The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most popular fells in the Lake District, and for good reason. It's not just the fantastic summit views over Coniston Water and Morecambe Bay that draw the crowds, but the fascinating journey through a landscape shaped by centuries of slate quarrying. The paths are littered with abandoned machinery, ruined buildings, and vast spoil heaps, making this a walk through a living museum before you even reach the dramatic mountain tarn of Low Water and the final push to the summit.
The Walk at a Glance
3 - 4 Hours
A perfect half-day
4 Miles / 6.5 km
Good, clear paths
Challenging
Steep in places
Industrial History
Explore old quarries
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Start from Coniston
The walk starts from the village of Coniston. You can either park in the main village car park (LA21 8EH) or drive up the narrow Walna Scar road to a free car park, which cuts off some of the initial ascent. This guide assumes a start from the Walna Scar car park.
2. The Quarry Path
From the car park, ignore the main Walna Scar track and take the steeper, well-made path that zig-zags uphill. This path takes you directly into the heart of the old quarry workings. You'll pass huge piles of slate waste and the remains of old quarry buildings.
3. To Low Water
The path continues to climb steadily, with some sections crossing old cable inclines. Keep following the main path as it bears left and brings you to the beautiful mountain tarn of Low Water, nestled in a dramatic cirque below the summit. This is a perfect spot for a break.
4. Final Ascent to the Summit
From the far side of Low Water, the path becomes much steeper and rougher as it zig-zags up the final headwall. The path is clear but requires some concentration. It leads directly to the large cairn and trig pillar that mark the summit of the Old Man of Coniston (803m).
5. The Descent
After enjoying the extensive views, the easiest descent is to retrace your steps back down past Low Water and through the quarries to the car park. This allows you to see the industrial landscape from a different perspective and ensures a straightforward return.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Popular Route: This is a very popular walk, so expect to see plenty of other people, especially on sunny weekends. The Walna Scar car park fills up early.
- Clear Paths: The main paths are generally very clear and well-maintained, making navigation relatively straightforward in good weather.
- Quarry Dangers: While fascinating, the old quarries contain hidden drops and unstable buildings. Stick to the main paths and do not explore the ruins.
- Coniston Village: The village offers plenty of options for food and drink, including several historic pubs like the Black Bull Inn, which has its own microbrewery.
More to Explore Nearby
Coniston Water
Take a trip on the elegant Victorian Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water, or hire a boat to explore Peel Island, the inspiration for 'Wild Cat Island' in Arthur Ransome's 'Swallows and Amazons'.
Brantwood House
Visit Brantwood, the former home of the famous artist, writer, and social reformer John Ruskin. The house and its beautiful gardens offer stunning views across the lake to the Coniston fells.