The Old Man of Coniston — Attraction in England

Love this mountain, being somewhat out on a limb at the south of the Lakes, it affords a great view out over Scafell, Bowfell, but also a panoramic vista across Morecambe Bay to the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales. On a clear day - particularly in winter when the air is very dry - it feels quite magical. I’ve done the mountain twice - once in winter, once in summer. In winter, I approached from Consiton via the Walna Scar before slipping up the side to the tarn and up the steps thankfully carved into the side of the hill. Except not-so-thankfully, they had turned into an ice waterfall - in winter it stays cold on that eastern side so snow and ice will make the ascent difficult. Maybe have sticks with you just in case, or at least some light crampons to cope with this - if you slip it’s a long way down. Once up at the top, it’s like a plateau and you can walk around and do the horseshoe to Swirl how and Wetherlam. This brings you back down into Coniston. My second ascent started from the Ship Inn side,, in summer, and was a racing ascent straight up and over to Dow Crags and back again. Again, I love the fact that once you are up, you’re up for a while - the plateau-ridge allows you to walk for a long while barely breaking a sweat at a good height, and take everything in. The challenge (depending on how fast you take it) is simply getting up there to begin with. Definitely easier and safer in summer. But winter is surprisingly popular too - you’ll find crowds on the good days. Summer was much quieter, particularly at the end of the day. Walna Scar provides a good route down. There is a lower-altitude horseshoe you can do around the mines, which loops in and out from Coniston. Worth a try on those greyer days, a lot safer and a solid path, possibly (I think) the part of the trail run they do here each year. Gentler, and if you want to sample Coniston , this is a good way to start out. Views are more restricted, but it’s also a bit greener. November, when the snows come and the bracken has turned russet, is a great time to appreciate the vivid colour changes. These photos are a bit old, but show you what I mean - it really is this vivid(!) I’ve done many of the Lakes fells, but this remains one of my favourites for all these reasons. If you’re fit, you can be up there in about an hour or less - see Strava for examples - and maybe 2-3 hours to get up if you’re taking your time, or with kids. Especially, make sure you enjoy the view of Old Man from the tarn at the base - it imbues a...

An absolutely great walk.... I belive its the highest peak in that part of Cumbria.... There are two paths from the car park.... As you look towards the old man... The one straight in front is the harder route up.... To the left is the easiest route... We took the hardest of the two... On the way we passed old mining ruins... Low lake.. Numerous other little places from its mining days... The hills are spectacular as are the views the higher you get..... Once you reach the top.. You place a stone on the the pile and don't forget to take a pic touching the summit... Or you didn't actually make it ;) this place will always hold a special place in heart... If your thinking about doing the hike... Stop thinking about it... Pick your day...and go.. We arrived after 7pm so the car park was actually free at that time... But that made for a fast scramble to the top before darkness set in and the clouds reached us just after we hit the summit... On the way down we didn't take either path.. But opted to walk off the side of the old man... It is not advisable to do... But we both have alot of experience with being off the track from past... Anyway pick your day... And get it done.. We are not getting...

Great walk, very easy with big payoffs

I'll start off with the carpark which is at the head of the circular walk-

The carpark road has very uneven ground, so be careful of potholes. The park itself is spacious, but be warned summer months might pose a challenge with over crowding so factor in this when planning your walk. There are no toilets, and the machine takes either cash, card or you can pay by app, which is great!

We took the circular walk from the carpark- you can either go left, which will take you up a foot path, round to a lake and up to the summit this way, or the other way which is a footpath which will take you through the quarry and up.

Whilst the latter is lovely to look at, with the green ferns, lake sweeping views etc, be mindful that this route is a little steeper and will require a little scramble up towards the top. The other direction is much easier to ascend, albeit less visual.

Either way on the circular walk, you'll be looking at around 3 hours at a good pace.

Great views from the top, a few people enjoying some...