Instead of going straight up and down Coniston’s most famous mountain, the Old Man of Coniston circular route – walked anti-clockwise – takes you over three of the Coniston Fells before you reach the Old Man himself. 🏔️
Expect plenty of “wow” and “oh wow” moments along the way – and not just from the glute workout 😅

Old Man of Coniston (803 m / 2,634 ft), the highest point in historic Lancashire, welcomes walkers of all abilities when they visit the Lake District.

And on a ridiculously sunny July day during a family holiday, the iconic mountain drew me in too. ☀️

Dominating the skyline, the Old Man of Coniston is a challenging yet accessible mountain.
The reward? Sweeping views that make you forget the effort – including Coniston Water, the surrounding mountains, and even Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea stretching towards the Isle of Man …if the weather is clear. 🌊🏞️

The mix of small lakes (tarns), dramatic peaks, old mines, sea views, and open valleys creates a truly classic Lake District landscape.

There are many routes up the mountain, but lots of people keen to reach the summit quickly choose the direct out-and-back route from Coniston or the Walna Scar car park. 🚗

Sure, you get a great workout and iconic views of Low Water and Coniston Water, but honestly, the route is a bit direct and dull.
You’ll miss the stunning surrounding fells.
The best part? The real reward comes when you gain height and walk the ridgeline from Swirl How to the Old Man. 🌄

So if you want to stretch your day in the fells, I recommend the Old Man of Coniston Circular (or Horseshoe Walk).
The route is roughly 10 miles (16 km), starting from Coniston, and heads anti-clockwise eastwards, passing by Wetherlam, Swirl How, Brim Fell, and finally reaching the Old Man itself. 🥾

Although it’s a long day of walking, the first part is peaceful and enjoyable.
And since it was a clear day during school holiday season, we didn’t see anyone until near the end of the route. 😎

So if you’re looking for a quiet, slightly challenging route over the Old Man of Coniston that makes you feel like you’re walking above the world, keep reading! ✨

Table of Contents 📖

  • Old Man of Coniston Horseshoe Route Stats
  • Walking Route Map
  • How to Get to Coniston for the Old Man of Coniston Walk
  • Parking for the Old Man of Coniston Horseshoe Walk
  • Starting the Walk from Coniston
  • Ascent to Wetherlam
  • From Wetherlam to Swirl How
  • From Swirl How to Brim Fell
  • From Brim Fell to the Summit of the Old Man of Coniston
  • Wild Dip in Low Water and Return
  • Tips for Walking the Old Man of Coniston Circular

Old Man of Coniston Horseshoe Route Stats

  • Distance / Length: 15.5 km / 9.6 miles
  • Duration / Time: 6 – 6.5 hours (4.5 hours actual walking time)
  • Difficulty Level : Hard
  • Type of Route : Circular
  • Start/End Location : Coniston
  • Elevation Gain: 1,075 m
  • Terrain: combination of grassy footpaths, rocks (including a section of clambering over boulders) and loose scree
  • Accessibility: unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility

Walking Route Map

AllTrails route here (whilst our exact route isn’t on AllTrails, this is the most similar.)

How to Get There 🚗

A famous tourist city known for its breathtaking scenery in the lake district.

town Coniston is located in the southern part of Lake District National Park in Cumbria, northwest England, and this is where the walk begins.

If you live nearby, you can drive or take regular buses to Coniston from nearby towns like Ambleside, Windermere, and Kendal.

The nearest train station to Coniston is Windermere, about 13 miles away.
From Windermere station,… You can take the Stagecoach 505 bus to Coniston, which takes about 45 minutes 🚌.

Parking

In Coniston, there are plenty of visitor parking spots, most of them pay-and-display. Make sure to keep an eye on the time if you choose this option.

We usually get lucky and find free parking on Shepherd’s Bridge Lane. After Coniston Sports and Social Centre.

Starting the Walk

From the car, We walked north along Shepherd’s Bridge Lane with the river on our right, heading toward Coniston Holly How YHA.
Shortly after the YHA, we took a path between the houses and turned left at the gate.

After a short distance, We made it the path leading to Coniston Coppermines, which winds alongside Church Beck.
The paved path to Coppermines is all uphill and not the most exciting start.
But Coniston Waterfall and the horses lounging along the path were definite highlights.

