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!

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 11/05/2012

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: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 572 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 09:25

Weather: Overcast with snow showers. 6°C

I was glad to get out anywhere this morning having been deliberately staying away from the rough stuff after sustaining a bit of an injury. I took it easy on this one and made it more of a recuperative stroll. I think I should be in my shorts by now but no, it was back to the winter gear again with quite a heavy snow shower when I was on the summit.

It was looking a bit murky over the fells to the north, Wetherlam in cloud.

Boo Tarn and the Walna Scar Road.

Coniston Water.

Looking towards the Duddon Estuary.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag across The Cove, the cloud rolling in now - it was clear earlier.

Dougal - no prizes for guessing what he is looking at - not Walna Scar and Brown Pike across The Cove, that's for sure.

Casper and Dougal.

Climbing Crag O' Stile.

The view across Coniston to Windermere, Bursting Stone quarry below.

Someone knew where the plaque was.

The final 100m to the summit was under cover of cloud with a shower blowing in - a snow shower that is - and a heavy one at that.

The tourist path.

Low Water and Levers Water.

A Coniston Water panoramic...and Dougal.

The return along the old miners track.

The steam yacht Gondola on Coniston Water.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 06/02/2012

Start point: Coniston (SD 300 975)

Coniston – Walna Scar Road – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar Road – Coniston

Distance: 4.7 miles Total Ascent: 730 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 09:15

Weather: Sunny and clear. 3°C

The cold winter days continue and ‘down below’ the freezing fog hangs in the valleys for most of the day at the moment. Up on high it is a different story with more blue skies and clear views making these excellent walking days.

There was freezing fog everywhere on the climb from Coniston village.

Looking across Coniston towards Black Fell.

Walking the road towards the fell gate.

A mackerel sky over The Bell.

Freezing fog is covering Coniston Water.

The view to the east, the Bursting Stone quarry road below.

Coniston village still covered by fog.

Casper and Dougal on the climb.

Coniston panorama. Select on the images to see a larger version.

Coniston Water, Beacon Fell to the right.

Casper leads the way.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike.

Dougal and Walna Scar.

Sunny but cold this morning.

Sheep spotting.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Brown Pike across The Cove.

The low lying valleys to the south east are all covered by mist.

Looking along Coniston Water and the Crake valley.

The Ill Bell ridge to the east.

Black Combe on the left has no snow on it.

Some of the eastern fells have a cloud cap this morning.

A view for miles from the summit of The Old Man of Coniston.

The Scafells from the summit.

The column on The Old Man.

Fairfield beyond Wetherlam.

Brim Fell along the ridge.

Black Combe across Brown Pike with Blind Tarn in the hollow beneath Brown Pike.

A great view of Dow Crag in the sunshine, South Rake to the left.

Scafell.

Harter Fell.

Looking across to the Helvellyn ridge. The dark tip to the right is Dollywaggon Pike, Helvellyn next left.

Mono Howgills.

Casper, King of the Fells.

Looking across Coniston village from the summit.

The steep way down.

Back at the end of the Walna Scar road and not a car in sight (which is unusual!) at the car park.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 19/10/2011

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: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 572 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 14:00

Weather: Sunny. 8ºC

It was beautiful and sunny today so I headed up to The Old Man for a quick walk. I expected it to be cold up on the top as there was snow on Fairfield the previous day and I was right – once on the climb there was areal cold blast and my hands and face were numb by the time I made it to the top. Great to see lots of people enjoying the clear views up there though including lots of family groups.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Old Man of Coniston.

What a gorgeous day heading out in the sunshine, it felt quite warm walking along the Walna Scar Road to The Old Man.

At the foot of the Bursting Stone road and the climb to The Old Man.

There is a clear view across to The Howgills today.

Traversing Little Arrow Moor.

Dougal checks out the view across the climbing hut in The Cove to Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike.

Casper and Dougal in the sunshine.

Crag o' Stile.

Dow Crag.

