The Old Man of Coniston stands as one of the Lake District’s most rewarding hikes, offering spectacular mountain scenery and dramatic summit views. At 803m, it’s the highest peak in the southern Lakes and provides a perfect introduction to fell walking for those exploring this part of Cumbria.
Despite the long drive from the south, the Old Man delivers everything you’d want from a Lake District adventure — sweeping views across the fells, a genuine sense of achievement when you reach the top, and plenty of interesting features along the way. This guide covers everything you need to know for a successful summit attempt.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here
Route Specifications
Distance: 9.4km (5.8 miles) circular route
Duration: 2.5-4 hours (depending on pace and stops)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highest Point: 803m (2,634ft)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 550m
Start/Finish: Walna Scar Road car park
Amenities: Pubs, cafés, and shops in Coniston village; toilets near the main car park
Dog-friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on leads near livestock
A Bit of History
The Coniston Fells have a fascinating industrial past that adds real character to your hike. For centuries, these slopes were heavily mined and quarried for copper and slate, with the Old Man being at the heart of this activity.
On the slopes of the Old Man, you’ll still find plenty of evidence of this industrial heritage — crumbling stone buildings, rusting metal cables, and even old tracks scattered across the mountainside. Far from spoiling the scenery, these relics actually add atmosphere and intrigue to the landscape, blending naturally with the rugged terrain and making the hike even more memorable.
The mining operations reached their peak during the 18th and 19th centuries, when Coniston was one of Britain’s most important copper mining areas. Today, these remnants serve as an outdoor museum, telling the story of the hardy workers who once toiled on these exposed fells.
The mountain’s distinctive name has ancient origins — “Old Man” is actually a corruption of the Celtic “Alt Maen,” meaning “High Stone,” with the change likely occurring during the Middle Ages. It’s a far more poetic origin than you might expect from such a straightforward-sounding name.
Getting There and Parking
You have a couple of parking options for the Old Man of Coniston:
Coniston Village
Parking in the village means adding a lengthy uphill approach before you reach the main route. This option works if you want a longer day or prefer to grab supplies and refreshments first, but it’s not ideal if you’re short on time.
Walna Scar Road Car Park (Recommended)
This is the most convenient option and gets you right onto the trail. However, be warned — the approach road is incredibly steep, possibly one of the steepest I’ve driven. It’s also narrow and single-track with only a few passing places.
In dry conditions, the road is manageable for most cars, but in wet weather or winter, it could be quite treacherous. Drive slowly and be prepared to reverse to passing places if you meet oncoming traffic.
At the end of the road, you’ll find a car park with space for roughly 70 cars. Arrive early if you can — I got there around 9am on a Sunday, and it was already nearly full. The car park operates on a pay-and-display system or Ring Go (37321) if you want to pay via your phone.
Tip: Check the weather forecast before attempting the drive up. In icy conditions, consider parking in Coniston village instead.
The Route Options
From the Walna Scar Road car park, you have two main route options to reach the summit:
- Via Low Water Tarn: Shorter but steeper ascent
- Via Goat’s Water Tarn: Longer but gentler overall, with just one steep section
I chose to ascend via Low Water Tarn and then descend via Goat’s Water to make a loop. Whenever there’s a chance to turn a walk into a circuit rather than an out-and-back, I always take it — it means more variety, more views, and a more rewarding day.
Starting Out: Car Park to Low Water Tarn
Standing at the entrance gate to the car park, facing into the car park:
- For the Low Water Tarn route: Take the path on your right (roughly at 90 degrees to the car park entrance)
- For the Goat’s Water route: Continue straight ahead
Taking the right-hand path towards Low Water, the trail begins gently, climbing steadily on a well-defined track. Within about 10 minutes, you’ll reach a narrow rocky passage where the path squeezes between two outcrops. Passing through this gap, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the old quarry remains scattered across the hillside.
At this point, the trail splits — make sure to bear left. The path immediately steepens, zigzagging up the mountainside in a series of well-constructed switchbacks.
Industrial Heritage
This section offers plenty of opportunities to pause and explore the area’s industrial history. You’ll see ruined stone buildings, metal relics from the quarrying days, and even old cable systems that once transported slate and copper down the mountain.
Take your time here — these remnants tell the story of the hardy workers who lived and worked in these harsh conditions. Some of the buildings are remarkably well-preserved, giving you a real sense of what life must have been like during the mining boom.
