier than the village. Pack warm and waterproof layers and check the mountain forecast before setting off.
  • Safety Notice: The GPX file and route information on this page are for general guidance only. Always carry an OS map and compass, check the weather forecast, and tell someone your plans before setting out. You walk at your own risk.

Route Map

Distance
-- km
Ascent
-- m
Difficulty Moderate-difficult

Video Guide

What to Bring

  • Sturdy walking boots with good grip
  • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers
  • Warm layer, hat and gloves
  • OS Explorer OL6 map and a compass
  • 1.5–2 litres of water per person
  • Lunch and high-energy snacks
  • Fully charged phone and a power bank
  • Small first-aid kit
  • Sun protection — hat, sun cream, sunglasses
  • Camera or binoculars for the summit panorama

Best Time to Visit

Spring to autumn gives the most reliable conditions and the longest daylight for the full circular route. Clear, settled days after a cold front deliver the best chance of the far-reaching summit views out to the Scafells and the sea. Summer weekends are busy on the popular ascent, so start early or go midweek for a quieter fell; the wilder Goat's Water side is always quieter. In winter the tops can hold snow and ice, turning the zig-zags and the Dow Crag descent into serious ground that needs winter kit and experience — save the full loop for a good forecast.

Local Weather (yr.no)

Three-day weather forecast for Old Man of Coniston Walk — Circular Route, Parking & Guide

Forecast provided by yr.no

Safety Information

Important: The GPX file and route description on this page are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as a sole means of navigation. GPX tracks are approximate and may not reflect current ground conditions, path diversions, or seasonal changes.

Always carry an Ordnance Survey map and a compass, and know how to use them. Check the weather forecast before setting out, tell someone your planned route and expected return time, and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.

UKLakeDistrict.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the use of route information or GPX files provided on this site. You walk entirely at your own risk.

Route Essentials

Route Resources

📥 Free Download GPX File 🗺️ View on OS Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to walk the Old Man of Coniston?

The classic circular route via Low Water and Goat's Water takes most walkers 3.5 to 5 hours, covering 8.1 km (5 miles) with around 602 m of ascent. Starting from the high Walna Scar car park saves time; starting from Coniston village adds roughly 30–40 minutes each way. Allow extra time to explore the copper-mine ruins and to linger at the summit and the tarns.

Where do you park for the Old Man of Coniston?

The most convenient parking is the rough Walna Scar Road car park (LA21 8HD) high above Coniston, which reduces the total climb. It fills very early on weekends and the access lane is potholed, so drive carefully. If it's full, use the village car parks in Coniston near the Ruskin Museum and walk up via Church Beck — a longer but very scenic alternative past Miners Bridge.

Can a beginner climb the Old Man of Coniston?

Yes — with a moderate level of fitness and proper gear, the Old Man is a popular 'first big fell'. The paths are clear and well-made and there's no scrambling on the main route, but the summit pull is steep and the Goat's Water descent is rocky. Carry a map and compass, wear sturdy boots, check the mountain weather forecast, and pick a settled day for your first ascent.

Is the Old Man of Coniston a circular walk?

Yes, and the circular is the best way to do it. The route climbs via the copper mines and Low Water to the summit, then descends a completely different and wilder way over Goat's Hause, past Dow Crag and Goat's Water, returning along the historic Walna Scar Road. Going up one way and down the other gives far more variety than an out-and-back, and keeps you away from the busiest path on the descent.

What are the copper mines on the Old Man of Coniston?

The Coniston copper mines are the remains of an industry that worked these fells for centuries, peaking in the 1800s. As you climb you pass spoil heaps, ruined buildings, old tramways and mine levels — a genuinely atmospheric slice of Lakeland industrial history. They're fascinating to walk through but hazardous: never enter old shafts, levels or tunnels, and keep children and dogs close, as hidden workings and unstable ground remain.

What are the views like from the summit?

Exceptional. The 803 m summit looks straight down the length of Coniston Water to the Furness coast and Morecambe Bay, with the Scafell range, Bowfell and the Crinkle Crags ranged across the northern skyline. On a clear day you can pick out the Isle of Man and the glint of the Irish Sea to the west. It's one of the best all-round viewpoints in the southern Lake District.

Is the Old Man of Coniston dog friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome and it's a popular fell for them, but keep your dog under close control or on a lead around the grazing sheep, near the old mine workings, and on the steep ground above Dow Crag. The rocky descent and long day suit a reasonably fit dog; carry extra water, as the tarns aren't always the best drinking source and there's none on the tops.

How high is the Old Man of Coniston?

The Old Man of Coniston stands 803 metres (2,634 feet) above sea level, making it one of the higher Wainwrights and the dominant fell above Coniston village. This walk climbs around 602 m of ascent from the Walna Scar car park to reach it. Its height and position give the summit its famously wide panorama across the southern fells and out to the coast.