Old Man of Coniston
Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Lake District National Park
This famous fell looms over the village and lake of the same name and has been immensely popular with hillwalkers for generations. There are many possible hikes to Coniston Old Man, with myriad routes of superb quality up its slopes. Part of a great family of proud fells, there is a lifetime of adventure for you to discover here.
A classic Lakeland Fell beloved by the folk of Coniston
Once the highest point of the old county of Lancashire, Coniston Old Man is the loftiest of a group of fells that rise separately from the rest of the Southern Fells. These mountains have a long history of mining and quarrying, the vestiges of which you can still see today.
Walking routes to Coniston Old Man follow any number of miners’ tracks, walkers’ trails and quarry paths. Route permutations are almost endless, with multiple Wainwrights waiting to be bagged in a single adventure, if you’re feeling energetic. The eastern flanks are the most interesting, with beautiful tarns and impressive crags.
Its position as one of the southern bastions of the national park gives it a splendid panorama. On the clearest of days, even the mountains of distant Snowdonia can be spied. Back towards Lakeland, it is the rugged environs of Eskdale and the magnificent Scafell group that are best seen. Across Goat’s Water, neighbouring Dow Crag’s cliffs glower across the depression, an exciting wall of crags, boasting superb climbs and daring scrambles.
The charming village of Coniston is the obvious base for direct ascents and has plenty of facilities. The Duddon Valley and Little Langdale offer alternative start points, with campsites and guesthouses set amid rural splendour.
In full winter conditions, the Old Man may be too much of a stretch without an ice axe or crampons, but this occurrence is fairly rare. A winter walk here is often glorious.
Location: Coniston, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom
- Intermediate
4.5
(15)
94
Old Man of Coniston, Swirl How & Wetherlam loop from Walna Scar — Lake District National Park04:548.36 mi2,700 ftIntermediate4.9
(169)
819
Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell loop from Coniston04:036.63 mi2,375 ftExpert4.9
(69)
634
Old Man of Coniston – Swirl How loop from Coniston05:028.79 mi2,675 ft
A Southern Fells classic, Coniston Old Man might be industry-scarred, but it remains stoical and unbowed. Towering high above the village of Coniston, it's a rightfully popular fell with good paths exploring high tarns, lofty ridges and the historical remnants of centuries of slate quarrying and copper mining.
December 13, 2019
The Old Man of Coniston stands less than three miles (4.3 kilometers) from the village. However, to reach the summit requires some serious ascent. When you get there, though, it is well worth the effort. Standing at 2,634 feet (803 meters) high, the views are incredible. On a clear day the Isle of Man can be seen to the west.
October 24, 2018
This is a great walk to the summit (albeit steep). It should be tackled on a good day. We had sunshine turn to blizzard withing 30 minutes in spring - so as always go prepared.
April 24, 2018
A Lake District classic! I've hiked Old Man of Coniston 3 times. Once from Coniston, once from the direction of Brim Fell and now from the direction of Dow Crag. Stunning views (my favourite being down to Low Water
August 29, 2020
Beautiful walk , start early too avoid crowds and once you leave the trig and head towards swirl how it’s all yours 😀
June 7, 2021
In weather with a view certainly an excellent vantage point. Today the fog prevented a vision. Added to that were drizzle and strong wind.
August 7, 2018
Popular with tourists from Coniston, the old man is definitely worth the climb. Views from the summit extend to the scafells, south toward coniston water and down to Low water.
June 2, 2021
At 803m, Coniston old man is well worth a visit. The views from the summit are well worth the walk. Climb it from Coniston or knock off some ascent from the Walna scar road car park.
June 20, 2021
Great mountain to climb with some interesting history and views on the way up
May 11, 2022
ranked number 32 in height for the Wainwrights, this mountain has some quirky views and history on the way up.
May 11, 2022
The Old Man of Coniston is a popular hiking highlight in the Lake District, UK. Standing at 2,634 feet, it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fells and lakes, making it a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. mycenturahealth.me
March 24, 2023
That is what I was looking for, what information, present here at this site. my-loyola.com
April 19, 2023
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Location: Coniston, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom
- Intermediate
4.5
(15)
94
Old Man of Coniston, Swirl How & Wetherlam loop from Walna Scar — Lake District National Park04:548.36 mi2,700 ftIntermediate4.9
(169)
819
Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell loop from Coniston04:036.63 mi2,375 ftExpert4.9
(69)
634
Old Man of Coniston – Swirl How loop from Coniston05:028.79 mi2,675 ft
Information
- Elevation2,625 ft
Good to know
- Family FriendlyYes
- Wheelchair accessNo
- Dog FriendlyYes
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