We ignored the closed path on the left and continued up the hill, where we saw the Coppermines ahead and the Yorkshire Mountaineering Club Hut (more like a cluster of large stone houses than a hut!).

Here at the junction, with the river on our left, we took a gravel path to the right, just past the YMC Hut, to start the Old Man of Coniston Horseshoe Circular.

If you’re doing the walk on your own, When you reach the path on the right, take the first path on your left to start the ascent.
By mistake, we missed the path and followed the wide main track, and had to turn back because it started leading downhill to Coniston! 😅

After we got back on the right path following the wrong start, From here, the path is all uphill, with stops to shed a layer or two and take big sips of water.

After crossing a small stream, We chose the grassy path for the ascent, marking the start of the serious leg-burning section.

First stop: Wetherlam! ⛰️

Ascent to Wetherlam

The view behind us of Coniston Water, with Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea in the background, as we climbed Wetherlam Fell.

Ascent to The climb to Wetherlam was the longest, and I definitely felt it. – A continuous, tiring climb, alternating between muddy grass and gravel.

But whenever we needed to catch our breath, it was nice to stop and look back at Coniston Water, the coastline, Ambleside, and the surrounding fells on the left.
Honestly, I was surprised at how quickly we gained height! 😮

When we reached roughly the 400–500 m mark, I caught a quick glimpse of Levers Water. ، A reservoir in the upper Coppermines Valley, fed by Swirl Hawse and Cove Beck. 💧

After a few tempting false summits, At last, the stone cairn marking the summit of Wetherlam Fell appeared — the gently rounded hill (763 m / 2,503 ft). 🏔️

Enjoying the view (or striking a photo pose?) at the cairn on Wetherlam Fell’s summit.

The rocks were the perfect spot to enjoy our lunch and take in the stunning views of the fells and hills ahead.
Including Helvellyn, Langdale Pikes – almost all of the northeastern Lake District in all its lush, green beauty. 🌿

The view from the summit of Wetherlam Fell over the rolling hills of the eastern Lake District – photos really don’t do this view justice!

The breathtaking view from lunch | The Stunning Vista from Lunch 🎨

Honestly, it was one of the most incredible views of the entire trip—it revealed layer upon layer of rolling green peaks without any interruption.
Seriously, I wish I had a painting on my wall with this exact view! 🖼️

From Wetherlam to Swirl How

After we finally pulled ourselves away from that breathtaking lunch spot, we continued on our way. towards Swirl How, the second summit of the day on the circular Old Man of Coniston walk.

This section of the trail was the peak of the mountain “horseshoe.”
But it felt more like we were walking along the base of a Y-shaped ridge:

  • The right-hand side: Great Carrs, dramatic and striking all along the ridge line.

  • The left-hand side: Brim Fell.

Walking here It feels like you’re on a narrow edge between two massive carved valleys, with the ground dropping steeply on both sides. .

We reached a junction after a short descent, and suddenly I saw that reaching Swirl How’s summit meant scrambling up an almost vertical rock.
But we didn’t hesitate—we just went for it! 🪨💪

The ascent to Swirl How Fell. The rocky outcrops at the summit require some fun scrambling to get past.

The scramble up Swirl How was really fun—you often need to use your hands to steady yourself and clamber around the big rocks.
As for leg burn? Not too bad this time! 😅

To our left, there was a full view of Levers Water, while Coniston Water in the background gradually disappeared with every step we climbed. 🌊

Levers Water and Coniston Water during the ascent to Swirl How.

Sitting on the rocky summit of Swirl How at 802 m (2,631 ft), we took a moment to rest our legs and have some water.
But suddenly… The wind picked up, gray clouds gathered, and a light drizzle began, even though the sun had been shining just moments ago! 🌬️☁️

The mountains always test those who come unprepared. ⚠️

From Swirl How to Brim Fell

With my rain jacket zipped up to my chin, we walked across the wide open hill toward Brim Fell, the wind hitting our faces and the rain drizzling on us. 💨🌧️

Unlike most of the earlier walk, this section was a gentle climb—not the leg-burning workout we had before.

The ridgeline was absolutely amazing and one of the highlights of the views.
It feels like you’re walking on the back of a giant whale— Swirl How is the tail, and the hill rising to Brim Fell is the hump! 🐋

The descent from Swirl How on the way to Brim Fell and then Old Man, with Seathwaite Tarn on our right.

