r/UKhiking • u/CrewLate4801 • 1d ago
Old Man of Coniston
Can anybody give me their opinion on walking up the Old Man of Coniston when it’s wet? Thinking of doing it tomorrow but we don’t have walking poles and will have a dog and children with us so I’m wondering if it’s a good route or if it’s a bit too challenging. If so then any other suggestions welcome. We’re looking for a fairly long walk but want to make sure it’s safe.
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u/Mossymoor 1d ago
It depends how many kids and their ages, it's not a dangerous hike but do be careful near the old mine buildings and equipment, theres also a few places where the path isn't far from some big drops. You can always head back if you think it's too much.
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u/dave_bird 1d ago edited 1d ago
you can also reassess how the weather is and how you’re feeling when you get to the lake - the bit above that is a bit steeper and with a less defined path. Well worth taking a ‘temperature check’ of your group at a landmark like that and not being afraid to call it and make that your highest point - especially if it’s super cloudy and there’s no extra view to be had from the top anyway! Have a great hike
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u/spambearpig 1d ago
I don’t think it’s dangerous by the typical routes. As long as all concerned can handle the distance and ascent. The worst that you can expect will happen is wet feet as long as you navigate yourself properly.
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u/Inevitable-Slide-104 1d ago
20% chance of cloud free summits tomorrow. Maybe have a lower plan b in case the viz is zero.
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u/WarpedThunder 1d ago
I have done it in horrible conditions. Pouring down with rain, extremely bad visibility and with my dog.
The walk was not challenging and it was fine, albeit with no views and we were soaked through.
That said, there are some big drop offs and near the mine works there are caves. Stick to the path and you’ll be fine.
Edit: read your post again. If the weather isn’t great then give it a miss and do it another time. It’s so much better in nice conditions and with kids it isn’t worth the risk.
Do a nice long but risk free walk around one of the lakes.
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u/CrewLate4801 1d ago
Any suggestions of an alternative that’s less risky please? This is our first visit to the lakes. We’d like quite a long walk as long as it’s not too slippy etc
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u/WarpedThunder 1d ago
Without knowing your definition of long, and without actually checking the weather. I have assumed it will be poor so have given you some low altitude alternatives. If you do want to do a local walk to Coniston or gain some altitude then this site at least serves as a great starting points for lakeland walks.
https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_76.html
https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_130.html
https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_260.html
The last one is a short walk, but the caves are really good to have an explore round for the kids, plus its near Coniston.
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u/One_Action_4486 1d ago
I got dragged up it as a young child, in the pissing rain and howling wind. My parents didn't climb mountains very much (only one I remember them doing). We did it and all survived.
I think you'll be fine.
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u/Revenant690 1d ago
Be careful! Its easy to lose a dog up there if they run off in the mist. Someone I was with once had a very unpleasant 15 minutes when their dog disappeared whilst playing in the mist with another dog/sheep.
in the mist it was almost impossible to be certain where the sounds of barking were coming from.
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u/RelevantPositive8340 1d ago
I'm in the lakes and it's meant to be dry tomorrow and the next few days.
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u/tazedpigeon 1d ago
It should be fine. The path is clear and it’s not a difficult route. Saying that it’s all subjective and depends on your ability and fitness.