No Lake District adventure would be complete without a visit to Coniston.
Home to a historic village, iconic lake and countless hiking trails to explore; this idyllic spot is also touted for its breath-taking Coppermine located just a short ramble out of town.
Even better, lurking behind the Coniston Coppermines lies a jaw-dropping waterfall that’s become a bit of a wild swimming haven as of late.
For those keen to venture on this ramble and discover the waterfall for themselves, we’ve compiled a detailed step-by-step guide to help keep you on track.
From parking, walk routes and other points of interest to discover along the way, let’s get to it 👇
What are the Coniston Coppermines?
Mining in the Coniston area can be traced back to the 16th Century, where miners were focused on extracting the landscape’s abundance of copper.
The industrial revolution saw significant technological advancement heading into the 19th Century, with steam engines and explosives making it easier than ever before to extract resource from the earth.
Employing hundreds of workers and becoming one of the major contributors to the local economy, the Coniston Coppermine continued to thrive well into the late 19th Century, before experiencing its gradual decline and closing for good in the mid 20th Century.
Where is the Coniston Coppermines waterfall?
Approximately a 30-minute ramble from the centre of Coniston village, simply park up in town and take the gentle incline up towards the coppermines.
Where to park for the Coniston Coppermines Waterfall Walk?
For those interested in checking out the waterfall, I’d recommend parking at the Coniston Tourist Information Centre Car Park.
Conveniently located in the heart of town, the car park also has informational maps detailing the various walks in the area; including the Coniston Coppermines walk.
How long is the Coniston Coppermines Waterfall Walk?
The Coniston Coppermines walk comes in at around 1.3 miles each way.
The full hike should take no more than 2-3 hours for most people, depending how long you want to spend exploring the waterfall and coppermine before heading back to town.
Coniston Coppermines Waterfall Walk (Step-by-step guide)
- Exit the Coniston Tourist Information Centre Car Park and take an immediate left.
- Continue straight and take the first right at The Yewdale Inn.
- Take the left turning across the road, situated between The Black Bull Pub and the Co-op Convenience Store.
Take the road turning left - From here, simply keep straight and follow the footpath. You may see the occasional car driving along the lane, but please note this road is strictly for private access.
- Keep following the trail uphill and you’ll eventually see the YHA Coniston Coppermines and BMSC Cottage buildings in the distance
- Approach the buildings and cross the bridge situated between them onto the Coppermine.
- Take the immediate trail to your right once crossing the bridge, skirting around the Coppermine and past the building ahead, before crossing a second bridge.
- Directly ahead you should see the waterfall. Follow the trail up and enjoy the views!
Where’s the secret swimming gorge at Coniston Coppermine Waterfall?
There’s a secret gorge at the Coniston Coppermine that’s recently become a bit of a wild swimming hot-spot.
Well I say secret, but once you arrive at the Coniston Coppermines Waterfall it’s actually relatively easy to spot. Simply stick to the uphill footpath beside the falls after the crossing the bridge and keep your eyes peeled. I’m sure you’ll soon see it!
If you do decide to swim here however, please exercise caution when scrambling down to the waterfall and remember the leave no trace rule. Leave this beauty spot in the same condition as you find it.
FAQs
Can you swim in the Coniston Coppermines Waterfall?
Yes. The Coniston Coppermine Waterfall is a popular wild swimming spot in summer months, though the short scramble down to the waterfall can prove somewhat challenging since there is no direct footpath down to the water. Don’t attempt anything you’re not confident in and always adhere to open water swimming guidelines.
Are there other waterfalls at the Coniston Coppermine?
Indeed, there is another impressive waterfall behind the other side of the Youth Hostel. Providing amazing cascading vistas, its well worth a peep on your journey back!
Are there other good walks around Coniston?
Coniston is a fantastic hub for countryside hiking. While best known for the Old Man of Coniston climb, the area is also home to a whole array of other iconic Lake District trails to discover.
For the full lowdown, be sure to click through to our detailed ‘Best Walks In Coniston’ blog post!
While you’re here…
Lakeland is absolutely teeming with outdoor adventure.
For more inspiration, why not check out our detailed post highlighting 10 of the BEST Lake District walks you need to try?
Happy walking 🚶