Coniston Old Man Walk
Black Bull Inn - Old Mines - Levers Water - Boulder Valley - Low Water - Coniston Old Man - Levers Hawse - Swirl How - Prison Band - Wetherlam - Old Mines - Black Bull Inn
This is a thoroughly delightful walk that takes in 3 peaks over 2500 feet (4 if you include Brim Fell), yet can be classed as an 'easy' walk to be enjoyed by all. For 'Peak-Baggers', an additional 3 peaks over 2500 feet can be reached with ease.
There are various places to park in Coniston, including the School (on non-school days), which operates an 'honesty-box' policy - please do pay something if you choose to park there. Starting at the Black Bull Inn, follow the road towards Torver across the bridge over Church Beck, then turn right towards the Sun Hotel. The path begins behind the Sun Hotel, heading north-west through a field before joining Church Beck. Follow the path until you reach Miner's Bridge, then cross the bridge and follow the path alongside the bank of Church Beck and then Red Dell Beck, up towards the old mine works. Take some time to explore this area, as the old mine works add much interest to the walk, and there are several old levels (horizontal mine 'shafts', like caves) to be explored - do take care though! The route then heads up to Levers Water, with the path heading north-west, alongside Levers Water Beck to the west, beneath Kennel Crag. Once you have reached Levers Water, follow the shore south-west, again taking time to explore the old mine works - do take care, as the shafts are extremely deep, and in poor visibility you should not cross the fences that surround them. Next, break away from Levers Water and head south, down through Boulder Valley to the Pudding Stone, a huge boulder which never fails to tempt walkers with a little climb to its summit!
From the Pudding Stone continue south towards the main path to the summit of Coniston Old Man, just below the old quarry works. Follow the path up to Low Water, and continue the ascent as the route zig-zags up to the summit. From the top of Coniston Old Man, follow the ridge route north, across Brim Fell (Peak-Baggers head south-west before Brim Fell to reach Dow Crag via Goat's Hause, returning by the same path) and over Levers Hawse to Swirl How, the main hub of the Coniston fells. From Swirl How it is only a short distance on to Great Carrs (north) and Grey Friar (west) for the Peak-Baggers. Those who aren't Peak-Baggers should head north-east towards Wetherlam, descending carefully across Prison Band. On a clear day Wetherlam offers superb views over the rest of Lakeland to the north. From the summit of Wetherlam descend south-south-west to Swallow Scar and Red Gill Head Moss, then follow the path south towards the old mine works and cottages. Return to the Black Bull Inn via the same path used at the beginning of the walk - alternatively, do not cross Miner's Bridge and descend into Coniston via the rocky track on the eastern bank of Church Beck.
Approx. distance: 9.1 miles
Approx. total ascent: 3829 feet
Approx. time: 4.5-6.5 hours