Brim Fell Rake & Coniston Old Man

Walked on 04/03/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Low Water – Brim Fell Rake – Brim Fell – Coniston Old Man – Bursting Stone – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 7.8 km Total Ascent: 580 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 25 minutes Start Time: 15:35

Monday was a fabulous day, lots of blue sky with the sun beating down from above and the fells looking resplendent with a covering of snow. That, however, changed almost as soon as I set off for a late walk when I was hoping to catch a great sunset. The cloud soon came over the fells and the wind was ever increasing as I climbed – so no sunset to speak of and not an evening for hanging around on the top. It was a great walk nevertheless, just different to the one I had envisaged and showed how quickly conditions can change on the fells. Thankfully I was prepared for all conditions and had a great walk in the most wintry conditions.

At least there was a bit of sunshine at the start of the walk!

Snow capped Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Black Sails ridge above Levers Water (just visible).

Above the snow line now at Low Water.

In the bleak mid winter - Low Water and Coniston Old Man from Brim Fell Rake. The path to the summit is picked out well in the snow.

Swirl How left and Wetherlam right, seen from Brim Fell Rake. The icy wind was really picking up now and I was still jacket less. When should I stop to layer up?

Coniston Water and a glimpse of sunshine contrasting with the wintry world up on high.

Climbing above Levers Water.

Coniston Old Man - the trig column and cairn are visible clearly now.

Great How Crags and Swirl How, their Western slopes getting a last glimmer of sunshine.

Onto the top of Brim Fell now looking towards the Scafells.

From higher up looking northwards, Great Carrs is now visible along the ridge and distant Blencathra looks like it is in the sunshine.

Close up on Blencathra which looks very Alpine.

Brim Fell. Here I hid behind the cairn to get appropriately attired for the conditions on the ridge (which was very cold and very windy!).

Fletcher strikes an Angus pose (Angus was our previous fell-dog who rather enjoyed this type of pose in the wind!).

I wonder what the wind direction is?

Fletcher leads the way to The Old Man.

Dow Crag.

Looking back to Brim Fell.

Walking the snowy ridge.

Lots of snow up here this evening..

Trig column, remains of a snowman and cairn.

Coniston Old Man.

A quick hello to old friends - Angus, Casper and Dougal.

The weather was too severe to hang around for very long so it was straight over the summit and directly down with this final view to Coniston Water to the south.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 11/11/2023

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 7.7 km Total Ascent: 577 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 25 minutes Start Time: 06:40

Clear.
Temperature 2 ℃ Feels like 0 ℃
Wind Speed 3.9 mi/h Wind Direction NNW

It’s been a while…

Sunrise.

It's going to be a fantastic morning.

Fletcher, the golden boy. Poppy Collar - tick, poppy tag - tick!

Sunrise over Coniston Water.

Black Combe beyond Brown Pike.

It's gone thermonuclear!

Today I took Dougal to join up with Casper, his old sparring partner and of course dear old Angus. Silent thoughts - and a tear I admit - for him and for good friend Sean who passed away yesterday. I spent a lot of time with both of them and they will be missed.

A sprinkling of the white stuff as we reach the summit.

The view across Low Water.

The Scafells to the north also have a smattering of snow on the tops...

...a closer view.

Coniston Old Man summit.

Dow Crag and beyond.

The only two people I bumped into on the summit ridge - they were up early too!

Harter Fell in the Duddon Valley.

Looking back to The Old Man.

A penny for them Fletcher. Is he surveying his kingdom?

Icy on the way to Brim Fell.

Fletcher seems to know the way.

The Scafells from Brim Fell.

Looking across to Swirl How, beyond is Skiddaw to the left and Blencathra to the right.

Snowy Helvellyn in the distance from snowy Brim Fell. From here we descended Brim Fell Rake to Raven Tor.

looking back at the Rake from Raven Tor.

Old Man - Brim Fell panoramic.

