Old Man of Coniston Walk Guide: Route Map, Parking, Difficulty & Time

The Old Man of Coniston walk is one of my favourites in the Lake District. The landscape is dramatic from the moment you get out of the car, whatever the weather is doing.

From the Walna Scar car park, the walk is roughly 6.4km/3.97 miles with an ascent of 593m/1,945ft. It roughly takes about four hours to walk it, but unless you’re intent on getting up and down as quickly as possible, you’ll want to give yourself longer.

One of the best things about the Old Man of Coniston walk is the way the light and weather passes over the surrounding mountains and how the waterfalls sound in the distance. You’ll find yourself stopping plenty of times to take photos.

The Old Man of Coniston walk isn’t particularly difficult, as it does have a very clearly defined trail all the way to the top. However, there are some very steep sections which can feel quite challenging (particularly near the slate mine). So, if you’re a beginner, I’d recommend thinking about how you are with heights, steepness and uneven ground before you set off on this one.

Let’s get straight into all the vital info, what you can expect and a downloadable map you can use to navigate this beautiful Lake District mountain.

Distance: 6.4km/3.97 miles
Elevation Gain: 593m/1,945ft.
Approx Time Needed: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (can be difficult in places if icy or if heavy snow is present)
Start Point: Walna Scar car park
Car Park Facilities: No Toilets, Paid Car Park (via card machine or app) 
Route Type: Linear (there and back)

Downloadable Route Map Options

Open in OS Maps Open in AllTrails

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Download your route before you go

Phone signal is unreliable across much of the Lake District, so make sure you have your route downloaded in a walking navigation app such as OS Maps or AllTrails, and that you know how to follow it before setting out. Google Maps and similar road navigation apps aren’t designed for following outdoor walking routes, particularly in remote areas, so don’t rely on them for this.

Which should I use?

Why we offer both
OS Maps and
AllTrails maps

The right navigation tool can depend on the route and the person walking it: because routes vary by difficulty and terrain, you don’t need the full topographic detail for every walk. We therefore offer both, so you can choose the mapping software that best suits where you’re at.

AllTrails

A straightforward way to follow a route, from beginners to progressing onto more challenging walks. As it’s used worldwide, it can also be a practical choice if you’re visiting from overseas and already use the app.

OS Maps

More detailed topographic mapping for understanding terrain and more advanced navigation. As detailed Ordnance Survey mapping is specific to Great Britain, it may be less familiar to overseas visitors.

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Our take

For most of our easy to moderate walks, AllTrails is a perfectly good option. For more remote, steep or complicated terrain, or for people who follow hiking routes within the UK, we’d choose OS Maps.

OS Maps vs AllTrails

• OS Maps helps you understand the landscape, whereas AllTrails is more focused on helping you follow a route through it. For a lot of Lake District walks, the additional topographic detail is very useful for understanding terrain and making informed decisions.
• OS Maps has extremely detailed mapping, including precise contours and terrain information, whereas AllTrails relies on OpenStreetMap data, which does not contain the same level of topographic detail.
• OS Maps is generally considered the authoritative standard for topographic mapping in Great Britain. However, paths and features on the ground can change over time, particularly on higher fells, so a mapped path should not always be assumed to perfectly reflect what you will find on the ground.
• OS Maps is primarily focused on Great Britain, whereas AllTrails is used internationally. If you already use AllTrails at home and are visiting the Lake District for a short time, it may therefore be the more familiar option.
• OpenStreetMap, which AllTrails uses, is community maintained and can sometimes receive frequent updates. However, these updates depend on contributed data and do not provide the same level of detailed topographic information as OS mapping.
• Offline map functionality is limited on the free versions of both services. AllTrails requires a paid subscription for offline maps, while OS Maps also requires a paid subscription for its full offline mapping features.

Route & Safety Disclaimer

All routes uploaded are personally created by us, from walks we’ve actually done. We redo walks regularly and make adjustments where needed to the downloadable maps we offer to you.

However, due to the sheer volume of walks in the Lake District and our growing collection, we cannot guarantee that every map will be completely accurate due to land changes we may be unaware of between times of doing the walk again.

We are not responsible for your own safety and you should be confident in your own ability and make judgement calls where needed.

Any walking route can pose hazards that may be topical and new and this is something you need to keep in mind whenever you head out.

Old Man of Coniston Walk: What to Expect

You can start the Old Man of Coniston walk from Coniston too (I’ve covered this further down), but like most people, I prefer to start from the Walna Scar car park as you’re straight into the main walk. Plus, you can save your energy for photo stops and a potential swim if you’re up for it.