Fix the Fells or ruin them? You, the jury, decide. This is the new 'improved' version of the Walna Scar Road looking down from the climb to The Old Man, it looks like you could drive down there at 70mph with no problem now. What do you think? My view is that it is a complete mess and a waste of time, effort and money.

Coniston and Coniston Water across Bursting Stone Quarry.

The Duddon Estuary, lit up by the sun today.

Sitting with Angus.

The climb to the summit.

The summit of Coniston Old Man looking across to The Scafells.

The view across Low Water and Wetherlam.

Looking south east over Coniston.

Harter Fell and the western fells.

Light and shade on Brim Fell and beyond.

The Scafells.

There were plenty of people around on The Old Man today.

The autumn colours were looking fabulous in the sunshine - I decided to avoid the main path and follow 'route 1' back down past the quarry.

Dougal says: 'I can see for miles and miles...' to Windermere (that is the Low Wood Hotel visible across the water), The Howgills and beyond.

Wetherlam.

Coniston Water.

Above the quarry.

Nearly down now, it's a little warmer than it was up top.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 20/06/2011

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: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 572 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 12:15

Weather: Sunny and warm. 20°C

Once more the weather completely changed from the last time I was out – today was a proper summer’s day again and it was just lovely (and quiet!) up on The Old Man. We ascended using the now well trodden McMahon route but descended using the direct and steep route. I did take a little time to hang around up there today and sit with Angus for a while.

Coniston Old Man route map.

Green and blue at the start of the walk.

Following the Walna Scar Road.

Foxgloves on the slopes of The Old Man.

Dow Crag across The Cove, the climbing hut is below.

The climb to The Old Man.

Panoramic view across The Cove.

Close up on Dow Crag.

Something has caught the attention of Casper and Dougal, Ovine I'll wager.

Walna Scar and Brown Pike.

Buck Pike.

Big fluffy clouds across Torver Common with the Kent Estuary to the left and the Duddon Estuary to the right.

Black Combe in view beyond Brown Pike.

We sat with Angus for a while.

The summit cairn on The Old Man.

A panoramic view over Low Water and Coppermines Valley.

A lovely view towards the Scafells from the trig. column.

Looking across Swirl How to distant Skiddaw, left of centre.

Dow Crag, Harter Fell to the right.

The Scafells and Bowfell with Grey Friar mid-distance. The path leads to Brim Fell.

Scafell and Scafell Pike.

Esk Pike, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell.

The view from the summit of The Old Man.

Coniston Water.

Dramatic skies on the steep descent.

The cloud is building to the east.

Coniston panorama from the Walna Scar Road.

The Coniston fells from Torver.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 16/03/2011

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 miles Total Ascent: 573 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 50 minutes Start Time: 09:30

Weather: Mainly sunny. 8°C

The weather seemed much better than predicted early on this morning and the views along Coniston Water as I drove past were stunning enough to stop me in my tracks and make me turn around to grab a few photos at Lake Bank and Brown Howe. From there I could see The Old Man was clearing whilst further north in the Lakes looked a bit murkier. It did eventually cloud over but I think I caught the best of the weather today following the McMahon route to the summit.

At Lake Bank…

Coniston Old Man route map.

Misty Fairfield at the head of the lake.

Flat calm at Lake Bank.

Lake Bank jetty.

The cloud is lifting from The Old Man - that looks like a good place to go.

Nibthwaite reflected.

Jetty view to Oak Isle. Driving further I was stopped in my tracks once more by the calm waters at Brown Howe.

Selside reflections.

Brock Barrow in mono.

Peel Island and High Peel Near.

A glorious view along Coniston Water. Onwards and upwards...

Seems clear on the west side of The Old Man.

Looks clear across The Bell to Swirl How and Wetherlam too.

The Walna Scar Road.

The boys enjoy a paddle in Boo Tarn - a rare sight as you can actually see some water in it!

The Old Man from Limestone Haws.

