It’s hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village like the Matterhorn hangs over Zermatt. Smaller of course, but in the same way it is an integral part of the landscape. Most people attempt it via the Tourist Path which climbs a short and direct route up its eastern side. This is OK and not without interest as it climbs through old quarries and passes the dramatically positioned tarn of Low Water. But in terms of what Coniston Old Man has to offer, it is not the best route and is best left for descent after exploring other routes first.

The view from the top is truly breathtaking. One can see the entire Coniston Water, along with stunning panoramas of the Lake District. As you make your way to the summit, the rugged beauty of the landscape becomes more pronounced, and the sense of achievement upon reaching the peak is unparalleled.

Visitors to Coniston are often drawn to the allure of Coniston Old Man, and rightly so. Whether one is an experienced hiker seeking a challenging ascent or a casual adventurer looking to experience the natural splendor of the area, the allure of Coniston Old Man is undeniable. It’s a place where memories are made, where one can truly connect with nature and find solace in the grandeur of the outdoors.

Here’s a screen shot of the route taken – it was a long hard day. Scorching hot and beautiful blue skies.

We embarked on our journey nice and early, under the assumption that an early start would spare us from the scorching heat of later hours. Alas, our assumption proved to be utterly wrong! The trek stretched on for almost the entire day, and as we descended from the summit of Old Man, I found myself succumbing to severe dehydration. My urgent need for hydration became alarmingly clear as we made our way down.

The walk took us out of Coniston and up through Yewdale Crag and Goats Crag towards Steel Edge. As we ventured along the path, the rugged beauty of the landscape unfolded before us, with the majestic peaks of Yewdale Crag and Goats Crag towering above. The serenity of the surroundings was palpable, and with each step, it felt as though we were immersing ourselves in the timeless allure of the Lake District. The ascent towards Steel Edge presented a thrilling challenge, as we navigated the undulating terrain, feeling the exhilaration of the journey and the satisfaction of each hard-earned step. As we pressed on, the panorama from the vantage point of Steel Edge was nothing short of breathtaking, offering sweeping views that extended as far as the eye could see. It was a truly invigorating experience, and one that left an indelible mark on our hearts and memories.

We then followed Crook Beck back towards Hole Rake, a scenic route filled with lush greenery and the soothing sound of flowing water. The trail led us onward to the Coniston Hydroelectric Scheme, where the impressive engineering marvel stood in stark contrast to the natural beauty surrounding it. As we continued our journey, we couldn’t help but marvel at the seamless integration of human innovation with the picturesque landscape, a juxtaposition that reminded us of the delicate balance between nature and progress.

The path we ventured upon led us to the picturesque Levers Water, where we were struck by the incredibly low water levels. As we ambled along the water’s edge, we stumbled upon a track that ascended steeply towards the ridge through Gill Cove. The scorching weather made the climb arduous and laborious, but the breathtaking views from the top made every step worth it.

At the top, we turned left and could now see the path along the ridge that would take us to the top of The Old Man of Coniston. The views were beautiful and the climb worth it. As we continued along the ridge, the gentle breeze caressed our skin, carrying the scent of heather and damp earth. The rolling hills spread out before us, adorned with patches of vibrant green and golden brown. The distant call of birds added to the tranquil symphony of nature, creating a sense of peace and serenity. Each step brought us closer to the summit, and with every glance backward, the landscape seemed to unfold in new and breathtaking ways. Our journey was not just a physical ascent, but a spiritual awakening, connecting us to the ancient wisdom and timeless beauty of the land. It was a testament to the power of nature to heal, inspire, and humble us in the most profound way.

A rest at the summit along with quite a few other fellow walkers and then it was off down via Walna Scar car park.

We descended in the scorching heat, our throats parched with no fluids to lift our spirits. As we trudged along, a mysterious figure began to emerge in the distance. It grew larger and larger as we drew nearer. To our incredulous delight, we realized it was a bright yellow ice-cream van nestled in the car park. It was a surreal sight, almost like encountering an angel in the desert. The promise of cold, sweet relief made my heart leap with joy. Oh, the irony of it all – in that moment, the ice-cream van seemed like a godsend. It was as though the universe had conspired to reward our resilience with this unexpected treat. I felt an overwhelming urge to break into a run, propelled by the prospect of indulging in the cool, creamy goodness within.

What a fantastic way to conclude a delightful stroll – and now we make our way back to the place where we began.

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