TrailTrack
The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]
Lake District

The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

802M
2632FT

About The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man]

A staple of the Southern Fells, the Old Man is defined by its dramatic industrial scars and steep, rocky paths. While the climb from Coniston village is a steady pull, the summit rewards you with expansive views over Coniston Water and toward the Scafell range.

Key Statistics

Rank
60th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Fells
Prominence
?
417m
Nearest Town
Torver
Geology
You tread on layers of ancient volcanic ash and debris—dacitic tuff, sandstone and breccia of volcanic origin, and rhyolitic tuff—forming the fell’s rugged base.
Nearby Fells

Find It

Latitude
54.3707°N
Longitude
3.1214°W

Did You Know?

  • •The fell has been mined for copper and slate for over 800 years, leaving behind significant industrial remains like the abandoned machinery in Coppermines Valley and the massive quarries near Low Water.
  • •Standing at 802 metres, it is the highest point in the Furness Fells and served as the historic 'county top' of Lancashire until administrative boundary changes in 1974.
  • •The name is thought to derive from the Old Welsh 'Alt Maen', which translates to 'High Stone', though it conveniently describes the cairn-topped silhouette seen from the valley below.
  • •Just below the summit lies Low Water, a glacial tarn that was dammed in the 19th century to provide a consistent water supply for the waterwheels powering the mining operations further down the mountain.
  • •The main tourist path is so heavily used it’s practically a 'pedestrian motorway,' meaning you should prepare to have your lungs burned by the ascent while being effortlessly overtaken by local fell runners.

Have you walked this?

Log it now to add it to your collection.

You need to open an account before you can track your trails.

3D Flyover

Experience a virtual tour of The Old Man of Coniston [Coniston Old Man] with our interactive 3D terrain map.