The cloud is starting to drift in now across Walna Scar and Brown Pike.

Dougal enjoys the view from Little Arrow Moor.

Brown Pike and Buck Pike across The Cove, Cove Hut below.

Dougal and Casper - how on earth do they always end up so mucky?

Looking from Crag O' Stile to The Old Man, now with cloud on the summit.

Casper, the lone wolf, on the climb.

We are up in the cloud now and it is fleeting in and out.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

As above, so below - looking at a dual cloud layer from The Old Man. I visited Angus whilst I was here but alas the plaque has disappeared. No doubt someone feels good about removing a hidden piece of Coniston slate from - well - another piece of Coniston slate! It obviously didn't fit the surroundings, at least I know where he is, plaque or no plaque.

It's a different world up on the summit; cold and cloudy with the final vestiges of winter snow remaining.

Caw, Buck Pike and Dow Crag revealed. Dougal has a quick look around for the plaque!

I made a direct and mainly pathless descent through the clouds. Here the boys head for a quick drink at this pool above Bursting Stone Quarry.

The Fell Dogs in silhouette.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 20/01/2011

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: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 572 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 30 minutes Start Time: 15:30

Weather: Cool and clear. 1C

It was a beautiful day in the Lake District today but when a blanket of freezing fog descended over our house in the afternoon, I knew that conditions would be good higher up and that there would be a good sunset too. It was thanks to Louise that I went on this one as she persuaded me to make the effort and I am thankful that she did – the sunset across the inversion was simply stunning.

This was totally a ‘no frills’ walk so there is no route map – I ascended and descended using the route 1 method!

It was a lovely and clear day today but I was only here to see the end of it and catch the sunset from the top of Coniston Old Man.

What a great view of the already setting sun on the climb to The Old Man with the Duddon Estuary and the Irish Sea beyond Black Combe covered in a blanket of cloud.

All is golden.

Getting higher up, the full extent of the inversion was visible.

Beautiful silhouettes and sunset.

Approaching the summit we said hello to Angus.

I'm sure he would have approved of the walk and the weather today.

The view towards the Scafells from the summit of The Old Man.

Looking across Coniston Water to Morecambe Bay.

The eastern fells from the summit.

Old Man.

Young men. Dougal ably demonstrates just how breezy it is on the top.

Sellafield poking through the cloud beyond Harter Fell.

I spotted two lumps rising from the inversion in the distance which can only be in Wales, one on the left horizon (I think this is Arenig Fawr which is an incredible 104 miles away) and one on the right (Carnedd Lllewelyn, 91 miles away).

The sun setting over Dougal.

Fabulous colours in the sky this evening.

Burnished Casper.

It was getting pretty cold and was surprisingly breezy on the top as the sun set.

A close up on Carnedd Llewelyn and now Snowdon is visible too, 98 miles away.

Fat old sun.

Dougal has a last look before it is time to go.

The last one before it gets too dark. It only took twenty minutes to get down from here using my 'no frills' method.

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.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 03/06/2010

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: 2.9 miles Total Ascent: 572 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 40 minutes Start Time: 06:15

Weather: Sunny. 16C

I was up early this morning for a walk to The Old Man – it was quite novel that there were no cars in the car park when I set off and none there when I returned! It was beautiful up there this morning with the sun shining and only the sound of silence and that, thinking of yesterday’s events at Whitehaven, is the way it should be.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Old Man is turning green (with envy?) as the bracken grows through.

The Bell and Wetherlam.

It was a beautiful morning as we walked along the Walna Scar Road.

Early morning mist covers the foot of Coniston Water from the start of the climb, Beacon Fell is to the right and the windmills on Kirkby Moor beyond.

Dougal can hear sheep in The Cove below looking across to Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

A panoramic view across The Cove.

Dougal and Casper show off their long tongues.

Heading for the summit following the superbly graded McMahon Route.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn, Black Combe beyond.