Warm in the sunshine.

The Old Man from Raven Tor.

Give the lad a drink!

Wetherlam from the mine workings.

These are new - trees planted on the slopes of The Bell.

Coniston Old Man sunrise

Walked on 28/01/2019

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 07:15

Weather: Cold, 0C!

Today looked like it would be a promising one with the prospect of crystal clear views with sub zero temperatures overnight so I thought I would take advantage of the relatively late sunrise (08:10) and set off for the Old Man in the dark. I was hindered at the beginning as annoyingly I managed to lose the end from my hydration bladder somewhere meaning that liquid was spilling all over without anything in place to stop it. There was nothing for it but to disassemble it and reconnect when required. All this faffing around hindered me a bit so I didn’t quite make the top for the sunrise but witnessed it on the way up instead.

I didn\'t quite make it to the top for the sunrise, I was probably about 2/3 of the way up - it is still an awesome sight though here as the sun breaks the horizon over Coniston Water.

The sun bathing the fell side looking to Brown Pike and Black Combe beyond.

Looks like it will be a lovely day today. From here on in it was cold...really cold and by the summit I was in full arctic expedition mode!

The view from the top of the Old Man, the fells still bathed in the golden glow of sunrise.

On my own. The Scafells from the summit.

Sun rays.

Beautiful, the wind really picking up now.

Coniston Old Man sunrise.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Close up on the Scafells.

Fletcher is heading back to see what is taking so long!

Coniston from Brim Fell.

Swirl How flanked by distant Skiddaw and Blencathra.

Fairfield and Helvellyn. I had intended to carry on with the Coniston round but given the hydration bladder problem plus the fact it was absolutely baltic, I bailed out here heading down for Low Water.

The moon over Coniston from the breakfast stop.

Low Water and patient Fletcher. Dougal is in for a drink.

Portrait of the boys.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 22/11/2018

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Cold, turning very wintry. 3C

Today looked to be a good day for a walk on the fells, the opportunity arose so I took it and I’m glad I got there early as the weather certainly took a turn for the worse in a very short space of time. Nice to be out again, sorry about the lack of walks on the site but there are plenty of other things to occupy my time at the moment! I still intend to update as and when and who knows I may even fill in the gaps one day…

Coniston Old Man Route Map

Early morning Coniston from Torver and all is looking good.

A misty view to Coniston Water from the climb to The Old Man.

Looking across The Cove to Dow Crag.

Dougal knows the way...

Above the snow line now looking across to the Dow Crag ridge.

To the east there is a big bank of cloud heading our way... it will be a race to the top to beat it...

...just made it I think, it is still a beautiful day when I make the summit.

Low Water and the Coppermines Valley.

Fletcher looking across to the Scafells.

Just for a few minutes I had the wonderful wintry feeling of stillness and the creeping cold whilst alone at the top.

Creeping cloud.

The Old Man of Coniston.

A dusting of snow across the tops, the first of the winter.

The frozen path.

Barren summit.

No more than 5 minutes later things changed in a big way. The cloud came across the summit turning the scene to a near mono one. With the cloud came the wind - the cold, cold wind...brr!

Heading for Brim Fell.

Harter Fell still in the sunshine.

The bleak midwinter!

Brim Fell summit.

Levers Water below.

All has changed now - The Old Man and Low Water.

Calm again below the summit.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 23/05/2018

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 08:30

Weather: Bright, sunny and warm. 20C

The boys were back in town!

What a glorious morning to be out on the fells!

On the path to The Old Man.

Wall to Wall sunshine and not a cloud in the sky.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Hot work for big Fletcher and little Dougal!

Looking across Brown Pike and Blind Tarn to Black Combe.

Saying hello to Angus and Casper.

Low Water and the Coppermines Valley...

...and across Wetherlam.

Great view of the Scafells today.

On my own.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Looking back to the Old Man.

Brim Fell summit.

