Coniston Coppermines Waterfalls and Pools
England · Lake-district · 3.1 miles (round trip)
Written by Benjamin Dale · Last done 22 August 2026
The prettiest deeper pool for swimming (Red Dell Beck), see the Google MyMap below for the exact coordinates.
Red Dell Beck
East Bonsor Copper Mine
A less accessible deeper pool and waterfalls feeding into and out of it, Red Dell Beck
The prettiest shallow pool for paddling (Red Dell Beck), see the Google MyMap below for the exact coordinates.
Red Dell Beck waterfalls
Route and Terrain
When we tackled this route, we found it to be a fair walk with a consistent incline from Coniston village, leading up into the Coppermines Valley. The path starts as a lane, then transitions into an unmade, often rocky track as you climb higher. Expect uneven surfaces and loose stones underfoot, so sturdy footwear is a must; flip-flops simply won't do here! While challenging in places, especially on the steeper sections, we managed it comfortably with the kids. We heard the stream, likely Church Beck, trickling to our left on the ascent, guiding our way. There can be muddy patches, even after dry spells, so be prepared for a bit of squelch if it's been raining. Near the waterfalls, the ground can become slippery, so take extra care there. The higher we went, the more rugged the landscape became, but the rewards in terms of views were absolutely worth the effort.
Sights & Experiences
Oh, the natural beauty here is just breathtaking! From the moment we set off, the sound of the stream, Church Beck, was our constant companion, bubbling away to our left as we gained height. The forest and valley views unfolding around us were utterly stunning, painting a truly dramatic Lakeland picture. As we climbed, we passed numerous charming cottages nestled into the landscape, adding to the scenic appeal. Higher up in the valley, we were captivated by the sight of spectacular waterfalls cascading down the fellsides. The pools beneath them were a dazzling array of colours – crystal clear with shades of green, some surprising blue, and even glints of red from the underlying stone. We spotted some adventurous ghyll scramblers navigating their way up Church Beck, leaping into pools and sliding down rocky chutes – definitely an exhilarating sight! Further upstream, particularly along Red Dell Beck, the water deepened, and the waterfalls grew even larger, creating mesmerising scenes. We found our absolute favourite paddling pool here; it was so pretty and perfectly accessible for the children. And for a truly wild experience, we discovered an incredible deeper swimming pool tucked beneath one of the valley's most magnificent waterfalls, a real treat! The views back down the valley towards Coniston Water are simply unforgettable.
Hidden Gems
This valley is full of delightful surprises! One of our personal highlights was finding the idyllic spot by Red Dell Beck for a picnic. The kids absolutely loved throwing stones into the water and splashing about, and we even managed a refreshing paddle ourselves. It felt like our own secret haven. The pools along Red Dell Beck are a true spectacle, with their crystal-clear water shimmering in a myriad of greens, blues, and even hints of red. We especially loved our 'secret' paddling spot, as marked on our map, which was fairly accessible and just perfect for a cool-down. Keep an eye out for the old ore trolley on the bridge as you follow Red Dell Beck further upstream – a brilliant little nod to the area's past.
History & Heritage
The history here truly comes alive around you! This valley is steeped in copper mining heritage, with operations dating back to the 16th century, originally under Queen Elizabeth I who even brought over German miners. We loved spotting the remnants of this industrial past all around us – the impressive old waterwheels, information signs, and intriguing machinery scattered amidst the ruins. We even came across a huge piece of copper right in the centre of one of the old working areas! The whole valley tells a story of hard graft, with mining continuing right up until the mid-20th century. Keep an eye out for the distinctive stone tower and other ruined mining buildings that pepper the landscape.
Seasonal Changes & Best Time to Visit
We reckon the Coniston Coppermines are a fantastic shout any time of year, offering something special in every season. However, if you're keen on really making the most of the wild swimming and paddling, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn are, naturally, ideal. That's when those crystal-clear pools feel most inviting! Just be mindful that during wetter periods, some sections of the path can get a bit muddy and slippery, so good grippy footwear is even more essential.
Parking & Public Transport
We parked at the Bluebird Car Park in Coniston village and opted for a day ticket, which was a paid option. It's a modern facility with plenty of spaces, and they even have EV charging points available. Alternatively, we noticed some roadside parking spots further up the inclining road towards the copper mines, just after you turn off by the Black Bull Hotel. These are free but can be quite limited, especially on busy days, so it's a bit of a gamble.
Safety & Preparation
As with any Lake District walk, proper preparation is key. We highly recommend sturdy walking boots with good grip, especially for the rocky and potentially slippery sections near the waterfalls. Carry plenty of water, snacks, and waterproofs, as the weather can change quickly up in the fells.
Difficulty & Alternatives
We found this to be a moderately challenging walk, primarily due to the consistent uphill climb from Coniston village into the valley. While it's a fair incline, we managed it perfectly well with the kids, making it a brilliant family adventure. The path is generally well-defined, but it does get rugged and rocky underfoot in places, requiring a bit of careful navigation. There's no serious scrambling required for the main walking route, though you might see experienced ghyll scramblers tackling the waterfalls in Church Beck, which is an optional, guided activity.
Insider Tip
There are no public toilets at the Coppermines that we could find, so we recommend going in Coniston town before you set off.
Recommended Shops & Pit Stops
Coniston village itself offers a good selection of shops, cafes, and pubs, perfect for stocking up before your walk or enjoying a well-deserved treat afterwards. We noticed the Black Bull Hotel right near the turn-off for the Coppermines road, which looks like a great spot for a post-walk refreshment. The Crown Inn in the village is also a fantastic, family-friendly pub offering delicious classic pub grub, which we enjoyed on another occasion.
Walk Characteristics
Parking
Route Map
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