Coniston Fells

Fantastic day on the fells with thanks to YJ for shouldering the main responsibility for driving and to TF for a pick up en route to Etu’s.  T’Y made his own way to Walton Summit whilst SN met us at Coniston, already being up north.

The purpose was to accompany YJ in reccying the route of the Coniston Fell Race for next weekend and with six runners it was great to be able to explore alternative lines and report back to YJ to make (mental) notes of the pros and cons of each of the chosen routes.

 

Three lines presented themselves on the way up to Wetherlam with YJ going over the tops EtU and NLN taking a contouring route whilst T’Y, TF and SN kept to the main path.

The three routes rejoined at the turn off up to the summit

The haze never really lifted which gave some protection from the sun and with a not too cold breeze on top, conditions couldn’t have been better.  Looking across to the Langdales from Great Carrs

Climbing the rocky rib of Prison Band and looking back to Swirl Hause YJ wanted a visual prompt for the grassy descent to the right of the very rock and eroded path.

 

After some discussion as to what constituted Brim fell, we arrived at the summit

The Matterhorn Rock on Grey Friar – I believe T’Y has a match to the one below?

Thirstt work – last one, The Old Man himself – no not EtU ‘of Coniston’

Every which way looking good

The old winding gear for the disused mines

Again the descent gave us lots of interest as we split to test various lines.  Lots of food for thought for YJ for next week.   Just makes you want to go back for more.

Garmin/operator malfunction so will leave it to others for the stats.

Next weekend is pencilled in for a very long outing for FSS in the Lakes and I’m down for the support.  However, weather not looking favourable at this stage, so may be UTUP-ing Sat depending on conditions.  Out Tues, all being well. 

NLN