Thursday 15th November 2007

Start point: Walna Scar road (SD 289 970)

Walna Scar road - Coniston Old Man - Brim Fell - Levers Hawse - Grey Friar - Great Carrs - Swirl How - Prison Band - Swirl Hawse - Levers Water - Boulder Valley - Walna Scar road

Distance: 8.2 miles     Total Ascent: 925 metres     Time Taken: 4 hours

Weather: Icy at first, sunny later. 0oC at first, 7oC max.

Route Map

I didn't know what the weather would do today; it looked clear enough but the forecasts predicted otherwise so I opted for a circuit of the Coniston fells which seemed to be enjoying a decent amount of sunshine. Coniston Water was covered with a blanket of cloud as happens on this type of freezing morning but higher up it was a mix of wispy clouds and clear blue skies. The highlight was the fabulous stillness and reflections on Levers Water.

The Old Man of Coniston from the Walna Scar Road bathed in early morning sunlight. The high fells had a cap of cloud on them today.

Traversing Little Arrow Moor.

Coniston Water was covered in a thick carpet of cloud...

...with the higher ground either side looking like islands in the sea. Beacon Fell is prominent on the right.

Buck Pike and Dow Crag.

Brown Pike.

Climbing to The Old Man and into the mist.

An eerie light on the summit of a deserted Old Man.

Back out of the mist briefly in the dip between the Old Man and Brim Fell.

Casper on Brim Fell - looks a bit cold lad!

Descending to Levers Hawse. The north facing slopes haven't caught any sun yet so remain frosted.

Seathwaite Tarn and Harter Fell - yesterday I got a view looking the other way.

Great How Crags. We didn't climb here but took the faint path to the left, contouring the lower slopes heading for Grey Friar.

Looking back to The Old Man and Brim Fell, it looks like there has been an explosion up there!

It looks decidedly dull on the top of Grey Friar.

Cold Pike and Pike o' Blisco from Matterhorn Rock on Grey Friar.

The summit of Grey Friar, Harter Fell beyond.

Looking back to Grey Friar, which is now clear, from Fairfield - the col between Grey Friar and Great Carrs.

Grey Friar and Harter Fell from the memorial for the Canadian Air Force crew that crashed their Halifax Bomber here during World War 2.

The Scafells, Crinkle Crag and Bowfell are covered by a thick blanket of cloud looking from Great Carrs.

Casper on Swirl How.

Descending Prison Band towards Wetherlam.

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell are clearing now.

Red Tarn and Pike o' Blisco from Prison Band.

Levers Water and Great How Crags.

Levers Water reflections.

The Coniston fells and Coppermines Valley.

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