Swirl How and Great Carrs, distant Skiddaw and Blencathra are visible.

A penny for them Fletcher! Thinking about a swim in Levers Water?

The Old Man and Low Water from the descent.

The best place to be on a day like this.

Coniston Old Man and Brim Fell Rake

Walked on 25/11/2015

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 647 metres Time Taken: 5 hours Start Time: 08:00

Weather: Wet and windy, clearing. 10°C

Today I had a walk with Clive Hutchby who is currently updating his 4th Wainwright Book ‘The Southern Fells’ – naturally I was keen to have a look at The Old Man and Brim Fell Rake with him as I have walked both once or twice in the past. The initially poor weather thankfully cleared up after a short while but the wind remained quite chilly at times. If you haven’t checked out the latest Wainwright book updates, they are fantastic and Clive has made a great job of bringing them bang up to date. Signed copies are available here (the cover photos are okay too 🙂 )

What a dull start to the day with general murk and dreariness around. Looks like there is another shower heading our way across Little arrow Moor.

Conditions were bad enough for us to get our waterproof gear on close to the start of the climb - we stopped below the small rocky knoll that is central in this photo (Limestone Haws).

Come on, put 'em up!

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove.

An unexpected (but welcome) burst of sunshine.

I think Dougal has seen another dog down there.

Lost in it.

Looking across to Brown Pike, Blind Tarn below.

Clive climbing The Old Man route.

Crepuscular rays over Coniston. We sat for a while and had a fine tasting brew near to where Angus and Casper ended up.

A fine view across Low Water.

Looking over to Wetherlam from the summit of The Old Man.

Deserted Old Man summit.

Heading for Brim Fell following the ridge.

Looking back to The Old Man from Brim Fell.

The Old Man from the start of the top section of Brim Fell Rake.

It was a bit breezy here!

Great How Crags.

Suddenly, the sun is out over Levers Water.

A similar but different view to Great How Crags.

Dougal and Fletcher seem to enjoy the sunshine.

On Raven Tor.

The upper section of Brim Fell Rake.

Heading for Low Water.

The view over Boulder Valley from the lower section of Brim Fell Rake, taken from the opening of 'cave' on Brim Fell 3 - it is actually an old mine level.

Fletcher and Dougal wondering where all the boulders are.

Looking up to the lower section of Brim Fell Rake - the central grassy shelf running diagonally left down to right. It is steeper than it looks!

Low Water Becks falls.

The Pudding Stone.

Old mine workings at Crowberry Haws.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 27/09/2015

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Bright, sunny and warm. 16C

What a gorgeous morning, the sun was certainly shining this morning and the fells were glowing with it – time for one of our favourites.

Sunrise over Coniston Water.

Perfectly calm and a rising mist.

The Bell.

The Old Man.

It was a gorgeous morning.

Brown Pike ahead.

Across The Cove to Dow Crag.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

Fletcher and Dougal are leading the way.

Looking across to Black Combe.

The four of them (regular viewers will understand...).

Looking down on the tourist path and Low Water from The Old Man.

The Scafells from The Old Man summit.

The weary traveller.

Fletcher leads the way.

Brim Fel is all ours this morning.

Looking back to The Old Man.

Swirl How with distant Skiddaw beyond and distant Blencathra to the right.

Levers Water.

Raven Tor.

The Black Sail ridge and Wetherlam.

Low Water reflections.

Alright Fletchaaaa?

Wetherlam across Boulder Valley.

Reflected Coniston from the east side of the lake.

Coniston

Walked on 06/04/2015

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.1 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 08:15

Weather: Bright, sunny and warm above the clouds. 10C

The predicted weather forecast turned out to be correct today – the low lying fog was due to stay put whilst up above there would be sunshine. It was fabulous day up there, really warm and a different world to that at valley level. I’m glad I made the effort to get up there as good weather hardly seems likely until we got there.

Coniston Old Man Route Map.

Climbing above the fog.

