The Coniston Scrambler
Sensational scrambling around the Coniston Fells!
With a traverse of the main ridge of the Coniston Fells, including the summit of Wetherlam, Black Sails, Swirl How, and The Old Man of Coniston, this loop includes some of the best waking in the area, together with some scrambling ascents to add to the technical challenge of the day.
Scrambling as an activity sits between mountain walking and rock climbing. It involves ascending up rocky terrain which requires the use of hands as well as feet. This can range from terrain involving simple short rocky steps requiring nothing more than your normal walking gear, to using harnesses ropes and a selection of climbing equipment at its extreme. The beauty of scrambling is that it opens up a huge range of new and exciting ways to travel through the mountains on the way to summit tops, avoiding the busier main footpaths.
We use a number of simple scrambling routes thought the day to create our adventure, giving a technical and more interesting way to the top, but still achievable by anyone with some hill walking experience who are confident on their feet, in good physical condition, with a head for heights.
Itinerary
Stage 1 - Wetherlam via Long Crag Buttress and Wetherlam Edge.
We start our adventure from the village of Coniston. A short walk from the start and we’re at the first technical section of scrambling, ascending out of the valley up Long Crag Buttress to get into the Furness Fells. Following a footpath, we head North through an old mining area into a corrie below the Wetherlam. Scrambling our way up out of the corrie following a line of rocky outcrops know as the Borlase Crags, brings us to Birk Fell Man. Following the ‘Wetherlam Edge’ ridge, leads to the summit of Wetherlam.
400m of scrambling.
Stage 2 - Swirl How
A descent from Wetherlem then a traverse over Black Sails, leads to the Prison Band. This steep rocky ridge, which involves some rough walking/easy scrambling, takes us onto the summit of Swirl How.
170m of easy scrambling.
Stage 3 - The Old Man of Coniston
Turning south now follows the main ridge of the Coniston Fells. With fine views down into the Duddon valley on one side, and Coniston on the other, we follow the ridge to its end and the Old Man of Coniston.
Stage 4 - Descent
Keeping away from the busy miners track, we instead descend down the south-east slopes until joining the Walna Scar Road. Following this for a short distance before turning off down another path, this leads back into the valley and Coniston Village.
Total distance 15km, Total Ascent 1246m, Total descent 1246m, Total Scrambling 400m, Total Duration 7-8hrs on the hill
Duration: 1 Day
Activities: Walking and Scrambling
Suitable for: Private and corporate groups
Comments: A mixed bag of scrambling grades from beginner to intermediate level and suitable for persons of average fitness with a good head for heights.
Prices from: £275
Call: 017687 75337
Booking Enquiry
Package Prices
Budget
Hostel – bed & breakfast + packed lunch
15% off Cotswold voucher
Climbing helmet
Price is per person
Guiding
Standard
Guest House – bed & breakfast + packed lunch
15% off Cotswold voucher
Climbing helmet
Price is per person
