APR25: Sunday up the Old Man (of Coniston)
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#GetOutMore this April!
This event is one of loads of events taking place over the same weekend! Check out all the events over the weekend of 4-6 April 2025: OutdoorLads.events/APR25. Great for new and regular members!
Join OutdoorLads for a classic mountain walk up a Lakeland classic taking in 3 Wainwrights - the Old Man of Coniston (803m), Brim Fell (796m) and Swirl How (802m).
The area has many disused copper and slate mine workings which adds to the scenery making this an interesting if strenuous (but non-technical) walk.
We will ascend via the main tourist path past Low Water, then proceed along the ridge to Brim Fell and Swirl How, before descending to Levers Water reservoir and back to Coniston. The full route can be found under Location below, though be aware we may need to adapt this in light of weather etc.
If we get a clear day the scenery we will enjoy spectacular views of Windermere and the surrounding fells (spoiler: view from the top).
A bit of background...
If you are interested in the history of copper mining on the Old Man, this website is a worthwhile read: https://www.lookingbackathistory.com/2021/05/old-man-coniston.html
Levers Water was a natural tarn (small lake) but was converted to a reservoir to supply water to the mines below, but now supplies drinking water to Coniston - more information here: http://www.f22.org.uk/lakes/Levers_Water/index.htm
Weather conditions
We may need to change the walk or postpone it in the event that weather conditions would make it unsafe. I will let you know as soon as I can if this looks likely.
Dog Suitability
The route should be OK for well behaved dogs that are used to mountain walking, please note they will need to be on a lead where livestock is present and may need lifting/carrying over obstacles e.g. stiles.
New Members
Please feel free to sign up as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photo Credits
Images under Creative Commons licence:
Background/Image 1: By Footpath to The Old Man of Coniston by Philip Barker, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=102999014
Image 2: By Mainlymazza - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54502545
Image 3: By Peter Trimming from Croydon, England - View Towards the Old Man, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63991121
Image 4: By Rwendland - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136489648
What to bring
Water: bring plenty of water (~2 Litres)
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: ideally designed for hiking. Fell/trail running shoes with decent grips also OK but not your best white trainers!
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Head Torch: we don't plan to end this walk in the dark as the days are lengthening by March, but please bring a head torch if you have one just in case
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproofs: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch
Food & drink
Please bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water, and perhaps a flask with a hot drink. Coniston, while touristy, isn't a big place, so shops may not be open before we start as it's Sunday so best bring it with you.
We can go to one of the local pubs in Coniston for a drink afterwards if people wish before heading home.