Old Man of Coniston
A circular walk including Dow Crag, Brim Fell and Swirl How
The Old Man of Coniston is one of the most iconic fells in the Lake District, standing at 803 meters (2,634 feet). It offers stunning views over Coniston Water and the surrounding fells. My guide will help you explore several different routes including the circular route starting from the Walna Scar car park, covering several fells including Dow Crag, Brim Fell, the Old Man of Coniston, and Swirl How.
Walking to Swirl How from the Old Man of Coniston
The routes up Old Man of Coniston
Standing at 2,633 feet (803 metres), the Old Man of Coniston ranks among the loftier fells in the Lake District. There are various paths leading to its summit, but two are particularly popular and they can be linked to form a circular walk. The challenge level of the trail varies depending on your preference between the shorter steep ascent or a longer, more scenic and gradual climb.
Most of my routes start from the Walna Scar Car Park instead of Coniston town centre as this skips an unnecessary steep climb up at the start which involves a narrow and uneven road. The Walna Scar car park is a decent size with plenty of parking so it's unlikely you'll have to worry about getting a space if you get there after 10am.
From here you can either take the relatively flat track heading North which winds its way up towards the Old Man of Coniston Summit. Or, you can take my preferred route and head West out of Walna Sca car park and add on a few fells (route 2 below).
The Routes up Old Man of Coniston
Walking route option 1: Via Low Water (this is the simplest and most direct route) - 8km
Walking route option 2: Via Brown Pike - ticks off 5 mountains in one route - 15km
Walking route option 3: Via Goats Water and Swirl How - 13km
Walking route option 4: Via Lever’s Water - 9km
Walking route option 5: The Coniston Round - 21km
Walking route option 1: Via Low Water
The shortest and most direct route up Old Man of Coniston
Old Man of Coniston walking route via Low Water
This is the simplest and most direct route to the summit, starting from Coniston village. Follow the well-trodden path that leads past Low Water, a small tarn situated below the summit. The ascent is steep but rewarding with superb views over Coniston Water.
Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Best for: A quick and straightforward hike to the top
Walking route option 2: Via Brown Pike and Swirl How
Ticks of 4 Lake District fells and my favorite route
Old Man of Coniston walking route via Brown Pike
Starting at the Walna Scar car park, follow the Walna Scar track, passing the Trover bridge and heading up towards the first summit, Brown Pike.
The route then follows the ridge covering Brown Pike, Buck Pike, Dow Crag and then on to Old Man of Coniston. Once you’ve summited, start to make your way back the way you came an on towards Swirl How.
Distance: 9 miles (15 km)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Start: Walna Scar car park
Walking route option 3: Via Goats Water and Swirl How
Involves a scramble up towards Dow Crag
Old Man of Coniston via Goats Water and Swirl How
Starting at the Walna Scar car park, follow the Walna Scar track before branching off towards Goats Water. This serene tarn, located under the imposing cliffs of Dow Crag, is a great spot for a break.
From here, start your climb up to Dow Crag. The section heading up is rocky in parts and can be tricky in wet weather. I don’t advise doing this route in poor. weather conditions.
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Start: Walna Scar car park
Walking route option 4: Via Lever’s Water
Old Man of Coniston via Levers water
Starting from Walna Scar Car Park, this scenic route takes you up to Levers Water and on to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. From the car park, follow the well-defined path North, steadily climbing with breathtaking views over the valley. As you approach Levers Water, the terrain opens up, offering stunning views of the lake sitting beneath the towering crags.
From here, the path continues to climb, leading you towards the summit of Old Man of Coniston. The views from the top are worth every step, with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding fells, Coniston Water, and beyond. After taking in the summit views, descend towards Low Water, following the rocky trail down. The path winds its way past old quarry workings before reconnecting with the route back to Walna Scar Car Park.
Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km)
Duration: 3-4 hours
Start: Walna Scar car park
Walking route option 5: The Coniston round
For seasoned hikers or Wainwright enthusiasts looking for a challenge, taking on the Old Man of Coniston as part of the Coniston Round is a must-do. This route covers all the major Coniston fells, including Dow Crag, Swirl How, and Wetherlam, giving you a full day of adventure. If you’ve got the energy, you can even detour and bag up to 7 Wainwrights in one go.
Starting from Coniston Village, head up the Walna Scar road towards Dow Crag, then make your way to the Old Man of Coniston via Goat's Hawse. From there, follow the path north to Brim Fell and on to Swirl How. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take a quick detour to Grey Friar or Great Carrs before looping back to Swirl How. Keep heading east to reach Wetherlam, the final summit of the day, before descending into Coppermines Valley and back to Coniston village.
This hike is long but packed with stunning views. And when you’re done, Coniston village has plenty of cosy pubs to reward yourself with a well-earned drink – the perfect end to an epic day on the fells.
Distance: 21KM
Duration: 7 hours
The Coniston Circuit walking route map
My hike up the Old Man of Coniston
If you’re looking for an iconic Lake District hike that offers a satisfying blend of breathtaking views, rugged terrain, and a bit of a challenge, then Old Man of Coniston is a must. This classic Lakeland route offers more than just one summit – it’s a chance to explore a series of peaks that form part of the Coniston fells, including Brown Pike, Buck Pike, Dow Crag, and Swirl How.
Here's a detailed guide on how to take on this incredible hike, starting from the Walna Scar Car Park.
Starting point: Walna Scar car park
The hike begins at the Walna Scar Car Park, a popular starting point for many hikers aiming for the Old Man and its neighbouring fells. Get there early, especially in the summer months, as it can fill up quickly. Parking costs £5 for 6 hours. From here, follow the wide, well-defined Walna Scar Track. The initial section is a steady climb, giving your legs a gentle warm-up as you head deeper into the heart of the Coniston fells.
