The Coniston Heights: The Old Man to Swirl How

Paul Shorrock

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Coniston Old Man has long been a popular ascent and still is, judging by the numbers going up there. Yet go a mere five minutes beyond the summit and the crowds vanish. Carry on towards Swirl How and if you do see anyone they will have boots and rucksacks, unlike the sandals and carrier bags on the Old Man. The Old Man is a great walk, but the extension to Swirl How makes it even better.

This route starts at the car park at the end of the Walna Scar Road, but can also be started in Coniston Village. From the car park, the route follows what is best described as the 'Tourist Route', the good track that winds up through the old quarry and mine workings. After passing Low Water the path continues up to the summit.

The broad ridge running north is followed to Swirl How, with outstanding views over most of the tops of the Lake District. The descent from Swirl How is down the East Ridge, better known by the ominous name of Prison Band; a good path then descends from Swirl Hawse to Levers Water. From here there are alternatives, but my route is under Kennel Crag towards the youth hostel at Coppermines Valley. From here the Coppermines track is followed down as far as Miner's Bridge, before branching off for a short and gentle ascent back up to the start.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South West

Features

Cafe, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Lake/Loch, Museum, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Waterfall, Wildlife, Woodland

21/05/2010 - Roger Middleton

Did this walk in May 2010. Path up Old Man very good underfoot, and once on top, you maintain altitude on a broad, easy path along a wide ridge to Swirl How. Stunning views to Blackpool in the South, Isle of Man in the West, across the Solway Firth in to Scotland and to Cross Fell in the East. Ideal introduction to walking the higher fell tops. The group I took unanimously agreed that it was easier than the shorter climb up Haystacks. Fantastic walk - just do it!