Would you like to explore the best of Coniston and Langdale? This guidebook covers 15 of the best short walks in the area (between 4.5 and 10.5km), including Coniston Old Man, Tarn Hows, Elterwater, Blea Tarn, Stickle Tarn and the Coppermines Valley.

Why choose this guidebook?

• Walks under three hours, plus one challenge route
• Easy to follow with clear route descriptions
• Facilities, parking and highlights for every route
• No specialist gear needed, walk all year round
• Ordnance Survey mapping

Cicerone’s Short Walks guidebooks contain everything you need to get outdoors and discover the best of an area. The routes are perfect if you’re new to walking or looking for something you can enjoy with the whole family. Let the adventures begin!

Map key
Overview map
Using this guide
Route summary table
Introduction
Walking in the Lake District
Where to stay
Travel
 
The walks
1. Coniston circuit
2. Coppermines Valley
3. Coniston and Torver
4. Sunny Bank to Coniston
5. Hawkshead to Coniston
6. Coniston and Tarn Hows
7. Yewdale Fells
8. Old Man of Coniston
9. Tilberthwaite
10. Elterwater and Little Langdale
11. Elterwater and Great Langdale
12. Great Langdale
13. Mickleden and Oxendale
14. Stickle Tarn
15. Blea Tarn
 
Useful information

Seasons

Best walking conditions are in spring, summer and autumn. In winter, short days, bad weather or snow and ice cover can make some walks difficult. Climbing the Old Man should be avoided in winter.

Centres

Coniston, Hawkshead, Elterwater, Chapel Stile, New and Old Dungeon Ghyll

Difficulty

Mostly easy walking requiring no special equipment. However, there are some short, steep ascents and descents, which might be rocky or stony, where more care is needed. The ascent of the Old Man is steep, stony and prolonged and should only be attempted in good weather.

Must See

Coniston Water, Coniston Coppermines, other mines and slate quarries, Old Man of Coniston, Tarn Hows, Hawkshead, Elterwater, Little Langdale, Great Langdale, Stickle Tarn, Blea Tarn

April 2025

Walk 4

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