Ski Club of Manchester, Late Summer Walk 7th September 2019, The Old Man of Coniston

Reporter: Vanessa Miller

Well, what a rare day it was when members of the ski club plus 1 dog met with our leader Dave Miller to walk a route up onto the Old Man of Coniston. The sun was shining and with the promise of clear views we set off.

The route headed south along the lane to Heathwaite. We had a bit of a false start loosing 2 of our party right at the beginning. We soon found them and continued up a footpath which steadily climbed a bridle path up to Walna Scar Road, below Little Arrow Moor. After another kilometre we climbed more steeply up onto Brown Pike. Our route then followed the ridge northwards over Buck Pike and Dow Crag from where we turned east to cross a col and climbed southwards onto The Old Man.

Fantastic spot for lunch was found with views across the ridge we had just climbed. Thanks to Steve for providing Eccles cakes again which we all enjoyed. Lots of fell runners about that day shot past us with high energy levels.

The route continued north along the ridge to Swirl How where we turned east and dropped down to Prison Band before trending south to Levers Water.

We stopped for afternoon tea and sampled some of Liz Moore’s lovely cake (thanks Liz, and to Andrew for carrying it). Some of us tried to take pictures so that we looked like we were levitating above the water, mine was rubbish so not attached. Hopefully someone else got a good one.

Heading South east from the water passing through old mine workings where there was an art installation celebrating the copper mines. Some may have seen this on local northwest news. Rocks and walking boots, boat and mine working equipment were gilded in copper leaf.

We then headed down past Church Beck and back to Coniston, Stopping off at the Sun inn for a tipple or a cup of tea which was most welcome as I think we were all rather tired. I know I was. The walk was 11.5 miles over quite tough terrain, so it’s not surprising. Only Jim, Steve’s dog, could have done it all over again.

This walk was hailed as one of the best we have done by a few people, and I won’t disagree, it was a great walk.

Thanks to Dave Miller for organising again, such a great day.