Old Man of CONISTON Walk: THE BEST WAY TO HIKE THIS ICONIC PEAK from Coniston Village in the Lake District

The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most iconic fells in the Lake District National Park. Rising to 803 metres, this majestic peak towers above the village of Coniston and offers a rewarding walk with breathtaking views, fascinating mining heritage, and rugged mountain scenery. While many walkers take the popular out-and-back walk, for me the circular walk via Swirl How and Levers Water is the best way to experience the full grandeur of the Coniston Fells and this part of the Lake District. On my version of this walking route I’ve tagged on a little detour to the stunning Coppermines Plunge Pool – an idyllic spot, that not many visitors to this area know about and perfect for a dip if the weather plays ball.

Starting from the Old Station Car Park in Coniston village, this route takes you through the historic Coppermines Valley, climbs to the summit of The Old Man of Coniston, continues along a glorious ridge to Swirl How, then descends past the serene Levers Water before looping back to the village.

In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to enjoy one of the best fell walks in the Lake District — from route directions and safety tips to local history and where to eat afterwards.

What better way to cool off after your Coniston Old Man Walk than a visit to this idlylic emerald plunge pool! Read on to learn about my little detour route tip to find it….

Why HIKE thIS Old Man of Coniston Circular WALK?

There are plenty of reasons this route is a favourite among Lake District hikers familiar with the area:

• Panoramic summit views from the top of the Old Man of Coniston and Swirl How.

• A rich sense of history as you pass through the disused copper mines and ruined buildings.

• A quieter, more varied experience compared to the standard direct ascent.

• Peaceful moments at the shores of Low Water and the quieter Levers Water, a beautiful tarn nestled in a rocky bowl.

• An opportunity to bag not one, but two Wainwrights in a single walk.

• An idyllic plunge pool to cool those weary legs!

Whether you’re a seasoned fellwalker or tackling your first big Lake District climb, this circular Old Man of Coniston walk offers the ideal balance of challenge, stunning views and quieter areas .

OLD MAN of CONISTON WALK MAP ROUTE:

🅿️ Getting There: Parking and Facilities

The Old Station Car Park is an ideal base for this walk. It’s large, convenient, and only a short distance from the centre of Coniston village. The car park is pay-and-display and often has spaces even on busy days, though it’s still best to arrive early during weekends and holidays.

Facilities nearby:

• Public toilets near the car park

• Pubs, cafés, and shops in Coniston

Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk: Route Description

1. WALK From Coniston to the Coppermines Valley

As shown in the route map above (I really recommend saving it to your phone) leave the Old Station Car Park and walk north along the road towards the Sun Pub. Take the path to the left of The Sun and follow the gravel lane which goes beside Church Beck, winding gently uphill, giving you a gradual warm-up before the main ascent.

The path becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter the Coppermines Valley. You’ll see remnants of old copper mines, once the centre of a bustling industry. These ruins, rusty pipes, and old winding gear create a sense of walking through a bygone world.

Watch out for: The waterfalls cascading down Church Beck, particularly impressive after rain.

This Coniston Old Man walk starts off gentle and gives great views of the full route we will take – with Coniston Old Man summit on the far left of the pic above – and Swirl How to the far right, which will we decend and come down via the path next to the waterfalls in the far distance to the right of the pic

Looking over towards the Coppermines buildings – we’ll return right past these later and come down the path to the top left of the photo. The plunge pool is just up from the building on the far right in that little valley.

The shores of Low Water are a perfect place for a pit stop, refuel and get prepared for the next steep ascent of Coniston Old Man

2. Ascent WALK to Low Water and the Old Man of Coniston Summit

Continue uphill and you’ll soon reach Low Water, a small but spectacular tarn nestled in a glacial hollow. This is a great spot for a quick breather or a photo stop — the towering cliffs above hint at the climb still to come.

From Low Water, the path climbs steeply on well-built zigzags to the summit. The terrain here is rocky but clear, though the final push can be tough on the legs.

At the top, you’ll find a large cairn and panoramic views that make the effort completely worthwhile.

On a clear day, you can see:

• Coniston Water far below

• The Langdale Pikes to the north

• Scafell Pike in the distance

• Morecambe Bay to the south

• Even Snowdonia and the Isle of Man on an exceptionally clear day!

Epic views from Coniston Old Man and below you can see the winding steep path from Low Water and the village of Coniston to the right of the pic, and even Windermere Lake in the far distance.

Adniring the views of Coniston Lake on this epic walk – and what a day for it. You can see for miles in all directions.

3. WALK the Ridge to Swirl How

The real joy of this route is in the Coniston ridge walk, which not everyone does from the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, but it’s a must do. From the Old Man’s summit, continue north on a clear, undulating path towards Brim Fell and then up on to Swirl How.

This section is classic Lake District ridge walking: a narrow but very safe path high above the valleys, with the sense of being truly in the mountains. Swirl How is only one metre lower than the Old Man and offers equally rewarding views — often with fewer people around.

Swirl How summit: Marked by a cairn and shelter, it’s a great place for a lunch stop if the wind isn’t too strong.

Onto Swirl How which is pretty easy going considering what we have just done!

Looking down towards Goat’s Water

4. WALK Descent via Levers Hawse to Levers Water

From Swirl How, follow the path southeast toward Levers Hawse, a mountain pass between Swirl How and Great How Crags. This descent is rockier and requires care, particularly in wet or icy conditions. Poles can be useful for balance.