The familiar Levers Water was on our left, and Dow Crag straight ahead. But what really caught my eye was the view on my right.
There was Seathwaite Tarn and the towering, jagged mountains with tiny waterfalls behind them, making you keep turning back to look. 💧

After about half an hour, I reached the cairn marking Brim Fell.
If it weren’t for… …this pile of rocks, I might not have even noticed the third summit of the day. 🪨

The cairn marking Brim Fell, with the summit of Old Man of Coniston in the background.

From Brim Fell to the summit of Old Man of Coniston

The summit of Old Man of Coniston with Coniston Water in the background.

From Brim Fell to the summit of Old Man of Coniston | Brim Fell to Old Man of Coniston Summit 🏔️

The closer we got to… Old Man of Coniston, the trail became more crowded. …with tiny, ant-like figures gathering around the hill. 🐜

A gradual ascent We reached the summit and took a few photos at the tall cairn at the top of the hill. – whenever we could find it empty for a moment. 📸

Honestly, the summit was very crowded, and we spent less time there than at any of the previous peaks.
The view over Low Water and Coniston Water was stunning—but after having the mountains to ourselves earlier, the crowded atmosphere kind of spoiled the vibe a bit!

It was time to leave this place! 🏃‍♂️💨

The start of the trail from Old Man of Coniston toward Low Water and the village of Coniston.

A wild dip in Low Water and the return.

The descent from Old Man was, for me, the least enjoyable part of the trip.
Even though we saw remnants of historic quarries and old mining operations, it was very steep (about 600 m / 1,969 ft descent) with loose rocks and gravel underfoot, which made it a bit tough on the knees.

Remnants of industrial activity and an example of the loose, gravelly ground during the descent.

Honestly, we had it a bit easier than those struggling uphill — we’d tell every red-faced climber we passed, “You’re almost there!” 😅

When we reached the hidden Low Water in the Corrie, my sister and I exchanged a look… no words were needed—we just went in!

We stripped off our clothes and plunged into the dark, chilly pool 🥶
It was drizzling and the sun had disappeared behind the clouds, but the spot was much more sheltered from the wind than the ridgeline.
The cold? Honestly, amazing—but the kind that really makes you feel alive!

Like any time we take a dip in the wild, After a minute or two, with your shoulders underwater and a rush of adrenaline, you start to get used to the icy cold.

We swam to a large rock near the shore, climbed up, and jumped off it, thrilled like kids once again. 🪨💦

And it seems some strangers saw us and joined in the water, enjoying the attention we were getting from the shocked passersby.

After we’d had enough of the cold, we got out, dried off, and continued on the way back to Coniston.

From here, about 2 miles of descent on a footpath, which eventually brought us to the other side of the river we started from.
We crossed the bridge and gate over the river and walked down Church Road.

Overall, the Old Man of Coniston Horseshoe Circular was an awesome one-day challenge, and a great choice if you want a less crowded route that still covers multiple classic summits.
I highly recommend it! 🏔️🔥

Tips for hiking the Old Man of Coniston Circular 💡

Viewing the Old Man of Coniston from the eastern side.

  • Park smart and save a bit of money:
    for free parking options, Try Shepherd’s Bridge Lane after the Coniston Sports and Social Centre — spaces are limited, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. 🅿️

  • Start early:
    Head out in the morning. To beat the crowds, get a good parking spot, enjoy quieter trails, and most importantly, make the most of the whole day. It’s a full-day hike, so don’t set off late. 🌅

  • Check the weather (twice!):
    As we experienced ourselves, the Lake District weather can change suddenly and dramatically.
    Bring layers and a waterproof jacket, even if it’s sunny. 🌦️

  • Lunch at Wetherlam summit:
    The summit cairn is perfect for a lunch stop.
    Take your time and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the northern Lake District. 🏞️

  • Bring enough water and snacks:
    it’s essential. But with significant elevation gain and some tough climbs, you’ll really appreciate energy-boosting snacks and plenty of water. 💧

  • Watch your footing on the descent:
    The drop from Old Man toward Low Water is steep, with loose gravel in some areas.
    Take it slow and steady. Carefully and steadily, use a walking stick and wear good shoes to avoid slipping on the gravel. 🥾

  • Bring swimwear and a towel:
    Low Water Tarn is perfect for a refreshing wild dip.
    Don’t miss the chance—bring your swimsuit and towel! 💦