Everything You Need To Know About Coniston Coppermines Waterfall
- UK Hidden Gems
- Oct 7
- 5 min read
You might think the only way to see sparkling turquoise water is by jetting off to some faraway island, but you’d be wrong.
Tucked away in the heart of the Lake District is a hidden gem that could easily be mistaken for somewhere tropical.
Even with the waterfall sitting in shade, the pool still shimmered with a vivid blue-green glow that didn’t seem real. When sunlight hits it, the colour comes alive, easily as beautiful as any exotic lagoon around the world.
The only challenge with this dreamy little spot is getting there. The trail itself is simple and easy to follow, but the final stretch down to the pool needs a bit of a climb.
It’s not too tricky, but you’ll want to take your time, and don’t worry, we’ll share exactly how to reach it just below.
How to visit Coniston Coppermines Waterfall
The walk that leads to this Lake District waterfall is mostly along a well-kept track, making it pleasant and easy to follow.
As you near the end, the final stretch turns into a steeper grassy path that’s a little rougher underfoot, but still very manageable. What really adds a bit of challenge is getting right down to the pool itself rather than just admiring it from above.
If the idea of scrambling to the base doesn’t sound appealing, don’t worry, there are a few smaller plunge pools dotted along the way where you can take a break or dip your toes in.
They’re beautiful in their own right, so it’s worth exploring even if you decide not to go all the way down.
The first section of the route actually follows a road, though it’s on private land, so cars aren’t allowed. From the parking spot mentioned below, simply walk up the gravel track and keep going past the “no vehicles” sign to begin your journey.
The exact co-ordinates, safe parking areas, nearest places to stay for the night, and places to eat nearby are available only in the UK Hidden Gems App.
🗺️ Unlock the real location. Discover how to reach the Coniston Coppermines Waterfall safely and responsibly, plus 2,000+ other secret UK spots. Download the UK Hidden Gems App today.
The hike to get to Coniston Coppermines Waterfall
The path climbs gently uphill, but it’s not too demanding, and the surroundings more than make up for the effort. Before long, you’ll spot wide views of the fells, and the green hillsides covered in ferns often hide a few shy sheep watching from a distance.
As you continue climbing, you’ll cross over a cattle grid and start to notice the soft rush of water echoing through the valley below.
Not far along, around 600 metres into the walk, a beautiful waterfall comes into view. There’s a short side path leading to it, and it’s well worth taking a quick detour to see it up close.
The gravel path down is a little steep, but it’s solid underfoot and only takes a couple of minutes to follow. When you reach the base, you’ll be greeted by a surprisingly tall and dramatic cascade, far more impressive than you might expect from the trail above.
About 1.2 kilometres in, the route passes one of the old copper mine ruins, a quiet reminder of the area’s past. The mine stopped operating back in the 1950s, but its remains still add a touch of mystery to the walk.
Just behind the ruins, you’ll spot the YHA hostel, perched perfectly against the backdrop of the hills. It looks like an incredible spot to spend a night, with sweeping views that make it hard to imagine a better place to wake up.
Swimming at the Coniston Coppermines Waterfall
If you’re tempted to head down to the pool below, just take your time, it involves a short scramble and is best tackled when the rocks are dry and less slippery. It’s a fun little challenge, but one that needs a steady footing.
The easiest route down starts about twenty metres below the main viewing point. From there, the slope is gentle enough to walk carefully down and veer slightly right, following the line just above the water where the drop isn’t steep.
At the bottom, you’ll find a small but enchanting pool that feels like something straight out of a fairy tale. The water glows a dreamy shade of turquoise, and the surrounding rocks and falls create a peaceful, tucked-away feel that makes it feel wonderfully secret.
Getting into the water is simple, you can step straight in from the smooth rock ledge. Just take care as you wade in, as the stones under the surface can be a little uneven.
The water deepens as you near the waterfall and stays refreshingly cold all year round, since it doesn’t see much sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coniston Coppermines Waterfall
Where is Coniston Coppermines Waterfall located?
Coniston Coppermines Waterfall is nestled in the beautiful Lake District National Park, just above the village of Coniston. It sits near the old copper mine ruins and can be reached by following the trail up from the Coppermines Valley.
How do you get to Coniston Coppermines Waterfall?
The walk begins from Coniston village, where there’s parking available near the start of the trail. From there, you’ll follow a gravel and grassy track uphill through the Coppermines Valley. It’s a gentle climb for most of the way, with a short scramble down if you want to reach the turquoise pool at the base of the falls.
Can you swim in Coniston Coppermines Waterfall?
Yes, wild swimming is possible in the small pool below the falls. The water is clear and beautifully turquoise, but it stays quite cold all year round. It’s best to take care getting in and make sure the rocks are dry and safe to step on.
How long is the walk to Coniston Coppermines Waterfall?
It usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes to reach the main waterfall from Coniston village, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views. The path is easy to follow and offers some incredible scenery along the way.
Why isn’t the location shared publicly?
To protect the land from erosion and overcrowding. The pool sits on fragile fellside terrain, and keeping the coordinates private helps preserve its wild beauty. Verified visitors can access the full route safely via the UK Hidden Gems App.
Why we protect the location
We love sharing the UK’s hidden gems, but we also protect them. The Coniston Coppermines Waterfall sits on private farmland and fragile ground. In recent years, too many online posts have led to overcrowding, erosion, and even littering.
By sharing the exact coordinates only inside our app, we can:
Make sure people follow the right path.
Limit crowding by keeping the audience smaller and more responsible.
Educate visitors about local rules and access rights.
That’s how this place stays beautiful for years to come. When you visit, please:
Stick to marked trails.
Leave gates as you find them.
Take rubbish home.
Don’t fly drones near wildlife or livestock.
Every small choice helps keep this pool wild. The below image shows the nearest parking, staycation and place to eat near Coniston Coppermines Waterfall, all available inside our app.
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