Farewell Fletcher

Walked on 27/02/2025

Walking Diary 2025

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Brim Fell Rake – Raven Tor – Low Water – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 7.7 km Total Ascent: 577 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 11:40

Weather: Beautiful and clear. 6°C

This was a walk I wasn’t particularly looking forward to and also a walk I didn’t think I would have to do quite this soon as it was Fletcher’s final walk. It was no time ago at all that he was running up here so the speed of his demise was a bit of a shock. We walked or usual way (I am sure Fletcher could walk this with a blindfold on!) and visited Angus, Casper & Dougal and left Fletcher with them. Rest easy Fletcher, farewell lad.

Wall to wall blue sky today.

Climbing higher, Brown Pike ahead.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove.

High up, above the snow line near the spot where Angus, Casper and Dougal are at rest. I sat a while and thought of them all and I thought of Fletcher - a lot. It was only a few weeks ago we were up here (18th January was the last time) and then he was as fit as a fiddle. I think that is the difference with Fletcher to the others - he never got old; he didn't slow up and he was not ill. He was fighting fit until one day he wasn't and then it was too late. I can scarcely believe he is gone and I feel so sad about it. I hope he finds the others, he was taken too soon. RIP Fletcher lad, we won't forget you.

View from the Old Man.

There was a surprising amount of snow around with a cold, icy wind on the top.

Looking to the Duddon Estuary.

The Scafells with the cloud starting to build now.

The view back to The Old Man from the path to Brim Fell.

The Scafells from Brim Fell.

Grey Friar and the Scafells beyond.

Swirl How.

A cold looking Dow Crag.

There are a few people on the Old Man now.

The view through the Fairfield gap (the col between Grey Friar and Swirl How) with the mighty Bowfell to the right.

Great How Crags.

Low Water and the Old Man from the descent of Brim Fell Rake.

Black sails and Wetherlam.

Swirl How from Raven Tor.

Brim Fell Rake.

This is the last photo of Fletcher on the Old Man - 18.01.25. RIP Fletcher.

The Coniston Fells

Walked on 08/01/2025

Walking Diary 2025

Start Point: Torver

Torver – Scarr Head – Walna Scar Road – Brown Pike – Buck Pike – Dow Crag – Goat’s Hawse – Coniston Old Man – Scarr Head – Torver

Distance: 12.9 km Total Ascent: 1272 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 10:00

After a big snow dump over most of the country at the weekend, today looked a good bet for a walk now things have calmed down a little. It did not disappoint, what a day for a proper winter walk- there wasn’t a breath of wind and it was quite warm in the sunshine of the south facing slopes. Creeping cloud from the south did catch us up in the end but I love these sort of days where the sun is setting almost as soon as it has risen.

The Coniston fells looking magnificent in their winter coat from the Scarr Head climb.

The King of the Hill. It's obviously the place to be!

There is a low cloud layer to the south, something that would creep up on us through the day.

Banishead Quarry.

Brown Pike beyond Cove Bridge.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Climbing the Walna Scar Road, the snow gradually became deeper and the going more arduous.

Almost at the top of the Walna Scar Road with the 'honeymoon couple' shelter (AW Dow Crag 4 - AKA the Angus Shelter for those that remember!)(.

At the top of the Walna Scar Road.

Starting the climb towards Brown Pike.

The Scafells.

Looking across Walna Scar, White Maiden and Caw to Black Combe.

Looking across the Duddon Vally towards Harter Fell.

Buck Pike and The Old Man from Brown Pike.

Looking across Walna Scar to Black Combe.

Looking south to a wintry looking sky. Three photos from the same place, the weather on each one looks completely different.

Couldn't resist a look back to Brown Pike with the winter sun above.

Fletcher the trail blazer on his way to Buck Pike.

Blind Tarn and Brown Pike.

Dow Crag from Buck Pike.

Llooking down the South Rake on Dow Crag, Goat's Water below.

