22nd August – Consiton to Wetherlam, Swirl How, Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Levers Hause

Date: 22nd August

Leader: Ben

Meet time: 09:15

Start time: 09:30

Estimated finish time: 16:00

Distance: 17km

Ascent: 1025m

Ramblers walk grading (click here to find out what this means): Strenuous

Start point: Coniston Tourist Information Centre (Ruskin Avenue) Nearest postal code: LA21 8FA

What3Words: ///cheetahs.basic.tiles

Please Register using the form at the bottom of the event page if you intend to join the walk.

Car parking: There is a pay and display car park at the Tourist Information Centre (Ruskin Avenue). Other Parking is available around the village.
(Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange)

It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.

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Summary

Wetherlam, Swirl How, Great Carrs, Grey Friar, Levers Hause and return to Coniston. You can shorten the route after each summit, or simply walk to the mines and Levers Water and back should you wish. Total 17km, 1025m ascent. Grading Strenuous (due to the distance). After the initial ascent the bulk of the peaks are undulating, with no lengthy ascents or descents.

Description

A circular walk to the lofty independent Wetherlam, combining a mix of valley and lofty ridge walking, and local industrial heritage. Leaving Coniston village centre we follow the unmade track up the valley passing old mine workings and cottages. The track surface is good, gaining height steadily. There’s two options to Wetherlam, first a steep exposed grade 1 scramble up Steel edge direct to the summit, requiring sure footing; second Lad Stones path, a gentler well trodden path further east the standard walkers route, recommended if you want to avoid scrambling. Descend via Black Sails to a rocky but straightforward path to the broad cairned summit of Swirl How.

Drop slightly and follow a clear easy grass path path to Grey Friars summit plateau just off the main ridge.

Optional out and back to Grey Friar along the hilltops. Then returning south staying West of the ridge then descending to Levers Water and back along the Miners’ track down through Coppermines valley passing waterfalls, spoil heaps and mine ruins.

Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.

New members

Check your walk suitability, we suggest starting with an Easy to Moderate walk. Unless the event is cancelled just turn up at the meeting point on time, and introduce yourself to the walk leader! Subscribe to our Facebook page and email list, or join our WhatsApp group to stay up-to-date!

Unsure what to pack? Check out our guide here: UK Hillwalking: Seasonal Equipment & Clothing Guide – SuMMit Good

Please note the walk leader may not be in contact prior to an event; however, they may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.