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.

• •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.