Wow, what a beautiful day!

A sea of cloud...

...as far as the eye can see.

Looking across The Cove to Dow Crag.

Brown Pike.

That's the Walna Scar Road below. It was really warm now - no jacket required!

Looking up the climb to The Old Man (find Dougal?).

Fab-u-lous.

A lone figure below gives some scale to the extent of the temperature inversion.

Black Combe and the Whit Fell group stand clear of the cloud beyond brown Pike.

Low Water and beyond.

All alone on the summit, not bad for a Bank Holiday Monday.

Looking across Coniston Village (below the cloud somewhere).

Fletcher and Dougal like to demonstrate how hot it is with their tongues!

Looking to the Scafells.

The Old Man of Coniston.

The trig. column.

The view to the south west.

Harter Fell.

Looking back to The Old Man from the ridge to Brim Fell.

Brim Fell ahead.

The Scafells from Brim Fell.

The Old Man from Brim Fell.

Green Crag and Harter Fell.

Skiddaw and Blencathra beyond Great Carrs and Swirl How.

The northern face of The Old Man from the descent of Brim Fell.

Wetherlam and the Black Sails ridge.

Levers Water.

Low Water.

The Old Man.

Looking down on the old mine works.

Beautiful colours in the sunshine.

Turquoise Low Water.

Low Water reflections.

Dougal and Fletch.

I think I know where the two boys will be heading shortly.

You guessed it!

Low Water panorama.

Heading back down the miners track.

I left the main path and walked through the workings where I picked up an old miners track which avoided the crowds. It was fantastic and din't look like anyone had used it for 100 years - one day I will take fix the fells up there and show them what a properly graded path looks like.

Walking the path kept me in the sunshine for a while longer too.

The distant view was to the Welsh mountains - the Glyders and Carneddau - almost 100 miles distant as the crow flies.

Come on boys, we are going in...

Brim Fell

Height: 796 metres / 2612 feet Grid reference: SD 27074 98556 Category: The Southern Fells

Brim Fell lies a short way along an easy ridge from Coniston Old Man.

Helvellyn from Brim Fell

Beyond The Old Man summit there is a thick layer of cloud over Morecambe Bay and the low lying valleys are covered in mist.

The Scafells from Brim Fell.

A windy Brim Fell summit

Coniston Round

Walked on 13/10/2014

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Levers Hawse – Grey Friar – Great Carrs – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar road

Distance: 8.5 miles Total Ascent: 968 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 07:15

Weather: Breezy, cold on top, 12°C

Today’s walk involved an early start to take in a round of the Coniston fells. It was a solitary walk today and there was no-one around and that wind was oh-so cold, I think I have forgotten what it can be like given all the recent warm weather we have had – brrr! This walk will feature in an issue of Trail Magazine soon.

Firstly, a few sunset shots from last night, 12th October...Black Combe.

West Coast sunset.

A beautiful evening. On with the walk...

Sunrise contrails

Moon over Walna Scar

Black Combe, Brown Pike and Blind Tarn

Looking across Low Water to Wetherlam from The Old Man

Sky above the summit cairn

There was lots of cloud flitting across the tops today, here it can be seen blowing across Swirl How to the right

Looking back to The Old Man

You won't get lost on this path with a proliferation of cairns

Looking back from Brim Fell

Brim Fell

Great How Crags and Swirl How - I traversed across about halfway up the climb to head for Grey Friar

Brim Fell and Dow Crag from the traverse

I like the way the cairn mirrors the fells on Grey Friar

Bit windy Dougal?