As soon as you start, the route navigation is pretty obvious, just come out of the car park, walk straight on and veer to the right. At the start, the path is relatively flat and slate cobbled, gaining height gently.

You’ll start to see the incredible landscape of these mountains reaching out in front of you. The clouds and skies creating shadows on them that are ever changing (and one of the things I think is utter magic in this area).  

The first big way point is a turn on the trail where you can either go straight on (this trail takes you to Levers Water) or turn to the left which starts to head uphill pretty steeply. You will take the left turn as this is the trail to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston.

At this point, the trail heads uphill with steep, uneven slate. If wet, this can feel like it’s going to be really slippery, but the slate and it’s positioning will give you grip so don’t worry too much about it. The trail isn’t particularly exposed at this point, and there are plenty of undulating sections of old slate and mine around you.

One of my favourite sections is as you reach the old slate mine which is just after a very steep section with an old copper pulley rope you’ll have to walk over. The view out from the slate mine itself is one of the first real reward views out over the mountains and is a great place to stop for a while.

After this, you’ll keep heading uphill to Low Water, which you’ll have heard already feeding some of the waterfalls before you see it. The main trail itself actually leads you above and to the left of Low Water, so if you want to go down to it, there is short side trail to the right which will take you down to the shore.

After Low Water is the main push up to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. From Low Water, the trail gets steeper, rockier and starts to switch back a little as you get closer to the top. The very last section brings you along a gentle ridge.

If you are wary of heights, just tread carefully here. The exposure isn’t too bad, but on a windy day, it can feel more exposed than it is.

The real payoff here, especially if you get a clear day, is that you can see the surrounding fells as pretty much a 360. You’ve got an overview of Low Water where you walked up from, then Goat Water down on the other side. Further away you can even see things like Scafell Pike if you really squint.

On a less than ‘perfect’ day, there’s been plenty of times when you’ll be treated to a cloud inversion which always stops me in my tracks. I’ve hiked this trail at all times of year, and you’re always guaranteed to see something different.

From here, the main route has you heading back the way you came. I usually prefer to zig zag down on any steep sections to give me more traction and just take my time. The great thing is because you’re heading straight back down, you can take in the views and enjoy how the weather will have changed.

Key Highlights

Places to Swim

The best place to swim if you’re focusing on the main walking trail to the top of the Old Man of Coniston from the Walna Scar Car Park is Low Water. Once you reach the lake, there is a side trail off from the main trail down to the shore.

From there, the entry is fairly rocky, but it’s easy enough to walk straight in. It does get quite deep so be mindful and just stick to where you feel comfortable going out depth wise.

The best time to go swimming in Low Water is the summer, as the lake will be warmer. Though warmer is relative as the water is always cold due to it being relatively exposed. So just be mindful, and consider how the weather is out of the water (if it’s windy, you’ll really feel it when you get out).

I’d generally recommend going for a swim when you’re on your way back down from the summit, as you’ve got less time to go before you’re at the end of the trail. Rather than feeling cold and struggling to get your muscles moving again to get to the top of the mountain.

It is possible to swim in Low Water in the winter, and if you’re into ice swimming, it can be a great one to head up to where you may even have to break the surface slightly to get in. There have been times when I’ve headed up here and the water has been completely frozen over, which is an incredible sight and experience.

Though of course, winter swimming, especially with snow and ice around is a specialised thing (and something I’ve spent years developing the tolerance for) so don’t take winter lightly here!

Best Views & Photo Spots

Of course, the summit of the Old Man of Coniston gives amazing views out. Especially on clear days, but also when you’ve got cloud inversions, which does actually happen quite a lot. This can lead to some incredibly dreamy photos.

However, one of the reasons I love this walk is because there are so many great photo spots. You’ll find yourself stopping a lot, looking back and taking a photo.

The view over Low Water as you head slightly up the trail from it is incredible also. The view of the slate mines looking out over the mountains and the view of the mountains closest to Levers Water as you first set out on the trail are stunning too.

I don’t think there is a best time of day for photos here as such, as the light and shadows on the mountains are always doing something interesting. However, later in the day, some of the mountain sides and sections of the trail go into shadow. This can be both colder and create a lot of contrast which doesn’t always lead to the best photos.