Just one little biscuit Dad...

Oh go on then!

Brew time on Dow Crag, It was here the weather started to catch us up and the blue sky was being overtaken by the creeping cloud.

The Old Man from Dow Crag across Goat's Water.

Icy Dow Crag.

The view back to Buck Pike.

Heading for Goat's Hawse.

Goat's Water.

It's starting to look like the bleak mid-winter on the climb to The Old Man.

On the summit of The Old Man. There were plenty of people on the summit, all behind me here.

Low Water.

Saying hello to Angus, Casper and Dougal.

Heading for home. Which way is it Fletcher?

This final photo is from the same place as the first one in this set, compare the weather now!

Coniston Fells

Walked on 14/10/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar Car Park – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Little How Crags – Fairfield col – Grey Friar – Great Carrs – Top of Broad Slack – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar Car Park

Distance: 14.4 km Total Ascent: 876 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes Start Time: 06:45

Weather: Beautiful and clear. 2°C

Time to dust off the hiking boots now that summer has gone and the crowds have largely receded. It was great to get out again on such a day, there was absolute clarity and views for miles. There was no one around at all today until I got to Boulder Valley, so I had the fells to myself for a while. I know these fells well and have walked them many times but they are still great walk; it felt a bit like coming home.

There was a bank of low lying cloud on the horizon this morning so it took 10 minutes or so for the sun to actually appear - it was shaping up to be a beautiful day.

Golden Hour looking to the west.

Climbing higher now, there was no one around only me, Fletcher and the sheep.

Made it! It was clear everywhere looking to the Scafells.

Coniston Old Man. Fletcher is there somewhere.

looking down to Coniston - village and water.

Fletcher basking in the early morning sun.

What a beautiful morning.

Looking to the south-west across Brown Pike, Walna Scar, Caw and Black Combe.

...and in the opposite direction to the north-east across Low Water.

The Old Man (men?!) and the Scafells.

We visited Angus, Casper and Dougal whilst at the top.

Dow Crag.

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

On the way to Brim Fell.

The pool is frozen this morning.

The Old man from Brim Fell summit.

Great How Crags and Swirl How ahead. Distant Skiddaw and Blencathra are visible.

The next target is Grey Friar, the central lump in this photo with the Scafells beyond.

Following Fletcher.

Seathwaite Tarn and Harter Fell. Sellafield is in view up to the right.

Brim Fell and Dow Crag.

A lovely view over Levers Water from Little How Crags.

Climbing to Grey Friar from Fairfield col.

Dow Crag looks magnificent from this angle.

Matterhorn Rock.

The summit of Grey Friar looking to the north-west cairn and the magnificent Scafells beyond.

It\'s a fine view Fletcher.

A peep into the Langdale Valley with Skiddaw and blencathra beyond.

Which path? We came across on the right hand path in this photo and climbed to Great Carrs on the second left.

Looking back to Grey Friar from the climb to Great Carrs.

Greenburn and little Langdale from Great Carrs.

The Halifax Bomber crash memorial on Great Carrs. The Halifax bomber crashed on 22 October 1944 and all 8 crew members (7 Canadian and 1 British) were killed in the crash. In 2005 2005-new slate plaque was installed, dedicated 11/11/2005 by Rev Mark East.

Serial Number: LL505 \"S for Sugar\"

Swirl How.

Looking down Prison Band to Black Sails and Wetherlam.

Prison Band from below Swirl Hawse.

Levers Water - a place for a drink and a paddle Fletcher?

There has been some fin cairn building going oil since last time I came along here - brilliant effort whoever is building them! This should make the way clearer in poor weather.

At Levers Water dam.

Coniston Coppermines Valley.