The Matterhorn Rock

The WW2 memorial

Grey Friar from Great Carrs

Swirl How, The Old Man, Brim Fell and Dow Crag all in a row

Atmospheric happenings over the Scafells and Bowfell

The descent of Prison Band, Wetherlam ahead

Crossing Levers Water

Into Boulder Valley

Modern day industry continues at Coniston

Coniston Fells

Walked on 07/07/2014

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Levers Hawse – Great How – Great Carrs – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar road

Distance: 7 miles Total Ascent: 862 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 07:30

Weather: Some sunny spells, cool on top with showers, 16°C

The Coniston fells were shrouded in mist when I set off and they were in and out of the clouds all morning as the sun tried its best to shine through. It is a great ridge walk from The Old Man to Swirl How and a fair while since I have done it – I’m glad I did today as I enjoyed it and saw no one this Monday morning.

Looking a bit grey at the start of the walk.

...as so often happens, away from the fells it is blue sky here looking over Boo Tarn.

The Cove.

Coniston Water.

Boiling clouds to the east, on the Ill Bell ridge.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn catch the sun.

Low Water from The Old Man.

he summit of The Old Man - no one here but me and Dougal (and of course we paid a visit to Angus and Casper).

Brim Fell.

Great Carrs, Swirl How and Great How Crags across Levers Hawse.

Seathwaite Tarn, Harter Fell to the right.

Brim Fell and Dow Crag from Little How Crags.

Levers Water and Coniston Water beyond.

The ridge just walked from The Old Man to Brim Fell, Dow Crag to the right.

Pensive Dougal.

Swirl How from Great Carrs.

Nearly all in one shot - the Coniston fells from Great Carrs.

The Royal Canadian Air Force memorial on Great Carrs, Grey Friar beyond.

Swirl How.

Dougal looking for the Scafells - they are over to the left and have been lost all day.

Descending Prison Band, Wetherlam ahead.

Down at Levers Water.

Brim Fell end from a dry looking Levers Water. About 30 seconds after this photo the heavens opened to make a very damp end to the walk through Boulder Valley.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 09/02/2014

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4 miles Total Ascent: 647 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 13:40

Weather: Windy and overcast, 8°C

Today’s walk was done with a little sadness as I went with Dougal to scatter Casper’s ashes up on The Old Man with Angus – now they can both look down on us and we, of course, can look up to them and remember the good times. If you remember, spare our two boys a little thought next time you are up there…

Differing light, looking across to Wetherlam

It looks quite bright over towards Coniston Water...but up to The Old Man, not so clever

Sheep spotting on the climb

Poser!

Not much to see from the summit today and it was more than a little windy. The reason we were here was to scatter Casper's ashes in the same place as Angus, just below the summit where the plaque used to be - now they are reunited forever. I had many thoughts of the walks we had all done together over the years and there were more smiles than tears.

There wasn't much to see on the walk along to Brim Fell and then the descent of the upper part of Brim Fell Rake down to Low Water. I did have to hang on to my hat though (and Dougal!). This photo was taken when I got below the clouds at Low Water Beck looking down on Coniston.

Wainwright marked this simply as 'cave' on Brim Fell 3...an old copper mine level I'll wager.

The bottom section of Brim Fell Rake from the level

The view across Boulder Valley from the same place

The Pudding Stone - Brim Fell Rake is quite conspicuous from here running diagonally right to left from the centre of the photo

Looking across to Wetherlam over the Copper Mines

Coppermines Valley below Levers Water

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 10/11/2013

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:30

Weather: Cold and windy. 3oC.

It was predicted to be a clear day today so I set off early to catch the sunrise from The Old Man – I wasn’t disappointed and the early start was well worth the effort. Nice to bump into a group of StridingEdge fans on the way down – the only people I saw all morning.

Pre-dawn, looking across to Brown and Buck Pike.

Sunrise.

The dawn of a beautiful day.

Looking to distant Black Combe, the fells aglow.

The sun climbs higher, as do I!

Summit approach.

What a fabulous view from the top looking down on Low Water.

A panorama from the summit looking to the Scafells. Select on the image to see a larger version.

Sunrise on Dougal.

From The Old Man.

Dow Crag and beyond.

Heading for Brim Fell

The South Rake on Dow Crag.