The ascent here is steady but challenging, with the path winding uphill through increasingly dramatic scenery until you eventually reach Low Water Tarn.
Low Water Tarn
Walking at a comfortable pace, you should reach Low Water Tarn in around an hour. It’s an ideal place to stop for a breather and a snack — which is exactly what I did at this point.
The scenery here is spectacular. The dark, clear waters rest beneath the steep, craggy slopes that rise sharply towards the summit of the Old Man. From here, you’ll get your first proper glimpse of the summit itself, with the final ascent clearly visible ahead.
The tarn has a bit of history behind it — during the mining boom, it was dammed and made deeper to serve as a reservoir for the copper works below. These days though, it’s back to its natural state, which makes it all the more peaceful to sit beside.
Wild Camping Note
If you’re planning to wild camp, this is the most suitable spot on the route. As you reach the tarn, take a right over the rocky area alongside its shore until you reach the outflow, here you’ll find a few flat grassy patches just large enough for a tent or two.
Wild camping isn’t technically permitted in England and Wales, but it’s often tolerated in the Lake District if you follow Leave No Trace principles and are respectful. The Lake District National Park Authority provides detailed guidance on wild camping guidelines, including the essential rule to camp late, leave early, and leave no trace of your presence.
Final Ascent
From Low Water Tarn, the path becomes more challenging. The trail steepens again and becomes rockier, zigzagging above the tarn through increasingly dramatic terrain.
As you climb higher, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views back down over Low Water. Many of the iconic Instagram shots of the Old Man are taken from this very perspective — the dark tarn reflecting the surrounding crags creates a genuinely stunning scene.
The path here requires some basic scrambling skills, though nothing too technical. Just take your time, especially in wet conditions when the rocks can be slippery.
As you near the summit, the gradient eases slightly, and the path leads you across grassy banks and onto the summit plateau. From here, it’s just a short walk to the trig point at 803m, marking the summit of the Old Man of Coniston.
The Summit
At the summit, take your time to soak in the 360° panorama. The views are genuinely spectacular and justify every step of the climb.
To the north: The central Lake District peaks dominate the skyline, including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and the Langdale Pikes. On a clear day, you can pick out individual peaks across the entire fell range.
To the west and south: The views open up towards Morecambe Bay and the coast, with the Irish Sea visible on clear days. The Furness Peninsula stretches out below, while to the southeast, you can see across to the Yorkshire Dales.
To the east: Coniston Water stretches out like a silver ribbon, with the village of Coniston clearly visible at its northern end.
This is the perfect spot to whip out a flask, sit back, and enjoy the cup of coffee (or tea) for your efforts.
Descent via Goat’s Water
From the summit, continue west along the ridge towards Goat’s Water. I took a small detour here to the next cairn beyond the Old Man of Coniston — Brim Fell, a nice bonus viewpoint before dropping down towards the tarn.
The route down is obvious: Head torwards Brim Fell, then follow the path into the col or saddle (the dip between two peaks) and then descend what feels like a long flight of stone steps towards Goat’s Water Tarn. If walking this route in reverse, this is the one steeper section on your way towards the summit.
Goat’s Water Tarn
If you didn’t fancy a dip in Low Water earlier, this is your second chance at wild swimming. I spotted one brave hiker plunge into the cold waters here — his squeal echoed across the fells as I carried on!
The water here is deeper than Low Water and often stays cold even in summer. But for wild swimmers, it’s an experience not to be missed.
The path hugs the eastern shore of Goat’s Water, skirting the edge of the tarn with the towering crags of Dow Crag looming above. The tarn isn’t very long, and at the far end, the trail climbs briefly on one last short but steep section.
The Final Descent
From Goat’s Water, the path transforms into a broad, well-maintained track that requires little effort or navigation. This final stretch gives your legs a welcome break after the more challenging terrain above.
The views here open up across the surrounding countryside, with glimpses of Coniston Water through the gaps in the hills.
Back at the Walna Scar car park, you might be lucky enough to find an ice cream van parked at the entrance to reward your efforts on the fell!
Note: There are no toilets at the car park, so plan ahead or use facilities in Coniston village.
What to Pack for the Old Man of Coniston
Even though this isn’t a long hike, conditions in the Lake District can change quickly. I’d recommend packing:
- Waterproof jacket and layers (weather turns fast in the Lakes!)