One of the first landmarks along the way is Trover Bridge, a picturesque little spot, perfect for a quick pause to admire the scenery. Crossing the bridge, continue along the track as it starts to ascend more steeply. This is where the real challenge begins as you head towards the first summit of the day, Brown Pike.
Brown Pike and the ridge to Buck Pike
The path up to Brown Pike is a gradual but continuous incline, with rocky sections that require a bit of careful footing. As you climb higher, you’ll begin to get some incredible views down to Coniston Water, and if the weather is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of Morecambe Bay in the distance.
The terrain ahead undulates as the ridge leads you onto Buck Pike. The path is straightforward to follow, with some rocky sections to navigate, but nothing too technical. Buck Pike is a less prominent summit but still offers great views as you edge closer to the dramatic Dow Crag.
Dow Crag: the highlight of the Ridge
The next peak on the list is Dow Crag, one of the most dramatic fells in the Lake District. Known for its steep craggy face and fantastic views, Dow Crag is a real highlight of the ridge. The path skirts around the summit, and a short detour takes you to the top where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the entire Coniston range and beyond. This is also a popular spot for climbers tackling the rock faces that Dow Crag is famous for.
From here, you can see your next target: the summit of the Old Man of Coniston, just across the col.
Reaching the summit of Old Man of Coniston
The final climb up to the Old Man of Coniston from the col is a short but steep one. The well-trodden path zigzags up the mountainside, and it’s hard not to feel the anticipation building as you near the top. The summit cairn of the Old Man stands at 803 metres, offering one of the most iconic views in the Lake District. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Man and Blackpool Tower, with the shimmering waters of Coniston Water below providing a stunning backdrop.
Once you’ve reached the summit, take some time to soak in the views, snap a few photos, and enjoy the sense of achievement. This is one of the most popular peaks in the Lakes for a reason, and the 360-degree views are nothing short of spectacular.
Heading towards Swirl How
After a well-deserved break at the summit of the Old Man, it’s time to continue your adventure. Rather than retracing your steps entirely, the route heads north towards Swirl How, another impressive fell in the Coniston range. The descent from the Old Man towards Swirl How is rocky but manageable, and soon you’ll find yourself on the ridge that connects the two fells.
Swirl How is one of the highest peaks in the area, standing at 802 metres, and it offers fantastic views across to the Langdale Pikes and Scafell Range. From here, you can also spot Wetherlam, another peak in the Coniston fells, which could be added as an optional extra if you’re feeling energetic.
The Descent and Return to Walna Scar Car Park
After summiting Swirl How, it’s time to begin your descent. There are a few different options from here, but the most straightforward is to follow the path down towards Levers Water, a mountain tarn sat in a dramatic bowl surrounded by steep crags. The descent is gradual, and once you reach Levers Water, the path becomes easier underfoot.
Continue following the trail down towards Low Water, another small tarn, before picking up the main path that leads back towards Walna Scar Car Park. The final section of the walk takes you past some old quarry workings, a reminder of the area’s industrial past, before you arrive back at the car park, tired but fulfilled after a full day of exploring the Coniston fells.
Things to plan
When planning your hike up Old Man of Coniston, it’s crucial to be prepared for the varying conditions you may encounter. Weather in the Lake District is unpredictable, so pack warm layers, including a base layer, fleece, and a waterproof jacket and trousers, as temperatures can drop and rain is always a possibility, especially at higher altitudes. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential for the rocky terrain. Bring a map, compass, and ideally a GPS device, as visibility can quickly deteriorate in cloud cover. Don't forget to pack plenty of food and at least 2 litres of water for the 5-7 hour trek.
A small first aid kit, head torch, and fully charged phone should be part of your essential kit, along with checking the weather forecast beforehand to ensure it’s safe to set off. With these preparations, you'll be well-equipped for a rewarding day on the fells.
Kit list for the mountains
Here's a list of essential items to bring:
Sturdy walking boots and socks with good ankle support
You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!
Hiking socks: I personally use Smartwool merino wool socks which are incredibly comfy, help keep my feet dry
Daypack: when out walking in the Lakes, I always take my Osprey Talon 44L bag. I recommend the Osprey daypacks such as the Talon range for men and Tempest range for woman.
Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key
You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you are going to be hiking often then investing in a good waterproof may be a good idea
Warm layers
Fleece - My go-to warm layer - Patagonia R1 Fleece
Warm gloves or mittens: I personally use the Rab Mens Pivot GTX Gloves and these worked well on my recent winter hiking trips.
Lightweight Gloves: For lower hills I recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. I personally use the Sealskinz unisex waterproof gloves if it is raining and the Montane Prism gloves if it is dry but windy (they are lighter and a little more comfy.
Neck bandana or scarf: For the chilly days on the mountain, I recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. I recommend the Buff unisex bandana.
Map and compass (and the ability to use them)
Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. I recommend adjustable Black Diamond or Leki trekking poles
Food and water
Kendal Mint Cake is my favourite snack for any walk and is a famous snack still made in the Lake District
Water bladder / bottles: When out in the fells, I aim to drink at least 1L of water. I recommend the Osprey 2 litre water badder which can be used in most backpacks.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
First aid kit - a small mix of plasters, Savalon (for bites and stings) and antiseptic wipes will do
Head torch: You will need a head torch with a decent power for any trips to the loo and more importantly the summit hike. I personally use a Petzl ACTIK® 600 CORE which is affordable and has a decent battery life. You’ll also need spare batteries as the cold will drain them quicker.
Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger.
I recommend any Anker Power Bank as they are reliable and well made. I use the USB-C 10,000 maH with 20W model. It charges my phone and watch when wild camping and is a great lightweight option