Looking back to The Old Man.

Brim Fell.

Harter Fell.

Swirl How.

Swirl How from Raven Tor.

Down at Low Water.

Wetherlam from the ruins.

Black Sail and Wetherlam.

Mind the gap.

The Old Man in the sunshine.

The Coniston fells from Torver.

Colourful reflections down at Lake Bank.

A perfect view of Coniston.

Into the sun, the mist rising from the polished lake.

Mono Jetty.

Coniston Water.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 10/07/2013

Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Warm but overcast. 21oC.

After all the wonderful weather over the fells that I have been jealously eyeing from afar, today was…dull! Not to worry, I didn’t let the weather and lack of views spoil the feeling of the freedom of the fells. It was fantastic to be back up there (Dougal thinks so too!) and we followed the old favourite ‘McMahon Route’ to The Old Man, returning via Brim Fell Rake.

Foxgloves and high bracken at the foot of The Old Man.

A panorama across The Cove - Walna Scar, Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Dougal was nearly tripping over his tongue this morning!

Now, where did all that sunshine go?

Coniston, Coniston Water and Windermere.

A silhouette of Brown Pike complete with three summiteers, Walna Scar and Black Combe beyond.

Looking down on Low Water and Levers Water from the top of the Old Man.

The cloud is moving in from the north obliterating all views in that direction.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Mono Harter Fell.

The descent of Brim Fell Rake (with the accompaniment of raindrops).

Low Water looking turquoise today.

Low Water reflections.

Straight in, no messing.

Wetherlam and reminders of the industrial past of The Old Man.

The Bell.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 08/02/2013

Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Cold with a strong wind on top. 3°C

The weather turned out much better than I thought it would today – it was a proper winter’s day up on The Old Man, all blue sky and snow, just lovely. That was a good choice Casper lad!

The Coniston fells looking good from Torver.

A spontaneous outbreak of sunshine on the climb to The Old Man.

Brown Pike in sight. Just after this I stumbled on some ice and my bottle fell out of the side pocket on my rucksack - it was just great to watch it slide down on the ice and snow for 30 metres. Curses were issued.

Walna Scar and Brown Pike.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove.

Casper and Dougal hold paws.

The view over Coniston and Windermere beyond.

Sunshine and blue sky approaching the summit.

A fabulous view over Low Water to Wetherlam and beyond from the top.

A panoramic view from The Old Man of Coniston. Select on the image to see a larger version.

The summit of The Old Man.

A lovely winter view of The Scafells.

It was beautiful up here...

...beautiful but cold, I should add.

The boys on the summit.

The Coniston fells.

Looking back to the summit cairn.

Dow Crag and Harter Fell.

Brim Fell with Bowfell putting in an appearance in the background.

Old Men?

Brim Fell.

A panoramic view from Brim Fell, select on the image to see a larger version.

Looking across Grey Friar from Brim Fell.

At the top of Brim Fell Rake.

Loving it now, it was just a fantastic winter's day up here.

Blazing a trail down the rake.

Levers Water, Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Insurance on the steep descent.

Low Water and The Old Man from Raven Tor.

Low Water.

The descent through the old mine workings.

Coniston Sunrise

Walked on 30/11/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Goat’s Hawse – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Blind Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 780 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 07:20

Weather: Freezing, some cloud. 0oC

It has been really cold and clear for the last couple of days so I wanted to get high on a fell to catch a glorious sunrise this morning and I wasn’t disappointed with the one I got – the view from the Old Man was fabulous this morning, one to remember for a while.

Pre-dawn on the climb to The Old Man and the sun is still below the horizon.

Getting lighter as I climb higher, the valleys below are covered in mist.

Sunrise, first sight of the sun over the horizon.

The view down from the climb.

Mono Coniston Water, partially frozen, and Windermere beyond covered in a thick blanket of cloud.

Black Combe and Brown Pike glowing in the early sunshine.