Seasonal Differences

Winter

Can bevery snowy and icy at times. If so, crampons or snow spikes and hiking poles are needed, with good winter skills and awareness. Walna Scar Road to the car park can be impassable, so you’d need to look at walking up from Coniston instead, which extends the walk quite a bit.

In winter, you can start with no snow, and then find you hit the snowline, so you should always be prepared for this. Sections of black ice can be invisible on the slate path. However, this may not always be the case, and there’s plenty of times where there’s no snow or ice at all.

Spring

Some residual snow or ice can remain, but this can be a great time to get stunning light over the mountains. Still a relatively quiet time to walk this trail.

Summer

The busiest time to do the Old Man of Coniston walk. So you may struggle to get space in the car park at peak times or in school holidays. I often find arriving after lunch, later on can make a big difference. Generally, this trail can be hot and exposed in summer, so I usually prefer to do it later in the day when the sun isn’t straight on the path.

Autumn

You won’t really get changing foliage on this trail, but you can expect gorgeous autumn light, and changeable weather. You can typically expect pouring rain as well as bright, hot sunshine on the same day.

Old Man of Coniston Walk Difficulty Breakdown

Technical Difficulty

The Old Man of Coniston walk isn’t particularly technical or difficult in terms of navigation. It’s a walk rather than a climb or scramble. You may need to use your hands on a few steep steps at times, but this is about all.

Exposure

There are a couple of sections which are a little more exposed than others, but this also does depend on your level of exposure tolerance. There is a short section to the summit, which is on a gentle ridge, but there is a decent amount of trail on either side that it doesn’t feel intense.

There are a couple of sections on the side of the mountain on the way up that can feel like they’re ‘on the edge’ but there is a really decent amount of space between you and any drop off.

Navigation

This trail is pretty easy in terms of navigation, and with this in mind, it’s actually a really good Lake District fell for a beginner to climb. The trail really only has one turn off to head uphill. The path is also very clear in lower visibility weather.

Steepness

The Old Man of Coniston walk does get steep in places. It can feel exceptionally steep just before the slate mine, and then on the final ascent up to the summit from Low Water.

Why I Personally Love the Old Man of Coniston Walk

One of the main reasons I love this walk and come back to it frequently is because the moment you step out from the car park, you’re greeted with stunning scenery. Of course, the more into it you get, the more it opens up.

However, even if you walk a small section of the trail to where it meets the uphill turn to the summit, you’ll see some absolutely beautiful scenes.

The way the light and shadows hit this area is different and unique to me, I’ve never quite experienced anywhere else quite like it. Even though it differs, there is always a feel here that doesn’t exist elsewhere.

I also love the variations you can do here. There are plenty of options to make it longer and add in other peaks, turn it into a longer loop by heading down to Goat Water and back along Walna Scar. Or even skipping the Old Man itself and heading along to Levers Water which is one of my favourite alternate walks.

Old Man of Coniston Walk Parking & Transport

Parking

Walna Scar Car Park

The main Old Man of Coniston walk parking is at Walna Scar car park, which puts you directly at the start of the trail. This is up a steep, back road from Coniston itself and can seem a little intense if you’re not used to the area, but it’s completely safe, just drive in the right gear and you’ll be fine!

After snow or ice, I would avoid this road, and you will likely have to look at doing the route from Coniston itself, which does add distance and ascent. This road can get covered in black ice and there is patchy signal so you could find yourself very stuck.

On sunny weekends, school holidays etc, this car park can get very busy! So, either arrive early or a little later. However, there is generally a good cadence of traffic, so you shouldn’t be waiting long. Always park in the car park and not on verges or passing places as these are very much needed on this narrow road!

The car park is paid, and you can either pay by card at the machine or on an app.

Coniston Car Parks

If it’s icy, you don’t fancy the road, are staying in Coniston or the Walna Scar Car Park is full, the best alternative for this route on the Old Man of Coniston is to park in Coniston and walk up from there.

I’d recommend parking at either the Old Station Car Park or the Ruskin Avenue Car Park in Coniston.

If this is the route you do, keep in mind that it does add a fairly big chunk of extra ascent/descent and distance (801m/11.4km total). If you’re going to do this option, I think a much more scenic route is to go up via the Coniston Copper Mines.

If you walk up Walna Scar Road, it’s more of a slog without much of a reward before you’ve already started the main walk to the top of the mountain. This takes you a slightly different way to meet the main trail, so I’ve included another walking route map you can download here in case this is the route you need to work with.

Public Transport

If you’re looking to use public transport, there are plenty of buses within the Lake District that stop in Coniston. You would need to look at doing this route variation that I listed just above from Coniston if this is the case.

