Old Man of Coniston

Mike, Steve, Kim, Liz and myself enjoyed a family Bank Holiday weekend of walking, horse racing and music........ Simply Red, Jools Holland, an afternoon of horse racing at Cartmel and a rather strenuous but enjoyable walk to the summit of the Old Man situated in the Southern Fells.

Based in Blawith at the lovely Middlefield Cottage, we set off in glorious sunshine.

Steve, me, Kim and Liz 



and Mike 





The Old Man of Coniston is the 38th highest peak in England and stands at 2,634ft.

We followed a well worn and popular route which started at the Sun Hotel in Coniston village and took the route through the Coppermine Valley via Foul Scrow, Crowberry Hawes, Colt Crag and Low Water.

 

Leaving the village and passing the first landmark at the Sun Hotel (an essential stopping point on the return to rehydrate)



 Liz , Mike and Steve at Church Beck Waterfall

 

 

Looking into the Coppermine Valley

 

 

The Coniston Range looms large in the distance

 

 

Liz approaching the Slate Mine at Colt Crag

 

Derelict mine buildings

 

 

the track that leads to nowhere

 

 

Winch and Pulley.......

no point in taking them down when you abandon the operation.

The Rust in stark contrast to the tonnes of slate discarded over the mountain side.

 



 

Looking back down into the Coppermine Valley from the Old Mans Breast

 

 

Just about half way, Enjoy the breather!

 

 

Climbing on past Low Water.

Just to the far right corner are dozens of people who were tempted to paddle or swim the Tarn.

 

 

Coniston village and the famous Coniston Water sits below the range.

 

 

its a bit cloudy this high up.....

no amble in the countryside now, the mountain gets steeper towards the summit

 

 

Who's that in the daft hat?  the summit Cairn comes into view...... at last

 

 

Liz at the top and the two lakes below

Windermere can just be seen towards the skyline and Coniston below



 Group shot!

Where's Mike?.......... behind the camera

 

 

Liz and I at the Trig

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incredible scenery

 

 

The Fallen cable tower at Colt Crag

 

 

Back down to Low Water

 

  

its a little busier now as Liz reaches Colt Crag on the way back down

 

 

the fallen cables lay across the path

 

 

 

Looking towards the Southern fells from Blawith Common