The best hikes from bus stations around Levers Water
4.6
(6198)
56,266
hikers
252
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Levers Water are situated in the Lake District's Coppermines Valley, an area characterized by a glacial tarn, high fells, and historical mining remnants. The landscape features an amphitheater of fells including Raven Tor, Little How Crags, Great How Crags, Swirl How, and High Fell, with the larger Coniston Fells providing a dramatic backdrop. The valley also contains Church Beck with its waterfalls and the outflowing Levers Water Beck. This region offers a diverse terrain of rocky paths, steady ascents, and high fell climbs.
Best bus station hiking trails around Levers Water
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Coniston Village – Coniston Waterfall loop from Coniston, a 2.6 miles (4.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 15 minutes to complete, passing attractive waterfalls and offering views of Coniston village.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Crowberry Haws – Coniston Waterfall loop from Coniston, a moderate 3.5 miles (5.6 km) path. This route explores the area around Crowberry Haws and the Coniston Waterfall, featuring varied terrain.
- Local hikers also love the View of Levers Water – Swirl How loop from Coniston, a 7.0 miles (11.3 km) trail leading through the high fells, often completed in about 4 hours 12 minutes.
- Hiking around Levers Water is defined by a picturesque glacial tarn, imposing fells, and historical mining remnants. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate hikes to the tarn to more strenuous mountain circulars.
- The routes in Levers Water are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 5,600 reviews. More than 53,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Levers Water's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
3.8
(4)
57
hikers
11.3km
04:12
730m
730m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(13)
137
hikers
8.30km
02:49
370m
370m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.6
(35)
208
hikers
10.4km
02:45
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
48
hikers
4.75km
01:13
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(16)
156
hikers
10.5km
03:00
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Coniston is located at the northern end of the third largest lake in the Lake District: Coniston Water. Steam yacht cruises are offered on this lake. Coniston is said to be derived from the Old Norse words Konigs Tun or king's settlement. That king is said to have been Thorstein, a Viking who gave his name to Thurstinii Watra, the old name of Coniston Water. (Wikipedia)
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Around 1590, the Company of Mines Royal began extracting copper from the Coniston copper veins. The first work was carried out entirely by hand. With brute force, the rock face was broken and tunnels were excavated very slowly. Only enough rock was removed to allow one person to pass through the tunnel, and these access tunnels are called 'coffin levels' because of their characteristic coffin shape. Excavating a 17th-century tunnel like Cobbler's Level could still take three years. The Elizabethan Company of Mines Royal was led by German experts from the Tyrol and Bavaria. Their mines penetrated more than 55 metres into the earth. Work continued after the English Civil War, but perhaps not to a great extent. At the end of the 17th century, gunpowder was introduced, which changed everything. Work went much faster and mines could go much deeper than before, up to more than 90 metres below the surface. The charges were placed in a hole drilled into the rock using 'jumpers', iron rods made on site. You can still see hand-drilled shot holes. Gunpowder was replaced by dynamite in 1877 and jumpers by compressed air drills in 1883. (Lake district national park)
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The Coniston Coppermines Waterwheel is a restored, fully functioning waterwheel in Coppermines Valley. Against the impressive backdrop of The Old Man of Coniston, it forms a central element of the area's 500-year-old copper mining history.
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Levers Water is a small lake. It lies at the start of Coppermines Valley, above the village of Coniston. To the southwest of it lies Raven Tor, an outlier of Brim Fell, and to the northwest lie Little How Crags and Great How Crags, on the east side of the north-south ridge leading to Swirl How. A dam, built in 1717, enlarged the existing tarn to supply water to the mines and the village below. (Wikipedia)
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During the descent, you get a good view of Levers Water, a beautiful mountain lake.
6
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A beautiful waterfall, but difficult to view in the summer due to dense vegetation.
6
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Coming to Swirl How from Great Carr is an easy affair; getting to it from Wetherlam is a different matter. If you come in from that direction, you are in for a good scramble on the 'Prison Band' section of the approach. To be honest, I would rather come up it than down it, as it looked like a fun scramble. There is a decent cairn on the top of Swirl How, and the views across to Wetherlam are great.
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A little glimpse into the history of the area, worth a quick peep.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available around Levers Water?
There are over 250 hiking routes accessible from bus stations around Levers Water. This includes a wide variety of trails, with 77 easy, 125 moderate, and 54 difficult options, ensuring there's a suitable path for every hiker.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Levers Water?
The terrain around Levers Water is diverse, ranging from well-built tracks to rocky paths and challenging high fell ascents. You'll encounter features like the glacial tarn itself, impressive fells such as Raven Tor and Swirl How, and the historical remnants of the Coppermines Valley. Expect varied and engaging challenges.
Are there any family-friendly bus station hikes near Levers Water?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. For an easier walk, consider the Coniston Village – Coniston Waterfall loop from Coniston, which is just over 4 km and features attractive waterfalls. Many of the 77 easy routes are suitable for families.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails around Levers Water?
Many trails around Levers Water are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially in areas with livestock. Always follow the Countryside Code, clean up after your dog, and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife. Specific rules may apply in certain protected areas.
Are there circular routes accessible from bus stations?
Absolutely. Many of the routes are designed as circular walks, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. An example is the Crowberry Haws – Levers Water loop from Coniston, a moderate 8.2 km route that takes you up to the tarn and back.
What natural features or landmarks can I see on these hikes?
You'll encounter stunning natural features like Levers Water itself, a glacial tarn surrounded by fells such as Swirl How and Brim Fell. The Coppermines Valley offers historical mining remnants, and Church Beck features attractive waterfalls. The View of the Coniston Fells – Coniston Water loop from Coniston provides expansive views of the wider landscape.
What is the best time of year to hike around Levers Water?
Levers Water offers beautiful hiking opportunities year-round. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer provides longer daylight hours, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Winter hikes can be stunning but require appropriate gear and experience due to potentially challenging conditions on higher fells. Always check weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any challenging hikes from bus stations that reach higher fells?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, routes like the View of Levers Water – Swirl How loop from Coniston offer significant elevation gain (over 700m) and take you into the higher fells. This moderate 11.3 km route provides a rewarding experience with panoramic views.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails around Levers Water?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Levers Water, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 5,600 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic scenery, the historical interest of the old mine workings, and the diverse network of paths that cater to various skill levels, all accessible via public transport.
Are there options for shorter, moderate walks from a bus stop?
Certainly. The Crowberry Haws – Coniston Waterfall loop from Coniston is a moderate 5.6 km route that offers a good balance of distance and elevation, allowing you to experience the area's beauty without committing to a full-day trek.
Where can I find more information about Levers Water itself?
Levers Water is a fascinating glacial tarn with a rich history tied to the local copper mining industry. For more detailed background on its formation and historical significance, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
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