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The Old Man of Coniston
via Goats Hause

Summit Sheep (see Notes)
Part of the summit greeting party

Highlights of this walk

  • One of Lakeland's famous peaks
  • Views of Coniston Water, Lake Windermere and the Langdale Pikes
  • Goats Water (tarn) and Dow Crag
  • Historic mine workings
At 803 metres (2276 feet) the Old Man of Coniston is a small mountain, but a challenging enough climb for an average walker. What it lacks in height it makes up for in views, offering a commanding view of two beautiful lakes and the dramatic sight of Goats Water (tarn) cowering under the forbidding cliffs of Dow Crag. The return path passes Low Water, another tarn, but with grassy edges and sparkling water in complete contrast with the dark face of Goats Water. The conical summit also provides views of the Langdale Pikes and the Scafell range.

Safety and Difficulty

The Old Man of Coniston is an easy climb by Lakeland standards and offers no major challenges. All the paths can be traversed upright, without resorting to a hands-and-feet scramble. It is steep, however; especially the section from Goat's Water up to the pass at Goat's Hause, and it is subject to the sudden weather changes common to Lake District peaks. Distance - 6 miles.

To use this guide

Review START Page (this one), check ROUTE and Map, check NOTES for points of interest, go and enjoy yourself!

Road Directions

Take the A503 from Ambleside right into the village of Coniston and park either in the village or up the hill at Walna Scar Road.

Car Parking

Use Coniston's main car park next to the Tourist Information Office (toilets adjacent) and pass through the village to start the walk. Alternatively, use the Dixon Ground car park, close to the Sun Hotel, which is on the lower slopes of "The Old Man". You can also park at the roadside leading up to Walna Scar Road or up the hill in the gated car park at the start of the green lane called Walna Scar Road (NB this car park is at the top of a very steep road and this walk guide assumes you will want to treat your car gently and leave it lower down the hill!).