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 and Dow Crag

Walked on 26/02/2024

Walking Diary 2024

Start Point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Coniston Old Man – Goat’s Hawse – Dow Crag – Buck Pike – Brown Pike – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 10.4 km Total Ascent: 700 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 50 minutes Start Time: 06:40

It was a case of getting a walk in on a decent weather day again between not so decent weather day! The days are drawing longer with sunrise now at 07:10 so at least I managed to get halfway up The Old Man before that time and even then the low cloud blocked it out for a short while. There was a reminder that we are still in winter with snow on the tops and a bitingly cold wind.

Note: Route map is for indication purposes of general direction only.

The setting moon.

There was lots of low cloud around blocking the light from the sunrise.

Fletcher watches as the light hits Walna Scar.

Gradually the sun started to break through during the climb up The Old Man.

Crepuscular rays...

...light up Coniston.

A sky of two halves.

Blue sky on the approach to The Old Man summit.

Fletcher. We sat with Angus, Casper and Dougal for a short while (they were our older fell walking Bearded Collie companions, their ashes were scattered here) before moving on. The wind was strong and icy now brrr.

Looking across Levers Water, there is a lot of cloud over the eastern fells and it looked as though there were snow showers fleeting through too.

It looked very similar to the north too and the Scafells were nowhere to be seen. Perhaps I struck lucky with this little south western corner of sunshine.

I was all allone on the frozen summit of Coniston Old Man.

The view over Brown Pike, Walna Scar and Black Combe.

Brim Fell and beyond.

Dow Crag.

Barrow Offshore Windfarm visible today beyond Brown Pike.

Buck Pike and Black Combe.

Dow Crag above Goat's Water.

Goat's Water from Goat's Hawse.

Swirl How and Great Carrs, looking back from the path to Dow Crag from Goat's Hawse.

A rare burst of sunlight;ight on Grey Friar.

Dow Crag's rocky summit.

The south rake.

Looking back along the summit ridge.

...and again, further along.

Buck Pike summit cairn.

Brown Pike above Blind Tarn.

Patiently waiting (for a biscuit I expect!).

A view right through to the west Cumbrian coast, but I think Fletcher is sheep spotting.

Brown Pike summit.

'A shelter alongside the Walna Scar road, east of the pass , just big enough for one person or a honeymoon couple' A. Wainwright 'The Southern Fells' Dow Crag 4

Cove Bridge across Torver Beck.

Boo Tarn.

The animals went across one by one. There were lots of shepherd calls and whistles today with the sheep obediently obeying their masters commands.

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 sunset

Walked on 17/01/2022

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 3.8 miles Total Ascent: 518 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 14:30

Clear above cloud                 
Temperature      5 ℃ 
Felt like        5 ℃
Wind Speed       1.7 mi/h
Wind Direction   SSW

At home we were under dull cloud but perhaps, just perhaps things would be better up on high…

When I set off from home, it was dull and grey but an inversion looked a possibility. As I approached Coniston, I could see the Old Man summit was covered in cloud - around the top 300 feet. I almost thought it would be pointless after the disappointment of the previous walk to Blencathra but I stuck with it. By the time I got to Walna Scar car park the summit was clear and the sky was bright blue and that was good enough for me!

As I climbed in the sunshine, the cloud lingered to the south west and I wasn't quite sure what would happen as the sun lowered.

As I looked directly behind I could see the cloud creeping towards Coniston.

...and there it was, the higher I climbed the better the view and the inversion.

Harter Fell to the left and the cloud is starting to creep along Dunnerdale. The Scafells are distant right above the trig. column.

Close up on Harter Fell and beyond.

Continued cloud creep along the lake and to Coniston village.

Wow, this is fantastic!

All alone on the summit now.

Dazzling!

The lowering sun lights up the summit.

A view to Blencathra.

Whitfell, all alone.

Strange undulations in the clouds below. On the horizon the dome of Whernside and the flat top of Ingleborough over 30 miles away.

Dunnerdale is full of cloud now.

An island in the sea.

Scafells sunset.

Fletcher is not bothered about sunsets or inversions - only biscuits and treats!

The setting sun over Black Combe.

