The Old Man of Coniston sits towards the southwestern corner of the Lake District, giving fantastic views across Coniston Water, the Furness Fells and out towards Morecombe Bay and the Irish Sea (weather-gods permitting). The mountain also has a long industrial history dating back around 800 years, with slate and copper mining taking place across the flanks of the mountain. 'The Old Man' is said to have some of the largest copper mines in Britain, with vertical distances of approximately 2000 feet. Much of this industrious activity can still be seen and explored today when walking the various routes to the summit.
There are several route choices to climb The OId Man, ranging from a 5km straight up and back, to a 16km circuit of the surrounding fells and the mining valley. Below we list one shorter option and one longer option, however, these can easily be modified if you have a particular route, distance, or request; Maybe you would prefer a longer horseshoe walk taking in more peaks, or perhaps you would to see more of the old mine workings, just let us know and we will try to build the perfect route for you.
Coniston Old Man via Walna Scar Road and Goat's Water (7.5km/5miles)
Starting at the head of the Walna Scar Road we follow the ancient pack horse trail West, around the southern flank of the Old Man. After a couple of kilometres we branch off the old trail northward to continue our traverse around the flank of the mountain. The trail climbs in to the hanging valley containing Goat's Water, passing more evidence of the mountains' industrial past, with various remains of mine workings visible. At the head of Goat's Water the path climbs steeply for a short distance to gain the Goat's Hawse saddle, and after a final short climb up the western flank of the mountain we gain the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. The return is a little more direct, taking the path down the eastern flank of the mountain, passing numerous old mine workings along the way.
Coniston Old Man via the Coppermines Valley and Levers Water (14km/8.75miles)
Starting in the village of Coniston, this walk begins by heading for the Coppermines Valley, where much of the mountains' historical and modern mining is clearly visible. As we make our way through this area we eventually arrive at the beautiful Levers Water, a perfect spot to refuel before the main climb of the day. After recharging our batteries we traverse around the western side of the reservoir before heading up the short sharp climb to Levers Hawse and the main ridge line between the Old Man of Coniston and Swirl How. From here we follow the ridge line south all the way to the summit of The Old Man. After taking in the panoramic views from the summit, we retrace our steps a few hundred meters before branching off West to follow the trail around the dramatic ridge line of Dow Crag and Buck Pike before descending to the Walna Scar Road which will lead us back to the village of Coniston.
Coniston Old Man via Walna Scar Road and Goat's Water (7.5km/5miles)
Starting at the head of the Walna Scar Road we follow the ancient pack horse trail West, around the southern flank of the Old Man. After a couple of kilometres we branch off the old trail northward to continue our traverse around the flank of the mountain. The trail climbs in to the hanging valley containing Goat's Water, passing more evidence of the mountains' industrial past, with various remains of mine workings visible. At the head of Goat's Water the path climbs steeply for a short distance to gain the Goat's Hawse saddle, and after a final short climb up the western flank of the mountain we gain the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. The return is a little more direct, taking the path down the eastern flank of the mountain, passing numerous old mine workings along the way.
Coniston Old Man via the Coppermines Valley and Levers Water (14km/8.75miles)
Starting in the village of Coniston, this walk begins by heading for the Coppermines Valley, where much of the mountains' historical and modern mining is clearly visible. As we make our way through this area we eventually arrive at the beautiful Levers Water, a perfect spot to refuel before the main climb of the day. After recharging our batteries we traverse around the western side of the reservoir before heading up the short sharp climb to Levers Hawse and the main ridge line between the Old Man of Coniston and Swirl How. From here we follow the ridge line south all the way to the summit of The Old Man. After taking in the panoramic views from the summit, we retrace our steps a few hundred meters before branching off West to follow the trail around the dramatic ridge line of Dow Crag and Buck Pike before descending to the Walna Scar Road which will lead us back to the village of Coniston.
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Key Information: Group Size: Up to 8 Distance: 7.5-14km/5-8.75miles (route dependant). Ascent: 600-900m Time: 4-7 hours |
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Price:
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
Included in the Cost:
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
First person - £130, plus £20pp thereafter*:
- 1 Person = £130
- 2 People = £150
- 3 People = £170, etc...
Included in the Cost:
- Full days guidance by a qualified Mountain Leader,
- Waterproof map of the area for each attendee,
- Group access to any photos taken during the day.
Optional Extras:
Advice and logistical support towards transportation and/or accommodation can be arranged at additional cost. Please let Terra Via know at the time of booking if required.
To Make a booking please use the Contact Us page to get in touch.
If there are any other walks you are interested in, please don't hesitate to Contact Us to discuss your requirements.
Payments are to be ideally made via Direct Brank Transfer or Paypal.
* There is 10% non-refundable deposit included within the stated prices to cover costs incurred upon unforced cancellation.
For full details please see Terms & Conditions.