Coniston Fells March 2002 - No photos today
From Coniston head up to Coppermines Valley to the Red Dell copper works and climb up the remains of the old mineral line that has intriguing looking cave entrances at the top and bottom of it. Following the ridge from Kennel Crag towards Black Sails I came across an unexpected path leading all the way to the summit of Black Sails, below the low cloud were excellent views of Levers Water and almost the full length of Coniston Water.
The path along the ridge was a delight, definitely one to be used again, sheltered from the wind until the snow line at about 1500 feet. From Black Sails I found the main path from Wetherlam towards Swirl How, the climb up Prison Band is always interesting but with some added value today through the knee deep snow drifts.
At Swirl How summit the wind came rushing over the summit, as I walked along the ridge towards The Old Man of Coniston, the west wind had previously built up large snow cornices on the eastern rim of the nearby crags. The drizzle being driven by the wind reduced the visibility to not very much and the wind chill was considerable, I didn’t see anybody else on the ridge but there was a crowd of people sheltering behind the Old Man’s considerable cairn.
The steep, loose path down to Low Water was made even more awkward by the well-trodden snow, then the path returned to its normal grey as it takes you through the old quarry workings.
Took a diversion to Boulder Valley for a quick look at the Pudding Stone and its other companion boulders. Walked around the head of the valley through the abandoned copper workings, not pretty but full of interest especially the spectacular Simon’s Nick.
Easy walk back to Coniston.
Andy Wallace 4th March 2002