Coniston Hiking Trails: 6 Best Walks for All Levels

If you’ve only ever heard of one Lake District fell, it may well be the Old Man of Coniston. Looming large over the village, this famous fell is also one of the highest, clocking in at 803m (2634 ft) so it’s a proper mountain with several well-marked routes to the summit. A classic climb that’s popular with fell-walkers and tourists, it’s definitely one to tick off your list.

A bit rocky in parts, with some steep climbs and descents, the Old Man is considered a moderately challenging fell, but anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to manage it. 

You can set off walking from Coniston, although you might want to drive up the steep road out of the village and start the route from Walna Scar Car Park if you want to be a bit less puffed out by the time you’re enjoying the glorious views from the top – including as far as Blackpool Tower if it’s a really clear day!

Coniston Old Man route >

Length: 6.1 km
Elevation gain: 591 m
Time: Allow at least 4 hrs

Starting point >

What more could you want from a walk than ancient woodland, serene valleys, a secret tunnel leading to a vast and magical, 40 feet high, light-flooded cavern hidden in the hillside, and an awe-inspiring deep, flooded quarry with Britain’s scariest cave?

This walk, which takes in Hodge Close Quarry (featured in the Netflix show The Witcher) and Cathedral Cave has all that and more. Sturdy boots and head torch essential. 

You can park your car at the Tilberthwaite Ghyll car park, but arrive early if you want to guarantee a space – this is a popular walk into Cumbria’s industrial past, with dramatic scenery aplenty on route. It’s mostly level but there are a few rocky and uneven sections, and be especially careful when you’re peering down into Hodge Close Quarry – if you’ve got time, you can even get right down to the water’s edge via an otherworldly woodland path. 

Cathedral Cavern & Hodge Close Quarry route >

Length: 4.7 km
Elevation gain: 179 m
Time: 1:30 hrs

Starting point >

Go back in time and explore the remnants of Coniston’s copper mining past with a walk into the rugged, scarred landscape of the Coppermines Valley high above Coniston. 

There’s plenty to see along the way. Look out for spoil heaps, the foundations of long-gone buildings, and open shafts and tunnels. See cascading waterfalls and the old Miner’s Bridge – and keep an eye out for the Pudding Stone.

Starting out in the centre of Coniston village, this moderate walk is mostly on gravel tracks and rough footpaths so make sure you’re wearing your sturdiest boots. There are some steep drops along the way, so if you’re walking with your furry friend, make sure they stay on the lead. 

Coniston Coppermines route >

Length: 5.8 km
Elevation gain: 276 m
Time: 2 hrs

Starting point >

This pleasant and not-too-strenuous low-level stroll along the lake shore from Coniston to Torver is one of the Lake District National Parks Miles Without Stiles routes, so it’s accessible to all.

Things to look out for on the 7km walk include the massive chimneys at Coniston Hall Farm, the vast expanse of Grizedale Forest, and Brantwood – the former home of John Ruskin – over on the opposite side of the lake.

Heading out from the Lake Road car park at the Coniston Boating Centre, it’s not long before you’re walking along the shoreline towards Torver Jetty. When you get to the jetty, you’ve got a decision to make – do you turn round and head back the way you came, or do you wait for the launch and sail back to Coniston? Or, do you follow the signs inland to Torver village and have a cheeky pint and something to eat at The Wilson Arms before you head back?

Coniston to Torver route >

Length: 6.8 km
Elevation gain: 203 m
Time: 2 hrs

Starting point >

A gentle meander along the northern shore of Coniston Water lakeshore followed by something to eat and drink in the village – if that sounds like your kind of morning, then this short, easy Miles Without Stiles route is one for you. 

You get gorgeous views down the lake and of the surrounding fells, and it’s all on paths that are accessible to everyone.

Park up at the lakeside car park at Monk Coniston, then follow the well-marked route anti-clockwise along the shore to the village, before heading back the way you came. Monk Coniston is also a good starting point for walks to Tarn Hows, and Brantwood (the former home of John Ruskin).

Monk Coniston Lakeside Walk route >

Length: 8.2 km
Elevation gain: 417 m
Time: 3hrs

Starting point >

Taking in part of the Cumbrian Way, along with woods, lakes, waterfalls (Colwith Force and Skelwith Force), the intriguing Marshalls Kennel (a Victorian folly once home to a pack of hunting hounds) and views of the Langdale Pikes, this picturesque walk covers about 18km in all so it’s a perfect half-dayer – depending on how often you stop of course.

The walk starts from Coniston village, before heading up towards Tarn Hows, onto High Park Farm, Colwith Force (you’ll hear it before you see it), through the woods to Skelwith Force, past Elterwater and into the village of Chapel Stile.

From the village you’ll carry on to New Bridge (built in 1818, so not that new anymore), take in the view of the Langdale Pikes, before descending to a stone path and finally reaching Dungeon Ghyll. Time for a pint at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel? Or maybe the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel? You’ve earned it.

Coniston to Dungeon Ghyll route >

Length: 18.1km
Elevation gain: 414m
Time: 4hrs

Starting point >