Walk                     : Coniston Old Man

                                            Date                     : 1st November 2011

                                            Weather               : Slight drizzle, cool

                                            Route Details        : Walna Scar Road, Coniston Old Man, Brim Fell, Walna Scar Road

                                            Distance               : 6 miles

 

                                                     Click here to see which part of Lakeland this walk is situated ….

 

                                            Overview

                                                                  A cracking day out, the weather was a bit hit and miss, but stayed largely dry. Very cold and windy up top but great views.

                                                                  Next time I will try the route via Boo Tarn (this was AW’s preferred route), however it was fascinating to observe the old

                                                                  Mine workings and remnants of a bygone era.

 

 

The start from just past the Sun Inn, takes off up the Walna Scar Road, it’s an UNBELIEVABLY steep start to any

walk

 

 

The steepness continues for a couple of hundred yards or so and gradually levels off. Here fence posts lead down

a driveway to the car park.

 

 

The car park was quite busy with some people who had been up early doors and were tucking in to their grub. I headed

off down the quarry road that leads to the old mine workings and boulder valley

 

 

Amazing !!

 

 

Further on up the quarry road and Wetherlam making an appearance

 

 

Wetherlam from slightly further up . At this point the showers were on and off

 

 

And further up still, not sure where this leads to, and I’m not going to try and find out either !!

 

 

This would not provide much shelter in a down pour these days !! – Anyway onwards and upwards

 

 

Looking back now to the car park as Coniston Water puts in an appearance

 

 

And across to Dow Crag

 

 

As you approach Tarn Crag the overspill from Levers Water can be seen

 

 

I arrived at Low Tarn and decided to stop for a short while and admire the view. The pathway to take up to the top

of The Old Man is clearly defined throughout.

 

 

Here, slightly further along the path you gain sufficient height to catch a view of Levers Water and the source of

the water cascade in previous photo

 

 

On the approach to the summit now and the village of Coniston comes in to view.

 

 

And the full extent of Coniston water

 

 

Also the Duddon Estuary with menacing dark clouds homing in !!!

 

 

The short distance to the rather splendid cairn. It’s getting really cold and windy now.

 

 

The pleasant little trek along the edge towards Brim Fell and it’s cairn in the centre of the picture.

 

 

In the distance to the west, the mighty Scafell range

 

 

So by my reckoning, that cloud level must be 3000 feet and it is maybe time to descend while there is still some light.

           

                                                                                    Return to Top                                                   © aloveofthelakes.co.uk 2011