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The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

802m Elevation
417m Prominence
England Country
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Explore routes near The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Walna Scar Road and Goat's Water Circuit

This classic route begins at the Walna Scar Road car park near Coniston village. The trail ascends steadily along the Walna Scar Road before branching off to Goat's Water, a scenic tarn nestled beneath Dow Crag. From here, the path climbs steeply up to the summit of The Old Man of Coniston, offering breathtaking views over Coniston Water and the surrounding fells. The descent follows the main path down to Low Water and back towards the car park.

8 km ~4 hours Moderate

Low Water Direct Ascent

Starting from the village of Coniston, this popular route takes you past the old slate quarries and up to Low Water, a striking tarn just below the summit. The path is steep and rocky in places, but it rewards walkers with dramatic views and a direct ascent to the summit of The Old Man of Coniston. This is a straightforward out-and-back route, perfect for those looking for a shorter yet rewarding hike.

6.5 km ~3 hours Moderate

Coniston Fells Ridge Walk

A longer and more challenging route, this hike takes in several peaks of the Coniston Fells, including Dow Crag, Brim Fell, and The Old Man of Coniston. Starting from the Walna Scar Road car park, the route ascends to Dow Crag via Goat's Water before continuing along the ridge to Brim Fell and finally The Old Man of Coniston. The descent follows the main path down to Low Water and back to the car park. This is a fantastic option for experienced walkers seeking a full day out.

12 km ~6 hours Hard

Torver Circuit via Goat's Water

Starting from the small village of Torver, this less-travelled route offers a quieter ascent of The Old Man of Coniston. The path takes you through farmland and woodland before joining the main trail near Goat's Water. From here, the route ascends to the summit and descends via Low Water, offering a circular walk back to Torver. This is a great alternative to the busier Coniston village routes.

10 km ~5 hours Moderate

Coppermines Valley and The Old Man

This route starts from Coniston village and takes you through the historic Coppermines Valley, where remnants of old mining operations can still be seen. The path climbs steadily past Low Water and up to the summit. The descent loops back via the Walna Scar Road, providing a varied and scenic walk with plenty of historical interest.

9 km ~4.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996)

Elevation

802m

2,633 ft

Prominence

417m

Coordinates

54.3707, -3.1215

SD272978

OS Map

96 97

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

The summit features a large cairn and a stone trig point, offering a perfect spot for a well-deserved photo op (and perhaps a cheeky snack!).

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some steep sections especially near the summit.

The Old Man is primarily composed of slate and granite, characteristic of the Lake District's rugged terrain. Its summit is marked by glacial features, including a prominent rocky outcrop.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of Coniston Water, and distant peaks like Scafell Pike and the Langdale Pikes.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Old Man' refers to an elder mountain, a common term in local dialects.

Historical Significance

This mountain has been a favourite for climbers and walkers since the Victorian era, and it's steeped in local folklore and history.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Coniston village has ample parking options, with the main car park located near the church and the village centre.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Ambleside and Windermere to Coniston.

Nearby Facilities

Village amenities include cafes, shops, and public toilets. A perfect spot to fuel up before or after your adventure!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of loose rocks; weather can change rapidly, so pack an extra layer and keep an eye on the clouds.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man] through the maps

Are there other walkers around The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man] search or of course create your own walk for The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

Can I organise a walk to The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man].

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man] here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SD272978

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