THE OLD MAN OF CONISTON

It is probably the biggest star in Coniston and the attraction that attracts most of the world in the village. From the top of his 803 metres, this proud colossus offers something more than all his counterparts in the park. Here, the industrial past is as poignant as the panorama on the sea and mountains. Throughout the ascent, remnants of mining activity are present as if the workers suddenly deserted the scene. There are endless cables, metal rods and ruins of shelters decimated… From the centre of Coniston, at the Black Bull level, pass the bridge and turn right. Take the path behind The Sun Hotel and don't leave it anymore. When you arrive at a new bridge, don't win the road and stay on the path that runs along it. You will then find a cross named Crowberry Hows and you will have to continue straight to the lake of Low Tarn, that is where the climb becomes heavier. The trail climbs to the south, to your left, until the Old Man's summit. It is very narrow and rough, so beware. But the reward is big: to the southwest, the offshore wind farm in Walney, northwest, Scafell Pike, and to the east, Coniston Water. You can go down by where you came, but most marchers try to connect the neighbour Swirl How by the ridge and then join Coniston via the very steep passage of Prison Band and Sunrises Water. For all those who would like to hike at the Coppermines hostel, take care of the large number of trails that go in all directions. Yours starts behind the building, on the left. Do not hesitate to ask for reception…