Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the fell-gate car park on the old Walna Scar road to the Duddon valley and makes a circuit. It heads west along the old road, then climbs to Goat's Water, beneath the great cliffs of Dow Crag, one of the Lake District's finest rock-climbing crags. From Goat's Hawse, at the head of the tarn, it goes out to Dow Crag (778 m) and back, then climbs the Old Man of Coniston (802 m) and descends its south-eastern slopes to the old road. It is on path all the way.
It is 9.1 km with 697 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: the paths are clear, but the climb to Goat's Hawse is steep and the tops are stony.
Dow Crag's cliffs drop straight to Goat's Water, so keep back from the edge in mist. Carry a map and compass, check the forecast and use your judgement; winter snow and ice make it far more serious. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
The car park charges a fee. The nearest station is Windermere, about 13 km away in a straight line.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Round the head of Goat's Water: Dow Crag's great cliffs, then the Old Man by Goat's Hawse
- Dow Crag is one of the Lake District's finest rock-climbing crags
- Starts from the fell gate on the old Walna Scar road to the Duddon valley
Summits on the way
- Dow Crag 778 m
- The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man] 802 m
Getting there
Start: Walna Scar Road car park · Pay and display. 54.36357, -3.09608
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Windermere: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
