The Old Man of Coniston from Walna Scar car park: 3 Mile There and back route
Moderate
3 hours
3.1 miles (4.7km)
Rising proudly above the village of Coniston, the Old Man of Coniston (803 m / 2,634 ft) is one of the Lake District’s most iconic fells — a perfect blend of rugged beauty, mining heritage, and panoramic views.
The classic there-and-back route begins in Coniston village and follows a well-trodden path that climbs steadily through old slate quarries, offering glimpses into the area’s rich industrial past. As you gain height, the views open dramatically across Coniston Water, with the central Lakeland peaks unfolding on the horizon.
The ascent is moderately challenging, making it suitable for fit beginners and seasoned walkers alike, and rewards every step with ever-improving scenery. At the summit, hikers are greeted by sweeping 360° vistas stretching from Scafell Pike and the Langdale Pikes to Morecambe Bay and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. The straightforward return along the same route provides a leisurely descent and a chance to take in the scenery at a gentler pace — the perfect way to round off one of the Lake District’s most beloved hikes.
🌤️ Know Before You Go 🌤️
- Car Park: Walna Scar car park – no set postcode
- What3Words: ///deals.defensive.decent
- Public Transport: The closest train station would be Windermere, from there you can get the Coniston Rambler bus (505) to the village of Coniston and start the walk from there. For up-to-date information you can use the visit Lake District website.
- Elevation Gain: 720 metres
- Terrain: steep, rough terrain with boulder screes and loose stone/rocky paths
- Public Toilets: There are no public toilet facilities at the start or along this route. The closest facilities can be found in Coniston village next to the Tourist Information Centre.
- Family Friendly: Yes but not suitable for pushchairs or toddlers due to steep rocky terrain
- Dog Friendly: Yes – keep dogs on leads
- Scramble Grade: None
- Other: Remains of old slate mines along route
- Met Office Mountain Forecasts
- Mountain Weather Information Service
🥾 Essential Kit 🥾
- Good quality, well fitting walking boots/shoes
- 20-30L rucksack
- Gloves, hat, neck gaitor/snood
- Map, compass, and head torch (spare batteries)
- Emergency First Aid Kit (foil blanket, whistle, plasters)
- Additional layers of clothing
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- At least 2 litres of water
- Hiking poles (optional)
❄️ Additional Winter Kit ❄️
- Hiking poles with ice fittings
- Waterproof hat and gloves
- Crampons/Ice Axe
- Dry bags
- Extra food and water
- Sun protection
- Emergency shelter such as a survival or bivi bag
- A more comprehensive First Aid Kit
The Old Man of Coniston route description
Stage 1 – Walna Scar car park to Low Water tarn
Leave the car park and follow the path along, with the popularity of this walk you can expect to see plenty of other people either starting out or coming back (depending on the time). The path climbs steadily before beginning to get steeper. Expect the terrain to get slightly rockier as you climb upwards too.
Hopefully you have great weather and you will already appreciate why this walk is so popular and holds a special place in many a hikers heart. The views really are superb from the start. Coniston village has a rich mining heritage so it is no surprise that around the half way mark of the ascent you come across remains of the slate mines.
As you continue upwards towards the summit you will arrive at Low Water. This stunning glacial tarn is the perfect spot for a quick break, a spot of lunch and it comes as no surprise is a popular spot for wild swimmers. If you are doing a bit of wild swimming take great care and understand the dangers of doing so — water temperature and hazards such as submerged rocks.
Stage 2 – Low Water tarn to Old Man of Coniston summit
Pushing on from Low Water to the summit the terrain is steep as the path zig zags its way up — providing ever improving views as you go. Upon reaching the summit (hopefully the weather is good) and you are treated to 360-degree views looking out across the Lake District and beyond.
The return from the summit is simply a case of turning round and following your footsteps back down the way you came up. Enjoying the views all over again until you reach Coniston village again.
Where to eat and drink after hiking the Old Man of Coniston
The Black Bull in Coniston village is a family-run traditional pub with rooms, serving food every day from 12 noon and welcoming children and dogs. Expect to find favourite pub classics on the menu with a selection of sandwiches, toasties, jacket potatoes ranging from £9.00-£10.50. The main courses on the menu range from £17.50 up to £30.00 for a Sirloin steak. There is also a selection a childrens menu as well as vegan/vegetarian and glueten-free options.
Pics from the peaks: more from the Old Man of Coniston
