Sunday, 15th August 2010

 

Walk: Walna Scar Road, Coppermines Valley, Red Dell Valley, Wetherlam, Swirl How, Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Levers Hawse, Brim Fell, Coniston Old Man, Goat's Water, Walna Scar Road
Start Point: Walna Scar Road Grid Ref: SD 289 970
Distance: 11.5 miles Ascent: 3,665 feet
Weather: Sunny and hot all day with hardly any breeze
Accompanied by:

8 members of the group, led by me

Comments: A good day was forecast and we certainly weren't disappointed. After heading over to Coppermines Valley we made our way up the Red Dell Valley. With not a breath of wind the steep grassy climb at the head of the valley took its toll. A welcome break was taken on Wetherlam where we enjoyed the views as we topped up with water - and a chocolate bar or two. From here a descent was made to Swirl Hawse before tackling the rocky climb of Prison Band. Eventually reaching Swirl How a quick exit was made once we discovered the many flying insects around the cairn. At this point 2 of the group decided to miss out the excursion to Great Carrs and Grey Friar, and took the more direct route to the 'Old Man'. By the time we reached Great Carrs the flying insects had joined us so we moved quickly on to Grey Friar, where we had our lunch. A traverse took us across the head of the valley, with Seathwaite Tarn visible in the distance. After reaching Levers Hawse a trek took us up to Brim Fell and on to Coniston Old Man. Here we met the two 'short-cutters' who had been suitably entertained by a group of fell runners. After a photo (or three) we then made our way past Goat's Water and along the Walna Scar Road.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Looking over Dixon Ground to Coniston . . .

 

and over the Miners' Bridge to the Coppermines Valley

 

Heading up the Red Dell Valley . . .

 

where the sun beats down as we start the climb . . .

 

and the steep grassy incline saps our energy

 

Finally on Wetherlam . . .

 

from where we can see Blea Tarn and the Langdales

 

Making our way up Prison Band . . .

 

at about the half way mark . . .

 

Wetherlam is now far behind us

 

A brief pause for a photo on Swirl How . . .

 

while John finds a rocky 'couch' to lounge on

 

We cross the Top of Broad Slack . . .

 

to reach Great Carrs . . .

 

then head across to Grey Friar . . .

 

where we stop for lunch

 

Lots of boats on Coniston Water today . . .

 

but none to be found on Levers Water!

 

A quick look back to Swirl How . . .

 

before reaching Brim Fell

 

The group quickly heads off . . .

 

while I check out Low Water high above Coniston Water

 

A quick photo on Coniston Old Man . . .

 

before more people arrive, and the children inspect . . .

 

the trig point

 

Leaving the 'Old Man' behind . . .

 

we head down to Goat's Water . . .

 

and as we draw level with . . .

 

the First Aid box . . .

 

there are quite a few . . .

 

climbers on a couple of the buttresses!!

 

Looking back to Goat's Hawse

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