Old Man of CONISTON Walk: A Complete Guide from Coniston Village

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 climb with breathtaking views, fascinating mining heritage, and rugged mountain scenery. While many walkers take the popular out-and-back route, the circular walk via Swirl How and Levers Water is the perfect way to experience the full grandeur of the Coniston Fells. And on my version of the route I’ve tagged on a little detour to the Coppermines Plunge Pool – an idyllic spot 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 walk than a viist here! Read on to learn about my detour tip to find it.

Why Walk thIS Old Man of Coniston Circular?

There are plenty of reasons this route is a favourite among Lake District hikers:

• 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 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 offers the ideal balance of challenge, beauty, and interest.

OLD MAN of CONISTON MAP ROUTE

My prefferd version of the Old Man of Coniston  walk starts from the Old Station Car Park in Coniston Village and heads in a clockwise direction. You have a gentle start along Church Beck and then head to Low Water. From there it gets steep but you are soon at the summit of The Old Man of Conistonwith stunning 360 views. From there head to Swirl How where the going is easier before a steep decent to Levers Water and continuing to the Coppermines buildings. At this point my little tip is to detour to the Plunge Pool (you can of course miss this out and just keep heading back down to Coniston.

🅿️ 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 walk 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

• Refills available at the Coniston Co-op or local cafés

Route Description: Old Man of Coniston Circular Walk

1. From Coniston to the Coppermines Valley

Leave the Old Station Car Park and walk west along the road towards the hills. Pass through the charming village, past the Ruskin Museum, and follow signs for the Coppermines Valley. A gravel lane winds 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.

The walk starts off gentle – and with great views of the route we will take – with Coniston Old Man summit on the far left of the pic – and Swirl How to the 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.

Low Water is a perfect place for a pit stop!

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

Continue uphill following signs for the Old Man, 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 

3. Traverse the Ridge to Swirl How

Don’t stop now — the real joy of this route is in the Coniston ridge walk. From the Old Man’s summit, continue north on a clear, undulating path towards Brim Fell and then on to Swirl How.

This section is classic Lake District ridge walking: a narrow but 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 si pretty easy going considering what we have just done!

4. 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

5. Back to Coniston via the Miners’ Track

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

Soon you’ll reconnect with your outward path and return through the Coppermines Valley to the village.

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Coniston Old Man circular via Swirl How and Levers Water — a classic Lake District adventure.

6. Optional 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.

A Brief History of the Coniston Mines

The Coppermines Valley is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the Lake District. Mining in the area dates back over 400 years, with Coniston producing copper well into the 19th century. At its peak, the valley supported hundreds of workers, and the mines reached deep into the fells beneath the Old Man.

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.

📷 Photography Tips

• Best sunrise/sunset views: The summit of Coniston Old Man, or reflections at Levers Water.

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

• 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 Walking The Old Man of

Coniston

• Check the forecast before setting out: www.mountain-forecast.com or MWIS.

• Bring map, compass, and/or GPS — mist can descend quickly, especially on the tops.

• Wear sturdy footwear; some paths are steep and rocky.

• Pack layers, food, and plenty of water — 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 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:

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

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

• YHA Coniston Coppermines – Affordable hostel with brilliant mountain access.

Final Thoughts

The Old Man of Coniston walk via Swirl How and Levers Water is an unforgettable Lake District experience. 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

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!