Before long, you’ll arrive at Levers Water, a glacial tarn dammed in the 1700s to supply water to the copper mines. It’s a serene, magical place, often with reflections of the surrounding peaks mirrored on the surface.

Take your time here. It’s a good spot to cool off, picnic, or simply sit and absorb the silence of the high fells.

The view down to Levers Water which will decend down into a little further on and walk on the path to the left of it as pictured above.

5. WALK Back to Coniston via the Miners’ Track

From Levers Water, the Miners’ Track leads downhill toward the Coppermines. The descent is straightforward and passes epic waterfalls and more ruins and spoil heaps, all of which tell the story of Coniston’s industrial past.

You can continue down the valley to return to Coniston village, or take a little detour to the plunge pool, which I highly recommend if the weather is good. See below.

6. Optional WALK detour at the Coppermines for the Plunge Pool

At the Coppermines buildings – you can make a 10 min detour up to the Plunge Pool as shown on the map route above. It takes a little bit of scrambling down into the pool however so be carefull! And I really recommend downloading my map route to find out exactly where the plunge pool is as it is hidden from the main path. After the plunge pool, simply retrace your steps and rejoin the main route back to the village

It is tricky to actually get down to the water level, and you will appraoch the plunge pool from the edge to the left of this picture. It requires careful scrambling down and it’s not recommended in wet weather. I have created a wild swimming eBook guide for the 10 best Lake District swim spots, which includes more detailed what3words locations and more detailed maps, which you can access below.

A History of the Coniston Coppermines Mines

The Coniston Coppermines, nestled on the flanks of the Old Man of Coniston in the Lake District, are among the most historically significant mining sites in England. Mining activity in the area dates back to at least the Bronze Age, but large-scale industrial extraction began in the late 16th century, when German miners (brought over for their advanced techniques) introduced deep shaft mining and complex tunnel systems. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Coniston had become one of Britain’s most productive copper mining regions, supplying copper for coins, ship fittings, and industrial tools during the rise of the British Empire.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the mines is their engineering sophistication. Miners carved vast underground networks using only hand tools, fire-setting (heating rock with fire then cracking it with cold water), and primitive explosives. The remains of water-powered machinery, including leats (man-made water channels), crushing floors, and ore washers, still trace the mountainside today. The mine system includes miles of interconnected tunnels, some of which still drain water from the mountain—essentially acting as a man-made underground river system. At its peak, the site employed hundreds of workers and operated as a small industrial settlement in extreme weather conditions at high altitude.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the mines played a quiet role in shaping the modern Lake District landscape. The copper spoil heaps, terraces, and stone structures helped form the iconic rugged scenery many visitors assume is purely natural. There are also stories of lost tunnels, sealed shafts, and hidden chambers, and some historians believe unexplored sections still exist. Even more remarkable: the copper extracted from Coniston was so pure that it was considered among the highest quality in Europe at the time. Today, the abandoned mines stand as a haunting blend of industry and wilderness—a rare place where ancient geology, human ambition, and natural beauty collide in one dramatic landscape.

Walking through this landscape today, it’s easy to imagine the sounds of industry echoing off the rocks. Many of the ruins are now protected, and the area is part of the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An AI enhanced image of the Conniston Coppermines, showing it’s industrial past

📷 Photography Tips for THE OLD MAN OF CONISTON

• Best sunrise/sunset views: From the summit of Coniston Old Man or reflections at Levers Water

• Dramatic ridge shots: From the saddle between Old Man and Swirl How.

• Waterfall photos: The plunge pool is an idyllic spot (get there early to have it all to yourself)

• Wildlife close-ups: Early morning often brings sightings of red deer, mountain birds, and even foxes.

Don’t forget to bring a wide-angle lens — this route is packed with epic scenery.

Safety Tips for YOUR Old Man of Coniston WALK

• Check the forecast before setting out, I use  www.mountain-forecast.com or Mountain Weather Information Service.

• Download the GPX route above to your phone or on OS Maps App — mist can descend quickly, especially on the tops.

• Bring a paper map and compass just in case batteries fail!

• Wear sturdy hiking footwear; some paths are steep and rocky and loose stone

• Pack layers, food, and plenty of water — it can get cold on the summit tops and there are no facilities on the route itself.

• Let someone know your planned route and expected return time.

Where to Eat and Drink After Your Walk

You’ve earned a hearty meal — luckily, Coniston village has some top spots:

• The Sun Coniston – Historic inn with great views and a cosy pub.

• The Black Bull Inn: Home of Bluebird Bitter, excellent pub grub, and a walkers’ vibe.

• Herdwicks Café: Great coffee, cakes, and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Steam Bistro: A more upmarket option with seasonal local produce.

Where to Stay in Coniston

Coniston makes an excellent base for walking holidays in the Lake District, with options to suit every budget, here’s two options very close to this walk:

• YHA Coniston Coppermines – Affordable hostel with brilliant access to the walk.

• Coniston Coppermines Cottages – Unique stays close to the start of the walk.

Final Thoughts ON THE OLD MAN OF CONISTON WALK

The Old Man of Coniston walk via Swirl How and Levers Water is an unforgettable Lake District walk. It blends high mountain drama with peaceful tarns, industrial heritage with natural beauty, and popular paths with quiet escapes.

Whether you’re ticking off Wainwrights, photographing landscapes, or simply enjoying a big day out in the fells, this route ticks all the boxes.

So lace up your boots, pack your flask, and discover the best of the South Lakes from the top of the Coniston Fells.

Share Your Experience

Got any questions? Have you done this Old Man of Coniston circular walk? Share your tips, photos, or route variations in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you got on!