The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

The Old Man of Coniston

The Old Man rises above Coniston village in the southern Lake District, with steep corries, tarns and industrial remains packed into its approaches. 802.4 m is the current DoBIH height. The substantial summit cairn and nearby trig point are useful landmarks, but the measurement refers to exposed rock beside the stone plinth; the source warns that higher ground may be hidden beneath it. DoBIH summit record

Choosing an ascent

The Low Water route climbs through disused slate workings and finishes with steep zigzags. The alternative through The Cove and Goat’s Water reaches Goat’s Hawse before climbing to the Old Man. A circular walk can use these two approaches, with the Crowberry Haws path linking the Low Water side back to Walna Scar car park. Starting in Coniston adds the village approach and return. Cumbria Tourism route guide

Longer variants can include Dow Crag and Brim Fell. Dow Crag is reached by its walking ridge, not its climbing cliffs; an out-and-back from Goat’s Hawse avoids implying a path straight up the face above the tarn. Torver starts need a planned return via Walna Scar and the outward path, or separately arranged transport if finishing in Coniston. The five route outlines below identify their returns. Local route options

These are mountain-walking outlines rather than turn-by-turn navigation. Choose a route for the whole party and the conditions, carry a suitable map and compass, and leave time for the descent.

Rock and working landscape

BGS identifies volcanic lapilli-tuff of the Lag Bank Formation on the mountain. Slate here reflects later cleavage of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. British Geological Survey memoir

The slate quarries on the ascent and the copper workings in the neighbouring valley are different industries. Copper extraction at Coniston was developed by the Company of Mines Royal around 1590 and expanded in later centuries. The surviving structures and spoil deserve care. National Park mining history

Hazards and preparation

Stay on established paths and keep away from quarry edges, shafts and mine entrances. Underground workings can contain unstable spoil and deceptive floors; the National Park advises walkers not to enter them. National Park safety and heritage guidance

Low cloud can hide the correct summit descent, and wet rock, strong winds or winter ice can greatly increase the difficulty. Do not improvise shortcuts down a crag or quarry face. Check a mountain forecast, carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a headtorch, and be ready to turn back. In an emergency call 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue advice

Access and views

Walna Scar car park gives a higher start, but its access is a steep single-track road and charges apply. Coniston village is the alternative starting point, with cafés, shops, pubs and public toilets at Ruskin Avenue. Walna Scar parking · Ruskin Avenue parking and toilets

The 505 serves Coniston via Ambleside and Hawkshead. Check the date-specific timetable and return connections before committing to a long circuit. Stagecoach 505

In clear conditions, the outlook includes Coniston Water, neighbouring fells and the coast. No season guarantees visibility. The origin of “Old Man” is also uncertain: “high stone” is a traditional proposed derivation, not a securely established translation. Historical discussion of the name

Sources and review

Source checks completed on 15 October 2026 (UTC). Summit data: Database of British and Irish Hills v18.6, released 11 September 2026, record 2634 revised 23 October 2023. That record revision is retained separately from this editorial review date; it is not asserted to be the survey date. DoBIH downloads