Discover how to summit Coniston Old Man via Goat’s Water. A scenic Lake District walk with dramatic views, varied terrain, and a classic tarn-side approach.
Towering above the village of Coniston, the Old Man is one of the Lake District’s most popular peaks and for good reason. While there are several routes to the summit, the ascent via Goat’s Water offers a more peaceful and dramatically scenic alternative to the tourist path. With a glacial tarn nestled beneath craggy slopes, a steady climb through old quarry workings, and sweeping views from the summit, this circular route packs in a lot without feeling overly strenuous.
Whether you’re ticking off Wainwrights or simply in search of a classic Lake District mountain day, this route delivers.
From Coniston village, follow signs to the Walna Scar Road. The car park is located at the end of the drivable section, it’s a rough track but manageable for most vehicles. Arrive early, especially in good weather, as spaces are limited.
Public transport users can start from the village and walk up to the Walna Scar track, adding around 30–40 minutes each way.
From the car park, follow the wide track west before picking up a smaller path that branches left towards Goat’s Water. The route climbs gradually, hugging the edge of the slope before levelling out as Goat’s Water comes into view. Set in a dramatic bowl beneath the towering cliffs of Dow Crag, it’s one of the Lake District’s most picturesque tarns.
Continue along the northern edge of the tarn. As the path rises, it becomes steeper and rockier as you make your way up to the col between the Old Man and Dow Crag. At the saddle, turn right to make the final push to the summit of Coniston Old Man (803 metres). A cairn and trig point mark the top, with panoramic views stretching across the South Lakes, Helvellyn range, and even out to Morecambe Bay.
Descend by following the broad path eastwards, passing old quarry workings and industrial relics that hint at the area’s copper mining history. Eventually, the trail meets the Walna Scar Road, leading you gently back to the car park.
This is a well-trodden mountain route with clear paths, though the section above Goat’s Water involves some steep and rocky ground. It’s manageable for most walkers with reasonable fitness, and offers a more scenic and quieter ascent compared to the direct path from Coniston village.
Goat’s Water is a perfect halfway point to pause for a break or snack, and the tarn often reflects the surrounding cliffs in calm weather. The descent via the old quarry is gentler underfoot and gives the walk a circular flow, without retracing your steps.
Coniston Old Man via Goat’s Water is a perfect blend of rugged scenery, mountain history, and manageable adventure. It’s a quieter, more characterful way to reach one of the Lake District’s most recognisable summits, and the views, both up and down, make it well worth the climb.
Photo by Daniel Canetti on Unsplash