Angus, King of the Fells 09.03.96 - 03.06.09. At the Angus memorial I couldn't help but think of the tragic events not so far away yesterday when the lives of so many were shattered by the actions of a lone man. Condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all those involved.

He's got a decent view from here, that Angus.

The summit of The Old Man.

Dougal and Casper at the summit.

The benchmark points to 'The Man'.

Deserted Old Man.

Looking down on Low Water.

The Scafells and the Coniston range.

Spot Dougal on the 'no frills' descent by the quarry.

The Monument(s).

Boo Tarn - no reflections in this one though, it is the patch of reeds across the road. On the way home...

Brown Howe.

Coniston Water reflections.

Nice day for a row in a boat.

Time for a drink and a bathe.

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...

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.

A clear view from Coniston Old Man today.

The Howgills and Ingleborough peep through the haze layer to the south east.

Looking down on Low Water and Levers Water.

The ridge to Brim Fell with non-snowy Harter Fell to the left and the Scafells up to the right.

Dow Crag with Black Combe beyond through the haze.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Ripples all the way to Ingleborough, 33 miles as the crow flies.

Helvellyn and Fairfield across Wetherlam.

Looking back to The Old Man.

The summit of Brim Fell.

There is a distinct line of haze beyond The Old Man.

Dougal and Casper on Brim Fell.

A 360 panorama from Brim Fell.

The Scafells across Grey Friar.

The start of Brim Fell Rake.

Great Carrs, Skiddaw beyond (19 miles as the crow flies).

Dougal blazes a trail onto Brim Fell Rake - I don't think anyone's been this way for a while.

Low Water beneath The Old Man.

Levers Water from Raven Tor.

Brim Fell Rake.

Heading for Low Water.

Casper and Dougal on Low Water.

Well, I had to didn't I? The view of the Old Man from the middle of Low Water.

Descending through the ruined mine workings.

The Coniston fell from Torver. At Brown Howe, some reflection shots.

Reflected Arnsbarrow Hill.

Reflected Fairfield Horseshoe.

A flat calm view along the lake.

The Coniston Fells

Walked on 07/01/2010

Start point: The Sun Inn, Coniston (SD 300 975)

Coniston – Walna Scar road – Brown Pike – Buck Pike – Dow Crag – Goat’s Hawse – Coniston Old Man – Brim Fell – Levers Hawse – Great How – Swirl How – Prison Band – Swirl Hawse – Levers Water – Boulder Valley – Coppermines Valley – Coniston

Distance: 10.2 miles Total Ascent: 1085 metres Time Taken: 5 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold and clear. -4°C

I actually came to Coniston yesterday (Wednesday 6th January) to walk theses fells but decided against it due to the heavy snow when I arrived there – I knew the fells would still be there another day and surely enough, this morning turned out lovely and clear. This would be fantastic and memorable day for a walk on the fells. According to Radio Cumbria, last night was the coldest ever recorded in Cumbria with a temperature of -14.5C recorded at Carlisle. When I got to Coniston it was -9C, so I knew it would be pretty cold today. As it turned out, it was quite warm in the sunshine but when in the wind or shade, then it was particularly noticeable how cold it really was.

The Coniston fells route map.

Sunrise on The Old Man.

This snow filled lane is the approach to the Walna Scar Road, the gate is directly ahead.

Looking back along the Walna Scar Road.

Brown Pike above Cove Bridge.

The Old Man across The Cove.

Sunshine on Morecambe Bay to the south.

Casper at the Angus Shelter, Walna Scar beyond.

Snow cornice on Walna Scar.

Buck Pike from Brown Pike. Time to get the crampons on now for virtually the rest of the walk.

Looking back across Walna Scar and Caw to Black Combe.

The approach to Buck Pike.

Brown Pike from Buck Pike.

Dow Crag ahead from Buck Pike.

Easy Gully, Dow Crag.

The Scafell range from Dow Crag.

Close up on Scafell and Scafell Pike.

A frozen Goat's Water and Dow Crag from Goat's Hawse.