Morecambe Bay with Heysham Power Station visible looking along cloud covered Coniston Water and the Crake Valley.

The full moon over Dow Crag.

Martian mountains?

Winter Hill on the horizon floating above a sea of orange cloud.

A panoramic view from the summit.

The view over Low Water and Levers Water.

The sun has risen into cloud now looking across layers of valleys.

The Old Man summit view.

Silhouetted cairn.

No one was around this early (of course!).

The face of Dow Crag - at this point I wasn't sure where I was heading next and seemed to do quite a bit of aimless wandering, watching the conditions unfold to work out the best way to go.

The Old Man in mono.

The Scafells.

There was a fabulous winter sky this morning.

Brim Fell summit cairn and The Old Man.

Casper surveys his kingdom.

Skiddaw, Great Carrs, Swirl How and Blencathra.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Skiddaw.

Frozen Brim Fell.

Brr, it was cold up here today.

Brim Fell summit.

Finding a way down.

Goat's Water.

Dougal and Casper, raring to go!

Harter Fell.

The view from Dow Crag.

Looking back over Goat's Hawse.

The frozen Duddon Valley.

Dow Crag from Buck Pike.

Me and Casperoonals.

Blind Tarn.

Coniston Old Man across The Cove.

That fiery sky was ever-present today.

Sun Dog to the left.

Cove Bridge.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 01/11/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 10:50

Weather: Cold, snow. 5oC.

I saw Scafell through a parting in the clouds earlier this morning and could see that there was snow on the tops. It was a good bet that others would have snow on too and on the way to Coniston I could see that those tops were also dusted with snow. It only seems like 5 minutes ago since summer but there you go – full blown winter conditions on the fells once more.

A fleeting glimpse of Dow Crag and The Old Man from Torver - it looks as though there is a bit of snow on the tops this morning.

When I got out of the car there was nothing to be seen, everything was covered in mist...but as I set off it quickly disappeared.

The Bell through the clearing mist.

On the Walna Scar Road. The summit of The Old Man can almost be seen.

Wetherlam.

Frosty skies and rising mist looking to the south from Little Arrow Moor.

A bit of sunshine and a view to Brown Pike.

A panoramic view across The Cove - Brown Pike, Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

A cloud of two halves!

The southern end of Coniston Water and Morecambe Bay.

Above the snow line now looking to Brown Pike and Blind Tarn, Black Combe beyond.

Coniston Water is clear now.

Approaching the summit. There were lots of families here today as it is half term, great to see so many enjoying the fells.

The wintry summit of Coniston Old Man.

Old Man panoramic.

Low Water and beyond.

A panorama of Dow Crag.

Grey Friar and Brim Fell.

No messing around for these young lads - straight down to business with snowmen and snowballs!

Those clouds look heavily laden with snow.

Looking back to the summit on the way to Brim Fell.

Contrasting colours.

There was a really cold wind crossing towards Brim Fell.

Looking across to Windermere before disappearing into the clouds.

Hole in the sky above The Old Man.

No views for us from Brim Fell today.

The snow Beardies.

Back out of the mist at the foot of Brim Fell Rake heading to Low Water.

Finding the best route.

Dougal in a snowstorm.

Rainbow over Coniston.

The Bell in sunshine.

Back at the car and blue skies up on high.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 11/07/2012

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Low Water – Brim Fell Rake – Brim Fell – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Heavy showers. 12°C

After a month of solid work, work, work it was nice to get out again today. I was determined to do it whatever the weather – today was not about sunshine and views, it was about fresh air and being alive.

Foxgloves and promising sunshine at Big Hill looking to The Bell.

Hmm, not so promising now on the tourist route to The Old Man.

The industrial past of Coniston.

Passing the old mine workings.

Relics of a bygone age.

Dougal leads the way past Low Water heading for Brim Fell Rake.

Low Water and The Old Man from Raven Tor.

