Goat’s Water
Goat’s Water is the tarn in the corrie beneath Dow Crag. It makes a good objective when you want the big scenery without committing to a summit.
Walks from the door
Walk Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag from the front door
Ellis Howe stands among open fields at Scar Head, Torver. Footpaths start at the doorstep and lead up towards Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag, so the car can stay where it is. No queueing for a National Trust car park, and a pub about 200m away for afterwards.
Route ideas
Three ways onto the fells
The Old Man of Coniston
The high point of the Coniston fells and one of the most popular summits in the Lake District. On a clear day the view takes in Coniston Water and beyond.
Dow Crag and the Old Man
A circuit taking in Goat’s Water, the crags of Dow Crag and the summit of the Old Man. Add Brown Pike and Buck Pike for a longer ridge day.
The big round
What to expect
Published guidebook routes for the Dow Crag and Old Man round, which use the Walna Scar road and Goat’s Water, come to roughly 8 miles with around 850 to 900 metres of ascent. Allow most of a day. Adding Brown Pike and Buck Pike takes it to roughly 18 kilometres with about 1,100 metres of ascent.
These figures are approximate and come from published routes that start a short distance away near Torver. Starting from the cottage will change them a little, so check your route against the OS map before you go.
Practical notes
Before you set out
Mountain weather changes quickly. Carry a map and compass, waterproofs, food and water, and tell someone your route. The map to take is OS Explorer OL6, The English Lakes, South-western area. Check the Mountain Weather Information Service forecast before you leave.
Back at the cottage, heated towel rails in both bathrooms and a utility washing machine help with wet kit, and the Charnwood stove is ready for your return.