The Coniston copper mines were a copper mining operation in Lancashire, England. It was functional for hundreds of years in Coppermines Valley above Coniston Water. Today there are industrial remains of the industry and the Coniston Coppermines Youth Hostel is based in the old manager's building.
🐦63+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Wheatear and Raven
✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days
🌤️ Visiting this summer
🐦63+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Wheatear and Raven
✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days
Good to know
£Free to visit — no entry charge
🐕Dogs welcome
Best for
7 activities
🦅
Bird watching
Very strong match
Birds — Wheatear, Raven, Meadow Pipit +60 more · last seen 2025
Free
✦
Heritage
Strong match
Historic site with public access
Free
🦉
Wildlife
Strong match
Birds — Wheatear, Raven, Meadow Pipit +60 more · last seen 2025
Free
🦋
Insect spotting
Strong match
Insects — Painted Lady, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, Carabus problematicus +39 more · last seen 2025
Free
🍂
Seasonal nature
Strong match
Plants — Pointed Beard-moss, Heath Threadwort, Lesser Copperwort +242 more · last seen 2025
Free
🐶
Dog walks
Good match
Dogs allowed with public access
Free
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 km
🚶
Walking
▾
13 signed routes nearby · 24 public paths nearby
Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Cumbria WayWalking route118 km▾
Named routeLength 118 kmRegional walking route
Machell's Coppice TrailWalking route▾
Named routeLocal walking route
Monk Coniston and Tarn Hows Trail, Tarn Hows and ConistonWalking route8 km▾
Walk from the head of Coniston Water to Tarn Hows on the picturesque circular made by 19th-century industrialist J G Marshall to wow guests at his estate. Pass farmland, wood & Monk Coniston Hall. Spot wildlife & enjoy Lakeland views. Short steep sections
Named routeLength 8 kmDuration 02:00-03:00Round tripLocal walking route
Tarn Hows circular walk, Tarn Hows and Coniston, South Lakes OutdoorsWalking route3.2 km▾
All the family can enjoy spectacular views of the high Lake District fells in every season, on this easy, accessible walk around a tree-lined tarn.
Named routeLength 3.2 kmDuration 01:00Round tripLocal walking route
Tarn Hows Ranger Run, Tarn Hows and Coniston, South Lakes OutdoorsWalking route6.4 km▾
Enjoy this invigorating circular running trail, which starts alongside Yew Tree Tarn and joins the Cumbria Way around Tom Heights to reach the northern shore of Tarn Hows, finishing past hidden waterfalls. Look out for local Herdwick sheep and Belted Gall
Named routeLength 6.4 kmDuration 01:00Round tripLocal walking route
🚴
Cycling
▾
28 signed routes nearby
Signed route nearby
Route 637Cycling route▾
Named routeRef 637National Cycle Network
Regional Route 37Cycling route▾
Named routeRef 37Regional cycle route
Main RouteCycling route285 m▾
Named routeRef 637Length 285 mNational Cycle NetworkOn-roadSurface asphalt
Main RouteCycling route615 m▾
Named routeRef 637Length 615 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface unsealedloose
Main RouteCycling route5 m▾
Named routeRef 637Length 5 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface other
Main RouteCycling route1 km▾
Named routeRef 637Length 1 kmNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface unsealedfirm