Looking across to Dow Crag from the slog up to The Old Man.

I found these skis conveniently placed on the trig. column on The Old Man summit.

When I found the owner, it was an old friend of mine Nathan Pike. Now that's what I call travelling in style!

Setting off for Brim Fell.

The view from the summit, clear as clear can be.

Heading for Brim Fell as Nathan realises it is harder to ski uphill than down! I caught him up again before he disappeared down Brim Fell Rake.

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

A clear view of all the fells today.

Looking back once more from Brim Fell.

The eastern fells across Levers Water.

Swirl How and Great How Crags from the descent to Levers Hawse, to the left is Great Carrs.

Part frozen Seathwaite Tarn and Harter fell from Levers Hawse.

Grey Friar.

A clear view to the Howgills across Levers Water.

Brim Fell across Levers Hawse from the climb to Great How Crags, Dow Crag and Black Combe to the left.

The Howgills from Swirl How, to the right is Ingleborough.

Swirl How.

The Scafells to Bowfell across Great Carrs.

Skiddaw and Blencathra across the Langdales.

Prison Band.

Descending Prison Band, Wetherlam ahead. The snow was often knee deep down here making the going hard.

The view from Swirl Hawse.

Blazing a trail from Swirl Hawse following Swirl Hawse Beck. The more usual path is further up to the right but this seemed as good a way as any today...but watch out for the big holes like the one at the bottom left of the photo! At least I only went waist deep and didn't disappear altogether.

In the shade at Levers Water and the sun is already setting, Great How Crags in the sunshine.

Pink tinged Wetherlam from Boulder Valley.

Looking to the YHA across Coppermines Valley.

The walking huts with the Yewdale Fells tinged with the sunset.

Coppermines Valley. On the way home...

The fells recently walked from Torver.

Lake District sunset.

Frozen Coniston Water at Brown How.

Bethecar Moor from Brown How.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 09/11/2009

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar car park – Goat’s Hawse – Goat’s Water – Brim Fell – The Old Man of Coniston – Walna Scar car park

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 620 metres Time Taken: 2 hours

Weather: Sunny and clear, cooling. <8oC.

It was so clear and sunny today you would hardly think it was the same time of year as the rest of the previous week when it has been raining almost incessantly. I found time for a late afternoon walk and with those blue skies I was confident of seeing a decent sunset so tried to time my walk accordingly. I must admit I thought I had left it too late when I was walking beneath Dow Crag, it was so dark and cold there. Dougal joined us today for his first ‘bigger’ walk at 7 months old and of course we were recognised (along with Casper, the two of them together are unmistakable!) and then he was fussed over at every opportunity by passing walkers. He took the whole thing in his stride of course and he is turning out to be a great pretender to the fell masters throne.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Coniston fells from Torver.

The Old Man from the car park.

The view north across The Bell.

Heading along the Walna Scar Road.

Dougal blazes a trail he looks as though he knows where he is going!

Looking across the reedy Boo Tarn, it was clear as an (Ill) Bell!

Long shadows already looking back along the track.

The Cove and Dow Crag ahead.

The western flank of Coniston Old Man.

A big shadow from Buck Pike as the sun starts to set.

The sun bursts over Brown Pike.

Sunny Dougal.

Once into the shadows it was like entering a very different world, chilly and grey.

Dow Crag across Goat's Water.

Goat's Water reflection.

Walking along the edge of Goat's Water.

Grey Friar and the Scafells from Goat's Hawse.

The setting sun over Dow Crag.

The view from the Brim Fell ridge, Black Combe in the distance. It was getting colder with every footstep now.

The Old Man summit ahead but first I was off in the opposite direction to Brim Fell.

The sky is on fire over the Duddon Estuary.

The summit of Brim Fell. To those who read in the Love the Lakes blog about the latest jacket, all I can say is wow! Instant warmth.

Grey Friar and the Scafells from Brim Fell. Looks like there is a sprinkling of snow up there too.

