Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk

Overview

Old Man of Coniston Height: 803 m; 2634 ft
Distance: 6.5 miles; 10.5 km 
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Estimated Time: 4 hours
Map: OL6 The English Lakes – South Western Area
Route: View in Google Maps
GPX File: Download GPX file (desktop only) – What is a GPX file?

The Old Man of Coniston is a classic Lake District walk. It’s unusual name is well known among walkers and visitors to the Lake District. The Old Man of Coniston and the surrounding area have been mined for over 800 years, the remnants of its mining history are scattered throughout the walk.

There are many routes up and down the Old Man of Coniston. This guide documents the most popular route, passing Low Water tarn on the ascent and Dow Crag on the descent. It’s popular for good reason; the climb up the Old Man of Coniston is challenging but achievable, with panoramic views of the area and a gradual decline back to the car park.

The route starts in Walna Scar car park and visits the Old Man of Coniston first. The route down includes a visit to Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike – the good news is you’ve already climbed the required height to visit Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike, and you get to enjoy the surrounding views of the Lake District whilst working your way back to Walna Scar car park.

Route

View route in Google Maps

Main Checkpoints along the route:

1. Old Man of Coniston
2. Dow Crag
3. Buck Pike
4. Brown Pike

ESTIMATED TIMINGS AND CHECKPOINTS

There is no set time to complete the Old Man of Coniston. An average time to complete the route is 4 hours. Use the table below to estimate your finish time when completing the walk.

Checkpoint	Time
Old Man of Coniston	1 hour 30 mins
Dow Crag	2 hours 10 mins
Buck Pike	2 hours 30 mins
Brown Pike	2 hours 55 mins
Walna Scar car park	4 hours

Elevation Profile

Car Park and Facilities

The Old Man of Coniston has two car parks. The main car park is Walna Scar. Walna Scar used to be free but it is now a pay and display car park. The full address is

Walna Scar
Bowmanstead
Coniston
LA21 8HD

View Walna Scar car park in Google Maps.

Walna Scar Car Pay and Display Charges

4 hours – £4.00
9 hours – £8.00

The other car park is along the same route to Walna Scar car park. You will pass it along the route to Walna Scar car park. Walna Scar car park is the preferred option since the Old Man of Coniston walk starts at Walna Scar car park. The alternate car park is also pay and display with the following prices:

1 hour – £1.00
4 hours – £4.00
12 hours – £8.00

You can also park in Coniston but it is not recommended. The walk from Coniston to the start of the walk is a mile away and it is a very steep walk. The route is also along a road without a walking path.

There are no facilities or toilets along the route or at the car parks. There is often an ice cream van in the Walna Scar car park. Coniston is the closest place with facilities available.

Start of the Old Man of Coniston Route

The Old Man of Coniston route is quite steep for the majority of the walk and there’s not much respite from the inclines. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, but the walk is mainly uphill with varied terrain such as steps, rocks and gravel.

Follow the path next to the entrance of Walna Scar car park. There is a signpost confirming “Coniston Old Man – 1 3/4 miles”

Keep left as the path splits in two.

Keep left again at the next split in the path.

You will pass the old buildings used during the mining era. There are also disused cables laying on the route.

Turn right when the path splits in two.

You will reach Low Water tarn. Walkers use this area for a rest stop and others will also have a quick swim.

Looking back at Low Water tarn.

The incline starts to level off as you approach the summit of the Old Man of Coniston.

A trig pinpoints the summit of the Old Man of Coniston.

Continue following the route passed the trig.

You can see Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike and the route that you will follow back to the car park.

Continue left at the pile of stones.

Continue straight up at the crossroads. An alternate, and shorter route, is turning left, heading passed Goat’s Water tarn.

You can see Goat’s Water tarn as you continue towards Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike.

The path isn’t a clear route across Dow Crag, Buck Pike and Brown Pike. Just keep heading in the same direction and use the path where possible.

Looking back at the Old Man of Coniston with Goat’s Water tarn in view.

Another tarn will come into view along the ridge walk: Blind Tarn.

A cairn highlights Brown Pike.

You can see the route down Brown Pike.

Turn left when you reach the crossroad.

The path gradually declines back to the Walna Scar car park.

Walna Scar car park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do you need to complete the Old Man of Coniston?

You need a map and compass, warm clothes (it may be cold at the Old Man of Coniston, even in summer) and a backpack to keep it all in. Visit the hiking equipment page to ensure you have all of the required equipment.

Can you visit the Old Man of Coniston all year round?

The Old Man of Coniston can be completed on any day of the year. If you are hoping to complete the hike in sunshine with long hours of daylight, it is recommended to plan your trip between April-September. You will need more experience of hiking in difficult conditions to complete the Old Man of Coniston in the winter.

How long does it take to complete the Old Man of Coniston?

There are multiple routes up the Old Man of Coniston. To complete the recommended circular route detailed above, 4 hours is a good benchmark time.

What terrain is the Old Man of Coniston?

The route is a combination of grass, gravel, steps, tarmac and rocks.

Can you complete the Old Man of Coniston in trainers?

It is not recommended to complete the walk in trainers. Due to the diverse terrain, lack of ankle protection, inclines, declines and unpredictable weather, trainers are not suitable footwear for the route.

Are dogs allowed on the route?

Dogs are allowed on the route. During the breeding season of spring and early summer, new-born lambs and ground-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to harm from dogs. Always use a short lead if you can’t rely on your dog’s obedience.

How much food/water will I need to take?

A backpack is required to carry enough food and drink for the hike. It is recommended to take at least 3 litres of water. The weather and temperature need to be taken into consideration and adjust the required amount of water as necessary. A hot day will require more fluids.

Is it free to complete?

The Old Man of Coniston is free to complete; however, you will need to pay for car parking.

Can you start the Old Man of Coniston walk from Coniston?

Yes but it is not advisable. Coniston is a mile away from Walna Scar car park and it is a very steep walk. The route is also along a road without a walking path.

Are there any toilets on the route?

There are public toilets in Coniston but there are no toilets on the route or at Walna Scar car park. 

Do you need any specialist climbing equipment?

No. The Old Man of Coniston is completed by walking. 

Do you need a guide to complete the Old Man of Coniston?

No, but if you wish to attend a guided walk, contact Lost Earth Adventures.