Old Man of Coniston Hiking Guide

Old Man of Coniston Hiking Guide

You can check out the route on our Craghoppers Kamoot Page here

On a very snowy day back in March the Craghoppers team set out to hike one of the Lake District’s more popular summits, the Old Man of Coniston. This hike ticks off two Wainwrights and on a clear day offers incredible views across the national park.

This 11.4km route also includes some historical sites as you’ll pass by what remains of the old Coniston slate mines. Check out how we got on with the video below and try out the hike for yourself with our guide and directions.

The Beginning & Where To Park

You start the hike at Walna Scar Car Park and headed North along the track, after 30 minutes you’ll reach a cross roads, take the path to your left, this begins your ascent up to the Old Man.

A further mile up the track you’ll reach Low Water, this corrie tarn used to supply the water for processing and power for the Brandy Crag quarry in the valley below.

Just Keep Climbing

Keep climbing, it gets quite steep here, with lots of lose slate so watch your footing. You’ll pass by the old slate workings, with the remains of the office buildings and old cables fascinating to look at.

You can just imagine what life must have been like working on this mountain in a harsh Lake District winter.

After a nearly 900ft (274m) climb (at some points scrambling) you’ll see the white trig point of the Old Man, you’re 2634ft (803m) up and you’ve just ticked off your first Wainwright of the day, well done.

Finding A Suitable Place To Snack

The ridge line will stretch out ahead of you (although for most of our way our views were a little cloudy) head north along it taking in the incredible views either side. At the nearly 4 mile mark you’ll reach your second wainwright, Swirl How, 2634ft (802m) above sea level.

It’s a great spot for a snack and to rest your legs for a minute. From here, head East and start the long descent down to Swirl Hawse. There are some scrambling parts here, walking poles are always handy, as well as a pair of supportive and grippy boots. Take your time, and watch your footing

At Swirl Hawse you’ll turn South, heading towards Levers Water. This valley is lovely, with amazing peaks either side, enclosing you in, it feels very atmospheric in the snow. Soak it all in, take some pictures, have a rest and reflect on your walk as the end is nigh.

Stop & Admire The View... And A Pint

Take a moment at Levers Water to admire the mighty Old man as he towers above you and watch the clouds dance across the summit. A dam was built here in 1717 to provide consistent water for the mines and the village of Coniston below. Carry on with the water on your right, a further 0.5 mile down the track, take the track right walking with Levers water to your right and above you. The path reaches a ‘t’ junction, turn left and 0.3 miles further you’ll meet the crossroads you started at the beginning of the day, carry on south re-tracing your steps and back to Walna Scar car park.

Finish the day in one of Coniston’s lovely pubs (you deserve it) ready to plan your next hike in the Lake District.

Bradley Stacey

Based in Lancashire, Brad enjoys weekend getaways in his well travelled camper van, exploring Scotland, Wales and everything in-between.

Publish Date: 13/10/2023