Dougal and Casper - very wet but glad to be out today I think.

Not much to see on Brim Fell. The rain was horizontal and it was touch and go whether gloves and hat were needed. Plan B was put into operation and I decided to return via The Old Man rather than Swirl How and Prison Band.

All alone on The Old Man...not sure what that Casper look means!

Out of the clouds looking across Coniston on the descent.

More industrial relics (sorry Casper!).

Clearing skies on The Old Man...now!

The Old Man of Coniston

Walked on 24/11/2010

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Below Beck Fells – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 630 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:20

Weather: Cold and clear. 2C

Everywhere looked to be covered in cloud when I set off from home this morning, especially further to the east. When I was driving towards the Coniston fells they had a big cloud cap on them too, but I thought it would clear when the sun rose a little and thankfully this turned out to be right. It was really clear up there today and it was superb walking the ridge to Brim Fell in those conditions, beautiful and crisp with virtually no one around.

Coniston Old Man route map.

All clear on top of The Old Man.

The summit of The Old Man from the Walna Scar Road.

Coniston and the head of Coniston Water.

The view to the south.

Dougal strikes a typical Beardie pose.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag from Little Arrow Moor.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

The Cove panorama.

Little Dougal looks at the big fells.

Casper and Dougal.

The climb to The Old Man.

Panoramic Old Man.

Dow Crag.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike.

The sun shining on Morecambe Bay and Coniston Water - the Crake Valley is still frosty.

The view over Bursting Stone Quarry towards Windermere (Bursting Stone is a type of slate).

Black Combe beyond Walna Scar.

Of course, we had to visit our old pal up here.

The view from the top of The Old Man.

Windermere from the summit.

A Remembrance Day poppy on the column.

Wetherlam above Levers Water with the track below snaking down to Low Water.

The deserted summit of Coniston Old Man.

Dougal and Casper on the summit.

It was a beautiful day up here today but with a cold wind.

Brim Fell, Swirl How and Great Carrs from The Old Man. The person of Brim Fell was a Striding Edge fan - he recognised us from that distance! Nice to meet you up there.

Harter Fell.

The Scafells and Langdales in the distance are clouded over.

Looking back to the summit.

Walking the icy Brim Fell ridge.

Great Carrs, Swirl How and Great How Crags from Brim Fell.

An icy descent of Brim Fell Rake.

Brim Fell from Raven Tor.

Levers Water, Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Swirl How and Wetherlam across Levers Water.

Wetherlam and the Coppermines Valley from the descent.

I had a little wander off the beaten track across Below Beck Fells on the west face of The Old Man on the way back. Unfortunately two young ladies on their way to The Old Man summit decided to follow me as I must have looked as though I knew where I was going. I set them back on the right path when I realised they couldn't be going the same way as me - remember, if you see a bloke with a couple of dogs, don't follow him as you could end up anywhere!

The Old Man from the Walna Scar Road.

King of the Fells

Walked on 08/03/2010

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Low Water – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.3 miles Total Ascent: 613 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 15 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Clear above the haze layer, 8C

It was a beautiful morning once more after a cold and frosty start; at low level there was a haze layer but I managed to get above this on the climb to The Old Man. There was a reason for climbing up there today other than it being a great walk…

Coniston Old Man

A frosty morning at Lake Bank, Coniston Water.

It was cold but beautiful in the sunshine.

Oak Isle.

Lake Bank jetty.

The Old Man, today's target.

Coniston Yacht Club moorings.

looking across to Brock Barrow. On with the walk...

Coniston Old Man from the Walna Scar Road.

There was a heavy layer of haze at lower levels today, here looking over the quarry to the east.

Finally! Completely through the haze now looking across to Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

Casper checks out Buck Pike and Dow Crag. There was a reason why I came to Coniston today - Angus' birthday was 9th March so I managed to haul up a piece of slate (back to where it started from!) complete with a simple tribute where his ashes are scattered...