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!
Ian A says
Brilliant set of images Sean, what an afternoon!!
Sean says
Thanks Ian, it was perfect!
Bob Easson says
Hi Sean. Stunning images and looks like you really are making the most of retirement from BG. I met you and Fletcher on the top of Catstycam back in October, not sure if you remember. Bob……SG engineer.
Sean says
Hi Bob, yes of course I remember that fantastic day 🙂 Hope you are having some good winter weather further north and are making the most of conditions. Thanks, Sean
Phil Clayton says
Really enjoyed looking through these Sean. Brings back memories of our early Sunday walks up the Old Man when I was at school and camped by Coniston Water at Torver, when I was in the CCF.