Here are the main actually useable options for buses that stop in Coniston (usually around The Crown pub in the village and the Ruskin Centre).

Stagecoach 505: This also stops in Ambleside, Hawkshead, Windermere and Kendal and is likely one of the best services for getting to Coniston. Even if you need to make a connection, you’ll find being able to stop in either Ambleside, Windermere or Kendal will be helpful for this.

Blueworks X12: This starts in Ulverston and finishes in Coniston.

Old Man of Coniston Walk: Route Extensions & Other Walks in the Area

If you’re looking to make the Old Man of Coniston walk longer, or add some variations to turn the route into a circular instead, there are some great extensions I’d recommend to make it more of a full on mountain day.

One of my favourites is after reaching the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, to descend along the ridge to Brim Fell and Swirl How before descending down to Levers Water and back along the main path from there (route map for this alternate trail here).

It gives you a totally different feel on the return and it’s one of my favourite routes in the Lake District. Especially the section along the ridge from the Old Man of Coniston and Swirl How, then along Prison Band to Levers Water.

The trail from Levers Water back to the main trail doesn’t disapoint either: there are some incredible rock formations, and the sounds of the waterfalls are just incredible.

Another route I love is to head up to Goats Water from Walna Scar Car Park along Walna Scar Road. From here, you ascend Goats Hawse, then reach the summit of the Old Man of Coniston and descend the other side of the peak down to Low Water.

Many people love to do this trail to make the Old Man a circuit, but I prefer to do it the other way round. I think the way you experience the scenery this way feels really dramatic, and the ascent and descent feel completely different. I’ve included a route map here for the Goats Water – Old Man of Coniston – Low Water loop.

There are plenty of other walks in the area too, which are easier than the summits surrounding you here. One of my favourites is to head up to Levers Water from Walna Scar Car Park. This is a much easier to moderate walk with about 200m ascent and descent over about 6-7km total.

You could also head up to Coniston Coppermines from Coniston too. This gives you the option to head up to the waterfalls as well, which are incredibly picturesque.

Also in the surrounding area, you’ve got plenty of other places like Tarn Hows, Black Crag (which are two of my favourite walks too) and the walk around Tarn Hows is also very family friendly with incredible views of the Langdale mountains in the distance.

There’s also Grizedale Forest nearby too. This area is quietly a favourite spot, especially with heavy snowfall, you can feel like you’re in the alps.

What to Bring on the Old Man of Coniston Walk

The weather can change rapidly in this area, so here’s a loose list I’d recommend bringing with you whatever the weather is saying! Even if some of it stays in your daypack just in case.

• Waterproof jacket and if possible, slip on waterproof trousers
• Proper waterproof hiking shoes or boots: it can get very wet and there can be pretty deep puddles you’ll need to get through
• Warm layers to add on or take off
• Gloves and a hat (swap out for a hat and sunglasses in summer)
• Walking poles: I find them really helpful for the steep downhill sections
• Food and water
• Offline route map: there is very little signal once you’re on the walk

In winter, depending on the weather, I’d also recommend bringing:

• Micro spikes or crampons
• A warm drink
• Insulated jacket: an insulated puffy jacket with a windproof rain jacket over the top is what I recommend

For a full breakdown of what I usually bring hiking in the Lake District, I’d recommend reading our UK hiking essentials, what to wear hiking and day hiking checklist guides on our sister site This Expansive Adventure.

What to Bring on the Old Man of Coniston Walk

The weather can change rapidly in this area, so here’s a loose list I’d recommend bringing with you whatever the weather is saying! Even if some of it stays in your daypack just in case.

• Waterproof jacket and if possible, slip on waterproof trousers
• Proper waterproof hiking shoes or boots: it can get very wet and there can be pretty deep puddles you’ll need to get through
• Warm layers to add on or take off
• Gloves and a hat (swap out for a hat and sunglasses in summer)
• Walking poles: I find them really helpful for the steep downhill sections
• Food and water
• Offline route map: there is very little signal once you’re on the walk

In winter, depending on the weather, I’d also recommend bringing:

• Micro spikes or crampons
• A warm drink
• Insulated jacket: an insulated puffy jacket with a windproof rain jacket over the top is what I recommend

For a full breakdown of what I usually bring hiking in the Lake District, I’d recommend reading our UK hiking essentials, what to wear hiking and day hiking checklist guides on our sister site This Expansive Adventure.