The Old Man of Coniston
Up through old copper mines and slate quarries to a summit above Coniston Water.
- Distance
- 8.8 km
- Ascent
- 740 m
- Time
- 3.5–4.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 802 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Old Man of Coniston is a moderate 8.8 km out-and-back walk with 740 m of ascent, taking 3.5 to 4.5 hours. It starts at Coniston (grid reference SD 302 975). It climbs The Old Man of Coniston (802 m), a Wainwright. The start can be reached by public transport.
The Old Man of Coniston rises straight behind the village, its slopes scarred by centuries of mining and quarrying. From Coniston, the route climbs past the old quarry workings and Low Water, a tarn tucked under the summit crags.
The final zigzags lead to the summit, with views over Coniston Water to Morecambe Bay. Return the same way.
Route
-
1
The quarries
Climb from the village past the old quarry workings.
-
2
Low Water
Continue past Low Water and up the zigzags to the summit. Return the same way.
Summit
802 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Old Man of Coniston take?
- Most walkers take 3.5–4.5 hours for the 8.8 km route, which has 740 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Coniston (grid reference SD 302 975). Pay car parks in Coniston village.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses from Ambleside and Windermere to Coniston. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Good, stony paths through old quarries; steep zigzags near the top.
- Which hill does it climb?
- The Old Man of Coniston (802 m, Wainwright, Hewitt).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the fells and moors: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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