Scafell - and yes, a dusting of snow indeed.

The Duddon Estuary, Walney Island and Barrow-in-Furness.

A closer view.

As I was walking the frost was forming on the high ground and the puddles were freezing over. This is a frosty view down to Low Water from the walk back towards The Old Man.

Brim Fell and the Scafells from The Old Man summit.

Coniston Old Man sunset.

Column and cairn.

The view to the south west.

Coniston Water.

Dougal and Casper on The Old Man - Dougal's first (hopefully of many) time up here.

Looking to Wetherlam across Low Water and Levers Water.

I hung around for a little while alone watching the sunset, it was just beautiful.

Column and sky.

The Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay, Heysham Power Station is in view across the bay.

Dougal looks on as darkness falls - let's go! We descended using a 'no frills' route to get down as quick as we could before dark.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 24/09/2009

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: 3 hours 45 minutes

Weather: Overcast, cold wind. 15C.

Today was the third StridingEdge group walk which was up to The Old Man of Coniston via the now officially named (well, it is in our house!) McMahon Route, a brilliantly graded walk across Little Arrow Moor and then up the south ridge of the Old Man. Joining me on the walk were StridingEdge viewers who expressed an interest in coming for a walk with me and Casper and it was great to meet everyone – some new faces and some old stalwarts of our walks. It was a good walk in great company, pity the weather wasn’t kinder to us today…maybe next time.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Old Man from the car park.

Setting off along the Walna Scar Road.

The start of the climb to The Old Man.

Torver Common with Beacon Fell prominent on the right.

Coniston Water.

Casper has a look across The Cove to Brown Pike.

He's struggling to keep all that tongue in!

Coniston across Bursting Stone Quarry, Windermere top left.

Climbing the south ridge.

A bit of sunshine over Morecambe Bay and the Kent Estuary and you can just about make out the outline of Heysham Power Station across the bay. We said hello to Angus on the way up here.

A group shot of the StridingEdge striders on a misty Old Man summit - you can see by their attire that it wasn't the warmest (or clearest) of days up here! Back row L-R: Martin, Carl, Karl, David, Rod, Rob, Andy, Andrew, Gary, Michael. Front row L-R Chris, Linda, Lesley, Rachael, Angela, Mike and Shelley.

Heading for Brim Fell.

Beneath the clouds on Brim fell Rake looking across to Levers Water.

Low Water appears through the mist.

Mountain man and dog. That's too clean to be Casper at this stage of a walk!

Levers Water.

A glimpse of Windermere.

The descent to Low Water after our lunch stop.

Low Water and the tourist path up to The Old Man.

Heading through the old mine workings.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 16/06/2009

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

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

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 575 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Sunny spells. 19C.

Although it was sunny and warm this morning, I set out with a heavy heart for The Old Man for it was to be Angus’ final journey onto the fells and the place he will rest forever. I know he loved this walk as we have done it often enough and this is the final chapter in the Angus story.

Coniston Old Man route map.

The Bell and Wetherlam from the car park.

On the Walna Scar Road, heading for The Old Man.

Onward and upward, blue skies abound.

ITTA - It's that tongue again!

Coniston Water and distant Windermere over the quarry and Coniston village.

The view to the south.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn.

'I am the resurrection and the life...' Coniston Old Man is a fitting final resting place for Angus, the old man of the fells. We have been up here many, many times together and I purposely scattered his ashes where we can always look up and see him from home. Next time you are up on the Old Man, spare a thought for our boy Angus and listen carefully, you just may be able to hear his barks carried on the wind.

The view across low Water and Levers Water to Wetherlam.

A panoramic view from The Old Man.

Just me and you now Casper.

Craggy Dow Crag.

Swirl How and the silhouette of distant Skiddaw.

The Scafells.

Alone with our thoughts on the summit.

Looking for the way down.

Low Water.

Industrial relics.

The mining past of Coniston.

Wetherlam.

