The Old Man of Coniston
Introduction
The Old Man of Coniston, also known as Coniston Old Man or simply The Old Man, is a fell in the Furness Fells in the English Lake District. It is 803 metres (2,634 ft) high, and lies to the west of the village of Coniston and the lake of the same name, Coniston Water. The fell is one of the most popular of the Lake District fells, and there are many routes to the summit. The most popular route starts in Coniston village and ascends via the old copper mines and the disused slate quarries.
Geology
The Old Man of Coniston is formed of rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, an assemblage of igneous rocks formed during a period of intense volcanic activity in the Lake District about 450 million years ago, in the Ordovician period. The summit of the Old Man is composed of the volcaniclastic sandstone of the Seathwaite Fell Formation. Beneath this, the slopes of the fell are made up of andesite and basaltic andesite lavas and tuffs of the Birker Fell Andesite Formation.
Mining History
The Old Man of Coniston was extensively mined for copper and slate from the 13th century until the late 19th century. The extensive remains of the copper mining industry can be seen on the paths from Coniston to the summit, including old engine houses, mine shafts and spoil heaps. The fell was also quarried for slate, and the remains of the slate industry, including disused quarries and old workers' cottages, can be seen in the area.
Flora and Fauna
The lower slopes of the Old Man of Coniston are covered in bracken and heather, with oak woodland in the wetter areas. The higher slopes are covered in rough grasses and mosses. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, foxes, and a variety of birds such as buzzards, peregrine falcons and ravens.
Recreation
The Old Man of Coniston is a popular fell for walking, with numerous routes leading to the summit. The most popular route starts in Coniston village and ascends via the old copper mines and the disused slate quarries. The fell is also popular with rock climbers, with many climbing routes on the crags on the northern and eastern faces of the fell.