Region: Coniston, Lake District National Park, Cumbria
Places To Stay: Coniston village has plenty of B&Bs and inns. Try: Stay in Coniston or browse more Lake District Accommodation.
Looking for more Lake District walks? Try Catbells, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Buttermere
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The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake District — and for good reason. This route gives you big views, mountain tarns, and a real summit feel without being too technical. It’s a proper day out in the fells, ideal for walkers looking to step up from the lower-level routes.
As you climb, you’ll pass old slate quarries and industrial ruins before reaching the summit ridge, where views open up across Coniston Water and the Southern Lakes. It’s a classic circular walk, packed with variety and interest the whole way round.
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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link
- Start point: Walna Scar Road Car Park, Coniston (postcode: LA21 8HD)
- Google Maps link: Walna Scar Car Park – Coniston
- Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
- You can also view and follow this route on my Outdooractive profile
Hike Profile
- Distance: 7 miles / 11 km (circular)
- Duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Highest point: 800m / 2621ft
- Difficulty: Moderate – steep in places, rocky paths, some exposure
- Route conditions: Good mountain paths, but wear boots and check the forecast
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Hike Description
From Walna Scar car park, you’ll head up past quarry buildings and follow a well-used trail that winds upward through the old slate mines — part of the area’s rich industrial heritage. Stop at Low Water, a mountain tarn nestled below the summit crags, for a breather and photo break.
The final push to the summit is steep but rewarding, with epic views on a clear day stretching across Morecambe Bay, the Scafell range, and even out to the Isle of Man. The peaks don’t stop at Old Man of Coniston, once you start heading back from there you will pass through a couple more.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The Video is a 3D walk through of this route; it will give you a unique sense of having walked through the route before you start.
I have created 3D Videos of my adventures and have shared them with the OutdoorActive community as well as my walking community.
Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk - 3D VideoNext up is Dow Crag, standing tall at 778m just across from Goats Water. Follow the ridge line from here and you’ll tick off Buck Pike and Brown Pike before turning left to rejoin Walna Scar Road for the descent.
This is a great walk in all seasons, with autumn colours and early spring reflections making it a photographer’s dream. For other Lake District walks, click here, you could add them all to your list.
Old Man of Coniston Walk FAQs
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