More ruins on the descent.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 09/02/2009

Start point: Coniston (SD 300 975)

Coniston – Walna Scar Road – Boo Tarn – The Old Man of Coniston – Boo Tarn – Walna Scar Road – Coniston

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 730 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Cold and misty. 1°C.

The freezing mist was all around at low level today for my first walk up to Coniston Old Man this year. Yesterday and last night saw fresh snow falls in the area and everywhere around quiet Coniston was covered this morning. This was winter walking in different conditions to last week with no views and the eerie silence that walking in heavy mist brings and an overwhelming feeling of solitude.

The snowy and icy roads meant a walk from the village today to reach the Walna Scar Road. Patient Casper waits in the middle of the road!

The car park beyond the fell gate is empty today.

It's all a bit murky following the Diamond route from Boo Tarn.

On the climb to the summit. Things were brightening up as I reached the top and at one stage I did think I may be able to get above the clouds...

...unfortunately not then! This is the summit cairn with snow drifted against the north-east face.

Cold Coniston summit. There was no-one here today nor another footprint in the fresh snow.

The trig. column and cairn.

Casper on the summit.

Casper takes it easy. On the way up I managed to lose my drinks bottle somewhere from the side pocket of my bag so I decided to follow my own footprints back down to see if I could find it. Unfortunately I didn't, so if anyone finds a battle scarred blue Sigg bottle up there - it's mine!

Boo Tarn sums up today's walk - frozen and viewless.

Coniston Old Man

Walked on 30/10/2008

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

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

Distance: 3.5 miles Total Ascent: 575 metres Time Taken: 1 hour 45 minutes

Weather: Cold wind, snow on the tops. 5ºC.

It was bitterly cold again last night and there was a decent fall of snow on all the high fells that I could see. I had a walk up to the Old Man of Coniston after lunch today and the snow on the southern slopes of the fells had melted somewhat but on the northern sides there was still plenty and there were some angry looking snow clouds about. The wind at the top was biting, which is no less than you would expect I guess but I think Casper was wishing his hair was about a foot longer!

On the Walna Scar Road, the snow capped Old Man up to the right.

Coniston Water from the start of the climb. Lots of cars at the fell gate this afternoon.

A glimpse of Windermere passing the quarries.

The Duddon Estuary from the snow line.

Brown Pike and Blind Tarn. Beyond, Walna Scar has a sprinkling of snow with the dark lump of Black Combe beyond. Black Combe had a smattering of snow first thing this morning but that disappeared as the day wore on.

Casper takes in the view to Dow Crag.

The view from higher up. There was a cold wind whistling around up there.

Almost at the top and there is a good contrast in colours with lower ground below.

At least there was a view from the top today, the other fells all seemed to be in cloud, here looking towards Wetherlam with Low Water and Levers Water in view below.

Coniston from the Old Man as Casper surveys what is going on down below.

The ridge to Brim Fell.

The Old Man of Coniston. The Young Beardie of Coniston has chattering teeth!

Great How Crags and Swirl How.

The summit of The Old Man of Coniston.

Spindrift!

They look like snow clouds in the distance to me.

I bet the Scafells are getting a load of snow dumped on them. Slight Side is to the left and the declivity of Mickledore can be made out beneath the cloud.

Dow Crag from The Old Man.

The Coniston fells.

Windermere and the Coppermines Valley.

The route of descent to Low Water. It was a 'li'l bit slape' down here!

On the way to Low Water.

Coniston Fells

Walked on 16/02/2008

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

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

Distance: 6.2 miles Total Ascent: 770 metres Time Taken: 3 hours

Weather: Sunny, hazy and cool. 0°C.

The conditions were a little strange up on Coniston today, oddly cold – yet warm and clear – yet hazy! I never quite got above the haze layer today but the sun did manage to break through at times. The temperature was below freezing when I set off and when I returned yet in the sunshine it was really warm with the temperature only seemingly plummeting in the breeze at the top.