The Old Man of Coniston
via Goats Hause

Dow Crag

Directions

Walk up the steep road that starts opposite the petrol station (gas station) on the south end of the town At the waterworks (grassed-over reservoir) turn left following the signs to Walna Scar Road. At the top of the metalled road the green lane called Walna Scar Road begins at the gated car park. Follow the green lane up to a shoulder. Ignore the path leads that off to the right, signposted for the summit, and continue straight ahead on Walna Scar Road.

Go through a gate and continue until you reach a right fork with steps leading up to a path skirting round behind the Old Man. (If you reach a bridge you have gone too far and will need to back-track to find the steps.)

Head towards the striking prominence of Dow Crag, past the old quarry, over a ridge, then down to Goat's Water (a tarn trapped between Dow Crag and the Old Man).

Follow the path from Goat's Water up to the saddle (col) of Goat's Hause. As you come onto level ground at the top of the pass turn sharp right towards the summit. Looking left on the summit approach notice the zigzags, which will be your return route.

After enjoying the views from the summit, head down the zigzags towards Low Water, a green banked tarn sheltering under Brim Fell (the adjacent peak). Turn right after Low Water and head towards Lake Coniston. Pass through the old mine workings and turn right to head towards the gated car park you walked through at the start of Walna Scar Road. Keep on the path, passing a side path on the left and continuing to the next junction, where you take a left fork (the right fork goes to the gated car park). On the hill to the left notice the cascade of Levers Water Back.

Go through a gate in a wall and head towards some cottages. The path now follows the stream (Levers Water Beck) leading towards another wall. Go through another gate and past a waterfall.

PUBLISHED MAPS