A Good Way up Coniston Old Man

Derek Collins

We left the New Dungeon Ghyll at about 8.30 am and climbed briskly to Stickle Tarn.  One member needed a banana at this point then Jack’s Rake was scrambled up in the drizzle.

Pavey Ark, Stake Pass, Angle Tarn, Esk Pike and Bowfell were enjoyed at a pace too fast for me.  About here the sun came out and the day remained brilliant with some wind – perfect!

Due to this and the questionable banter, Crinkle Crags disappeared underfoot.  It was so good all round we were on Stonesty Pike before the others pointed out that our route was not a good way to Wrynose Pass.  Being used to this sort of thing, the absence was easily absorbed as we sunbathed for 30 minutes and then made a beeline for Red Tarn.

The most dangerous part of the day was in crossing the road (it was August) so we felt we needed a sleep in the sun.  It was so good that 50 minutes after we started again Swirl How and Brim Fell were left behind and I was seriously contemplating theft from some nice people on top of the Old Man who both had 1.5 litre bottles of drink.

A good way down the Old Man is to aim, more or less, at the quarries just above the Walna Scar Road, which we did reaching the parked car 10½ hours after starting.

This is an excellent walk and the driving time between the two car points is only about 20 minutes.