Swirl How – Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Holme Fell

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Swirl How – Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Holme Fell

Hard

4.8

(17)

216

hikers

Swirl How – Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Holme Fell

06:23

15.9km

1,110m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.40 km

Wetherlam Summit

Highlight • Natural Monument

A giant, sprawling mountain at 2,503 ft (763 m), there are great views from the summit across to the Old Man of Coniston or over towards Langdale. Despite its size, …

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5.26 km

Swirl How

Highlight • Viewpoint

My favourite approach of Swirl How is from Wetherlam, a great route with a few fun scramble sections to enjoy in dry weather. Linking up the 2,633-foot (802 m) Swirl …

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7.34 km

Brim Fell summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

Brim Fell connects Coniston Old Man with Swirl How, the two main fells of the Coniston group. Its disadvantage is that it is very close to the Old Man, only a short walk away.

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8.15 km

Old Man of Coniston summit

Highlight • Summit

A Southern Fells classic, Coniston Old Man might be industry-scarred, but it remains stoical and unbowed. Towering high above the village of Coniston, it's a rightfully popular fell with good …

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8.16 km

Summit of the Old Man of Coniston via Low Water

Highlight (Segment) • Summit

This is the route you take to go up Coniston Old Man from Low Water. The path takes you up a series of sharp and steep zigzags, and as you …

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8.62 km

View of Low Water Tarn

Highlight • Lake

The most spectacular angles for photographing Low Water are from above: it can be seen from the ridge between Brim Fell Rake and the Old Man, but also from the …

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9.52 km

Saddlestone Mill Ruins

Highlight • Monument

The ruins of Saddlestone Mill are fascinating, derelict remnants of the old "Coniston slate and copper mines" on the northeastern flank of the Old Man of Coniston. The site is …

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10.0 km

Crowberry Haws

Highlight • Trail

Great views when the clouds aren't stopping you from seeing it. even then you get a sense of peace and get to see the mine workings on the way up

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15.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.36 km

4.22 km

2.29 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.91 km

4.31 km

1.41 km

1.23 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (790 m)

Lowest point (160 m)

Weather

Monday 5 October

14°C

8°C

33 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

September 1, 2024,Coniston Old Man ridge to Wetherlam

A great walk up through Copper Mine Valley onto Coniston Old Man for a ridge walk. The cloud level was low and no views, bu easy walking once on top around the ridge.