- Sturdy walking boots with good grip for the rocky sections
- Water and snacks (Low Water Tarn is a perfect picnic spot)
- OS Map or navigation app (OS Explorer OL6 covers this area)
- Camera or phone for those summit shots
- First aid basics for minor scrapes
- Head torch if there’s any chance of finishing in the dark
- Optional: Swim gear and towel if you’re brave enough for a tarn dip
Safety Considerations
The Old Man of Coniston is a serious mountain that demands respect:
- Weather: Conditions can change rapidly. Check the forecast and be prepared to turn back if the weather deteriorates
- Navigation: While the main paths are clear, mist can descend quickly. Carry a map and compass
- Clothing: Dress in layers and always carry waterproofs
- Emergency: Tell someone your planned route and expected return time
- Mobile coverage: Signal can be patchy on the fells, so don’t rely on your phone for navigation
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Longer days and warming weather, but paths can be muddy from snowmelt
Summer (June-August): Peak hiking season with warmest weather and longest days, but expect crowds
Autumn (September-November): Fewer crowds and beautiful colours, but weather becomes more unpredictable
Winter (December-February): Can be spectacular with snow, but requires winter hiking equipment and experience
For the best experience, aim for a clear day when you can fully appreciate the views. Early morning starts help avoid crowds and often provide the clearest conditions.
Nearby Highlights
Coniston Village
Just a short drive from the trailhead, Coniston is a lovely Lakeland village perfect for post-hike refreshments. The village offers several excellent pubs, including the Black Bull Inn (famous for its association with Donald Campbell) and the Sun Hotel, both serving hearty meals and local ales.
Other Walks Nearby
From Coniston, you can also explore:
- Dow Crag: A more challenging scramble for experienced hikers
- Swirl How: Often combined with the Old Man for a longer day
- Coniston Water walks: Gentler lakeside paths perfect for recovery days
- Tarn Hows: Easy circular walk around one of the Lake District’s most photographed tarns
Places to Stay
There’s a good mix of accommodation in and around Coniston:
- B&Bs and guesthouses in the village centre
- The Crown Inn for traditional pub accommodation
- Self-catering cottages are scattered around the area
- Camping: Several local campsites for those preferring canvas
Final Thoughts
The Old Man of Coniston offers one of the Lake District’s most rewarding day hikes, combining spectacular mountain scenery with spattering of history thrown in. Whether you’re drawn by the summit views, the historical remnants, or simply the challenge of bagging another Lakeland peak, this hike delivers on all fronts.
The circular route via Low Water and Goat’s Water ensures you experience all the different perspectives of this magnificent fell. Just remember to check the weather, pack appropriately, and allow plenty of time to explore the highlights on route that make this hike so unique.
The Old Man of Coniston connects you to both the natural beauty and human history of the Lake District in a way few other hikes can match.
Ready to start your next adventure? Download my complete guide to wild camping and join our community of hikers and campers getting weekly tips, gear reviews, and destination guides delivered straight to their inbox.
Old Man of Coniston FAQs
Is the Old Man of Coniston suitable for beginners?
The Old Man is moderately challenging and suitable for reasonably fit beginners with some hiking experience. The main paths are well-defined, but the terrain is rocky and steep in places.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads around livestock. Be aware that the rocky terrain can be tough on paws.
Is there mobile phone signal?
Signal can be patchy, especially on the higher sections. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or emergency communication. Download offline maps before you leave.
What if the weather turns bad?
The Old Man is exposed to weather, and conditions can change rapidly. If mist descends or storms approach, be prepared to turn back. The rocky terrain becomes particularly treacherous when wet.
Are there any facilities on the route?
No facilities exist on the mountain itself. The nearest toilets and shops are in Coniston village.
Learn More
Like this guide? Well, you’re in luck as I’ve got a bunch of other great resources for you to explore here…
- UK Camping Guide: Wild Camping, Gear & Safety Tips
- Best Tents For Wild Camping
- Best Hammocks + Best Bivvy Bags
- Best Portable Camping Fire Pits
- Best Places for Wild Camping Wales, Scotland and The Lake District
About the Author
Steve Cleverdon is an outdoor adventure specialist with 15+ years of hiking, camping, and paddle boarding experience. He has conquered Europe’s toughest trails including the GR20 in Corsica, walked 3,000km solo across New Zealand, and worked professionally in the outdoors industry. Steve’s gear reviews and recommendations are based on real-world testing across four continents, from coastal waters to mountain peaks. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
