The allure of hiking in the Lake District has always captivated me. Over the years, I’ve amassed countless Instagram photos in my “inspiration” folder, dreaming of the day I could experience those breathtaking vistas firsthand. This year, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Lakes multiple times, starting with Robinson—a gentle introduction to fell walking.
Birthday Adventure: Windermere to The Old Man of Coniston
For my birthday weekend, we found ourselves in Windermere, a perfect launching point for a hike I had only recently heard about: The Old Man of Coniston. The promise of epic views had me eager to hit the trails again.
On a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon, we drove to Walna Scar. The steep incline leading up to the main trail was a bit daunting, but the first task was finding a parking spot, which was the real challenge. The area was packed with cars queuing for spaces. Pro tip: Arrive early! Oh and there’s an ice cream van that does a roaring trade, especially on sunny days.
Our Route: Walna Scar to Coniston Old Man
Our plan was ambitious: a 10km route starting at Walna Scar, passing through Brown Pike, Buck Pike, Dow Crag, and finally reaching the Old Man of Coniston. It promised a blend of steep inclines and exhilarating scrambles, perfect for us adventure seekers.
Setting Off: Snacks, Water, and a Sense of Adventure
We set off with a bag full of snacks, water, and a massive sense of adventure. Starting a little later in the day, we passed many hikers finishing up, their faces a mix of exhaustion and relief. The trail was dotted with mountain bikers navigating hair-raising descents and groups of boulderers lugging their gear, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Quiet Beginnings and Stunning Views
The initial part of the hike was surprisingly quiet compared to other popular trails, allowing us to soak in the scenery and take our time. The realisation of how many fells we’d be summiting hit me as we progressed, each one offering spectacular views and a reminder of the Lake District’s unparalleled beauty.
A Well-Deserved Break
At one fell, we took a break behind a cairn, enjoying a sneaky snack and the stunning panorama of rolling hills. I had such a great sense of achievement as we looked back at the distance covered and the heights we’d reached. I even indulged in a few sun salutations, basking in the tranquillity of the moment, yes, I’m that kind of woman who wants to break out a vinyasa in her hiking boots
Fell Runners and Steep Descents
Our hike just so happened to coincided with a fell running competition, and watching those athletes deftly navigate the rugged terrain was awe-inspiring. Their agility on the uneven ground was impressive—I knew my own clumsiness would quickly turn such a feat into a comedy of errors. It would take me all of 30 seconds to trip over something and take out 3 other people, so maybe best I stick with hiking and running on flat surfaces!
The Summit: Old Man of Coniston
Reaching the Old Man of Coniston, the view down to Goat’s Water Tarn evoked memories of my hike in Poland, and the view from Świnica with its similarly picturesque lake nestled among the hills. It was beautiful to see and at this stage I clocked the descent from the top of Old Man Coniston! It’s not for the faint hearted I would say, there’s lots of step like formations, but it was the amount of people that probably un-nerved me more, having to navigate around them, being careful was at times tricky.
Industrial Relics and Final Stretch
Near the end, we encountered abandoned mining equipment and the slate quarry. It was a fascinating glimpse into the area’s industrial past and the towering wall of slate felt like a scene from Lord of the Rings. After some time exploring and taking photos, we began the final stretch homeward.
Tips for Future Hikers
By the time we finished, I was ready for a pint of water—or perhaps an ice cream in someone else’s case! Hiking is thirsty work, so always bring plenty of water and snacks, even for shorter walks. And don’t forget the suncream!
Reflecting on the day, I wished I had brought my camera, though my phone managed to capture some of the hike’s stunning scenery. The Old Man of Coniston was a hike to remember, a perfect blend of challenge and beauty in the heart of the Lake District.
If you are venturing out, have an amazing day!
