Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Ruskin Avenue car park in Coniston and goes out and back. It climbs through the old copper mines and slate quarries to the tarn of Low Water, then steeply to the top of the Old Man of Coniston (802 m), the highest of the Coniston fells, with views over Coniston Water to Morecambe Bay. About three-quarters is on path, with some track and road at the lower end.
It is 8.7 km with 746 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: the path is clear, but the pull above Low Water is steep and stony.
Keep to the path through the old mine and quarry workings. In mist the way off the summit needs care, so 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 Ruskin Avenue car park is pay-after-stay. Low House, a Midland Association of Mountaineers club hut, is near the start. The nearest station is Windermere, about 11 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
- The highest of the Coniston fells
- Through the old copper mines and slate quarries to the tarn of Low Water below the summit
- Views over Coniston Water to Morecambe Bay
Summits on the way
- The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man] 802 m
Getting there
Start: Coniston · Pay and display. 54.36868, -3.07348
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.
