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 usual excellent photos and a fitting tribute to Fletcher.
Thank you John 🙂
A lovely send off Sean, you’ve clearly lost a dear friend. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Scott.
So sorry and condolences to you all. I’ve followed your adventures through Angus, Casper and Dougal, and since Fletcher was a wee pup. Hard to believe how time has gone by. Beautiful photos as always and a beautiful memory of Fletcher.
Thank you for your condolences Chris.
It seems like just yesterday you were putting Angus up there. I am so sorry for your loss. He is running free in good company. Thank you for sharing with us once again.
Thanks William.
So sad. Sincerest condolences. Best wishes
Thank you Ian.
“Rest easy Fletcher, farewell lad.” A fitting tribute and a lovely goodbye.
Thanks David, we miss him.
OMG Sean, I have only just see this. How terrible that Fletcher has gone so early. I know too well how the loss of a faithful dog is so heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for you all.
Thank you Mike, our house feels empty without Fletcher.
It seems such a short time that you introduced Fletcher. Where does the time go. We lost Storm our Lab 18 months ago and still feel the pain. Our thoughts are with you.
Sean,
Do you recall me telling you about the time I popped into your shop late in the day for Clive Hutchby’s signing of the latest Wainwright book update? I missed him! However when I enquired if there were any books left, a member of staff said, only this one and it’s been chewed by Fletcher so have it for nowt. So I am the proud owner of an AW guidebook with Fletcher’s teeth marks in it!!! Sorry for your loss. It’s no comfort I know but we all know the feeling.
All the best,
Barry.
PS At 72 and no longer having our static near Penrith, I have now retired from LD fellwalking. But like AW himself I always have my memories and photos.
Hi Barry – you have a rare collector’s item there, a cheap purchase as well! Thanks for your good wishes, we all have good memories to look back on, sorry to hear you have retired from fell walking. We now have a new kid on the block, Finlay, who will be continuing the fell walking paw steps tradition when he is old enough to:-)
Sean