Once the Coppermines Valley would have been the scene of much activity and full of noise as large numbers of miners, over many years, wrested copper-rich ore from considerable depths below the mountain slopes. Quarrying for slate followed on and would have made the valley even noisier as the famous stone was torn from the fell sides. Today nature has reclaimed much of the slopes. All is quiet except for the tumbling becks and sometimes for the excited helmeted youngsters exploring the fast flowing stream beds or accompanied into the old mines.

Park in the well signposted pay and display car park (GR 304 978) opposite the primary school in Coniston village (£3 for all day). Access this from the A593 or the B5285 east of the village, just before Yewdale Beck.

1 Turn right out of the car park and walk up the road to join the A-road to Ambleside. Cross and go on up the narrow lane opposite. Wind around right past the youth hostel and then take the wide track, left, just beyond. This leads to a gate onto the fell. Bear left to walk beside the wall, on the left, with the grassy slopes of Long Crag to the right. Go through the gate and join the wide gravel track ahead, which climbs steadily into the Coppermines Valley. To your left flows Church Beck deep in its unfenced gill. Continue past Miners Bridge and, a short way along, pause to look at the small unobtrusive hydroelectric scheme.

2 Carry on along the wide track to pass, on the right, a row of cottages, known as Irish Row after the Irish miners who once occupied them. Follow the track as it begins, wind a little left to go in front of the white painted youth hostel and its small café. Keep on climbing steadily and when the way splits, ignore the track, left, to the waterworks and go on up a less distinct track, slightly right, to reach the footbridge over Levers Water Beck.

3 Cross the footbridge and continue on the delightful high-level narrow path below Grey Crag. Pause to enjoy the view down into the valley. Follow the path as it weaves between rocks and comes close to the falls on Low Water Beck. Here the path turns right and is pleasingly reinforced, climbing up beside the hurrying water to another good footbridge, which you cross to stand below the Pudding Stone, the largest in Boulder Valley. Climb the slope beyond the bridge, the path soon becoming more distinct. It then descends a little, then levels and is pleasing to walk.

4 At the T-junction, Crowberry Haws, walk left, and a few steps along look for a small gap, on the left, on the edge of the track. Step down two rock steps and continue on the long, gated path that brings you easily and delightfully down to reach the opposite side of the hydroelectric scheme. Go through the gate and enjoy, with care, the splendid view into the ravine through which the beck tumbles, the water here a beautiful blue-green colour. Then go on to cross the single arched Miners Bridge, turn right and retrace your steps to the car park.

Information

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 3 hours

Terrain: Distinct paths and tracks, some rough. Wonderful views

Map: OS Explorer OL 6

NB: Restrictions on space mean that this article provides a general summary of the route. It is advisable for anyone who plans to follow the walk to take a copy of the relevant Ordnance Survey map.