4.6
(2527)
23,539
hikers
69
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Coniston offer access to the diverse landscapes of the Lake District National Park. The region is characterized by the expansive Coniston Water, surrounded by fells such as the Old Man of Coniston, and extensive woodlands. Hikers can explore a variety of terrains, from lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents and historic mining valleys. The area features numerous tarns and offers routes through both rugged fells and gentler moorlands.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.6
(30)
153
hikers
6.91km
02:22
360m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(18)
102
hikers
7.87km
02:19
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.6
(14)
143
hikers
4.89km
01:28
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(9)
123
hikers
10.3km
02:38
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(7)
107
hikers
4.17km
01:15
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Coniston
Cumbrian Traverse – A sublime high-level hike across Lakeland
Cumbria Way — An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland
Beautiful beginner hikes in the Eastern Lake District
Wonderful wild swimming walks in the Lake District
Spellbinding hikes in the Southern Lake District
Lakeland 100 – ultra tour of the Lake District
The best family-friendly bike rides in the Lake District
Ephemeral Lines – Stunning UK Winter Ridges
Beginner-friendly gravel rides in the Lake District
10 sublime lakeside trail runs in the Lake District National Park
A little glimpse into the history of the area, worth a quick peep.
0
0
Amazing route, the way down after you reach the old man at Coniston is very steep and quite dangerous (after point 7) if you're not an expert. I would recommend going back the same way you came from unless you really know what you're doing
0
0
The Ruskin Museum is an award-winning 'Cabinet of Curiosities' that tells the story of Coniston from the early Stone Age walkers, who made and traded stone axes, to the Jet Era of the 1950s and 60s, when speed hero Donald Campbell broke four world water records in the Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water. There has been a Ruskin Museum in Coniston since 1901, when W.G. Collingwood, a local artist and antiquarian who was Ruskin's secretary, founded it as a memorial to Ruskin and a celebration of the area's heritage. (The Ruskin Museum)
8
0
Beautiful view of the mountains.
8
0
Coniston Hall is a former house on the west bank of Coniston Water in the Lake District. The house dates from the late 16th century, or possibly earlier. It is built in ruins with a slate roof. Part of it is now in ruins, part is used as a farm, and part is used as a campsite. The hall is owned by the National Trust, but is not open to the public. (Wikipedia)
8
0
This is the reception and shop for Coniston Hall Campsite. It is an open camping site with a beautiful location on the western shore of Coniston Water. There are no marked out pitches and there is only room for tents and motorhomes.
8
0
Coniston Water is a lake in the Lake District. It is the third largest lake by volume, after Windermere and Ullswater, and the fifth largest by surface area. The lake is 8.7 kilometres (5.4 mi) long, 730 metres (2,400 ft) wide and 56.1 metres (180 ft) deep. The lake drains into the River Crake, which flows into Morecambe Bay via the estuary of the River Leven. (Wikipedia)
8
0
This boathouse is owned by the nearby Raymond Priestley Centre at the University of Birmingham. It is situated on the shores of Coniston Water, overlooking the famous 'Old Man of Coniston' mountain. The Raymond Priestley Centre is a multi-award winning outdoor education centre and is also a Royal Yachting Association accredited teaching centre. (University of Birmingham)
8
0
There are over 65 hiking trails around Coniston that are easily accessible from bus stations, offering a wide range of experiences for all skill levels.
Yes, Coniston offers many easy trails directly from bus stops. For a gentle walk, consider the Coniston Waterfall – The Ruskin Museum loop, which is just under 5 km and takes you past a beautiful waterfall. Another option is the Coniston Village – Coniston Waterfall loop, a 4.1 km route with minimal elevation gain.
Absolutely. Coniston has numerous moderate trails starting from bus stops. The Dog Kennel Folly – Cumbria Way Path near Coniston loop is a great choice, covering about 7.8 km with moderate elevation. For a scenic lakeside experience, try the Scenic view of Coniston Water – Coniston Water loop, which is over 10 km and offers stunning views.
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the iconic Old Man of Coniston is accessible. The Swirl How – Old Man of Coniston summit loop is a difficult 16.9 km route with over 1100 meters of elevation gain, offering panoramic views from the summit.
Coniston's bus-accessible trails lead to a variety of natural wonders. You can explore serene tarns like Tarn Hows, enjoy views from Orrest Head, or discover beautiful waterfalls such as Tom Ghyll Waterfalls and Sourmilk Gill Waterfall. Many routes also offer stunning vistas of Coniston Water and the surrounding fells.
Yes, Coniston is excellent for family walks. The area around Tarn Hows offers an easy, mostly flat loop perfect for all ages, including those with strollers. Many lakeside paths along Coniston Water are also suitable for families, providing gentle terrain and picturesque scenery.
Many trails in Coniston are dog-friendly, but it's essential to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock and in certain protected areas within the Lake District National Park. Always follow the Countryside Code and ensure your dog is under control. Specific routes like the Dog Kennel Folly loop are popular with dog walkers.
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery with blooming wildflowers or vibrant foliage. Summer is popular but can be busy. Winter hiking is possible for experienced individuals, but requires appropriate gear due to potentially challenging conditions on higher fells. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes in Coniston are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same bus stop without retracing your steps. Examples include the Coniston Water loop and the Coniston Waterfall loop.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences around Coniston, with an average score of 4.56 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the dramatic fells to the tranquil lakeside paths, and the historical elements like the old mining sites. The accessibility from bus stops is also frequently highlighted as a major benefit.
Coniston is rich in history. Many trails, particularly those leading towards the Old Man of Coniston, pass through the Coppermines Valley, where you can see remnants of the area's significant copper and slate mining past, including old buildings and spoil heaps. The Coniston Waterfall – The Ruskin Museum loop also offers a cultural stop.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.