Dunnerdale inversion complete.

A clear sky to the east.

Sunset panoramic.

There is a view to Snowdonia on the horizon.

Can you see it?

I could sit here all day.

Time to start the descent before full darkness, there were interesting clouds swirling around from Goat's water.

Moon rise to the east.

The Wolf Moon.

Last view as I descend below the clouds and the sun finally sets on the day.

A clear view for almost 100 miles!

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 (again!)

Walked on 07/04/2015

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Brim Fell – Levers Hawse – Great How – Swirl Band – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Walna Scar road

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 06:15

Weather: Bright, sunny and windy above the clouds. 7C

The same fells on a different day – the prediction was for a further temperature inversion to the south and west today, so where better than Coniston? I particularly wanted to see the sunrise across the inversion, always a special sight so I was glad I made the effort to get up early and witness this magical spectacle.

The Coniston Fells route map

This was the sunrise, it was a little disappointing at first as there were clouds below and above. I was surprised at how low the cloud was as I climbed above it just out of Coniston village.

That's better, as the sun shone through things certainly changed with this beautiful warm glow. The inversion clouds started to lift as it warmed, almost following me on the climb to The OId Man.

This was just fabulous to watch and it was an ever changing scene with the movement of the clouds and fog.

Wow!

I only took about 100 photos of the sunrise (!) so it has been hard to whittle them down to a handful.

The sun climbs higher and you can see the lifting cloud looking like crashing waves on the sea.

It is turning into a beautiful day now but conditions were different to yesterday. As it was earlier in the day it was a lot cooler but it was also surprisingly windy at the top...so it was jacket and gloves back on.

The view to the south west.

The Scafells from The Old Man.

Looking down on Low Water and Levers Water.

Looking across Brown Pike and Blind Tarn to Black Combe.

Coniston summit silhouette.

Dougal keeps an eye on proceedings.

I told you it was windy!

Dow Crag from Brim Fell.

Heading for Great How Crags and Swirl How across Levers Hawse

Glinting Levers Water.

Brim Fell and Dow Crag from Levers Hawse.

Old Man, Brim Fell and Dow Crag from Little How Crags.

Lingmoor Fell standing proud from Swirl How, Silver How and the vale of Grasmere beyond.

Greenburn and the Tilberthwaite Fells.

Taking a dip in Levers Water.

The Old Man and Raven Tor from the dam wall.

Brim Fell End marked the end of the clear air before the descent into the clouds.

On the edge of the lifting clouds.

Heading into Boulder Valley.

The cloud was beginning to lift further with the heat of the day and was pouring across Levers Water.

Time Lapse video of the inversion

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...

Coniston Old Man

Height: 803 metres / 2635 feet Grid reference: SD 27237 97815 Category: The Southern Fells

Often referred to as The Old Man of Coniston, this is the highest fell in the Coniston range.

The Old Man of Coniston – the highest fell in the Coniston range

This slate plaque is a simple tribute to our dog Angus where his ashes are scattered. It is out of view unless you are looking for it – 100m to the south of the summit, in line with Beacon Tarn and facing south. Update 16.03.11…The plaque has now disappeared unfortunately 🙁
Update 9th February 2014 – Casper’s ashes are now scattered here (died 15.01.14).

Update 11th November 2023 – Dougal’s ashes are now scattered here (died 02.05.23)

The ashes of our dogs are scattered on the top. It was a fell we all climbed together many times – please spare a thought for them should you make it to the summit and if you listen carefully, you may be able to hear their barks carried on the wind…

Looking over Levers Water to Black Sails and Wetherlam to Helvellyn and Fairfield from the summit of Coniston Old Man

Looking across Low Water, Levers Water and Wetherlam to the eastern fells from the summit of The Old Man

The summit.

Made it! Connie, aged 5, at the summit of The Old Man of Coniston.

Casper and Angus on the summit

Reflected Old Man above Coniston

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.